Someone hit my parked car and the insurer wants me to pay an excess

An excess is the amount that you agree to bear under the policy for each claim, whether or not you are at fault, and the insurer is entitled to apply it unless the policy says otherwise. However, some insurers waive the excess if you can identify the at-fault party and they are able to recover the cost, and where the insurer later recovers money from the other driver through its right of subrogation, it should normally refund your excess. Provide the insurer with any details you have, such as a witness, security footage, a number plate or police report. Under the Accident Compensation scheme, damage to property is not covered, so insurance is the main route. If the other driver can be identified, you can also claim directly from them.