What Car Owners Can Do About New Year's Eve Damages

On New Year's Eve, many firecrackers and rockets are launched, and cars are often hit and unfortunately damaged. Who is liable for the damage? ARBÖ Lower Austria explains the legal situation and gives tips on how to best protect your car around the turn of the year.   

No Perpetrator, No Compensation

"The basic rule is: The person who caused the damage must also pay for it," explains Wolfgang Stangl, Managing Director of ARBÖ Lower Austria. "If the perpetrator cannot be found, any repairs must be paid for by oneself, as liability insurance never covers damage to one's own vehicle. "If no perpetrator is known, partial or comprehensive insurance can help. It's best to check the insurance terms to see if such a case is covered," Stangl explains. If vandalism is covered in the contract, the damage should be reported to the police as soon as possible and forwarded to the insurance company.

In Case of Doubt, Opt for a Garage or Parking Garage

To avoid damage to the vehicle, ARBÖ Lower Austria recommends finding a quiet and safe parking spot, which is not always easy, or parking the car in a closed garage if available. In cities, the car can be parked in a parking garage on New Year's Eve. In residential areas, parking spaces near balconies should be avoided, as these are often used as "launch bases" for rockets. Similarly, the car should not be parked near events or restaurants.

If It Has Happened: What Car Owners Can Do About New Year's Eve Damage

Burn marks, scratches, and dents are not harmless: unprotected metal can corrode over time. "Visible paint damage should be repaired as quickly as possible," advises ÖAMTC technician Steffan Kerbl, "only this way can rust be prevented later on."

For superficial paint damage, touch-up paint is suitable, which is available in the appropriate color at authorized workshops. Before applying, the area should be thoroughly cleaned and carefully overpainted after drying. "This fully restores the paint protection – however, the solution is not perfect visually, as slight differences will be visible. For a flawless result, a professional workshop should be consulted," explains Kerbl.

For minor windshield damage, the ÖAMTC technician recommends a stone chip patch as an immediate measure. "Ideally, the patch should be applied immediately after the damage occurs to prevent dirt and moisture from accumulating in the break." Subsequently, the windshield should be repaired by a professional workshop as soon as possible using resin sealing to prevent further cracking.

(Red)

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