Almost one in ten British drivers admit to having crashed into a parked car and driving away, according to a survey.
Almost one in 10 British drivers admits to having crashed into a parked car and driving away, according to a survey.
Some 70% of drivers have had cars damaged in this way, while 20% of those who admitted the offence felt no guilt.
Some 70% of drivers have had cars damaged in this way, while 20% of those who admitted the offence felt no guilt.
Tony Chilcott, of insurers Direct Line, which commissioned the research, said it is "worth remembering that it is a crime" to hit a car and drive away.
Tony Chilcott, of insurers Direct Line, which commissioned the research, said it is "worth remembering that it is a crime" to hit a car and drive away.
A total of 1,526 UK motorists aged over 18, were questioned by YouGov online between 12 and 15 November.
A total of 1,526 UK motorists aged over 18, were questioned by YouGov online between 12 and 15 November.
Mr Chilcott said "bumping another car can happen so easily", pointing out that "it may be tempting to drive off".
Mr Chilcott said "bumping another car can happen so easily", pointing out that "it may be tempting to drive off".
This feeling seems to be echoed by the survey's respondents.
This feeling seems to be echoed by the survey's respondents.
To be on the receiving end of a bump-and-run can be upsetting Tony ChilcottDirect Line
To be on the receiving end of a bump-and-run can be upsetting Tony ChilcottDirect Line
Of those who did not stop, half said the damage was minor and not worth the effort involved in leaving details.
Of those who did not stop, half said the damage was minor and not worth the effort involved in leaving details.
Some who admitted being offenders were more worried about being seen by other drivers, or being captured on camera, than concerned about the damage they had caused.
Some who admitted being offenders were more worried about being seen by other drivers, or being captured on camera, than concerned about the damage they had caused. As many as 14% said they could get away with the offence because nobody was around to witness the accident.
As many as 14% said they could get away with the offence because nobody was around to witness the accident.
Mr Chilcott emphasised the importance of leaving personal details where hitting a parked car is concerned.
Mr Chilcott emphasised the importance of leaving personal details where hitting a parked car is concerned.
Poor parking
Poor parking
Stressing the inconvenience it can cause, he said: "To be on the receiving end of a bump-and-run can be upsetting, especially if it means you have to claim on your insurance for damage you didn't cause."
Stressing the inconvenience it can cause, he said: "To be on the receiving end of a bump-and-run can be upsetting, especially if it means you have to claim on your insurance for damage you didn't cause."
A third of those with cars damaged by another driver paid for the repairs themselves and 11% made an insurance claim.
A third of those with cars damaged by another driver paid for the repairs themselves and 11% made an insurance claim.
More than half - 51% - of the cars damaged in such accidents had not been repaired.
More than half - 51% - of the cars damaged in such accidents had not been repaired.
Poor parking was considered to be the main cause of bump-and-run incidents, which were twice as likely to happen in a supermarket car park than in a residential road.
Poor parking was considered to be the main cause of bump-and-run incidents, which were twice as likely to happen in a supermarket car park than in a residential road.
Damaged paintwork was the most frequent result of such incidents, followed by damaged bumpers and wing mirrors.
Damaged paintwork was the most frequent result of such incidents, followed by damaged bumpers and wing mirrors.
Have you been a victim of "bump and run"? Have you done it yourself? Send us your comments by filling out the form below.
