Does Your Auto Insurance Cover Parking Lot Accidents? Here’s What You Need to Know

When an accident takes place in a parking garage or lot, it is referred to as a parking lot accident. These collisions might take place between two cars or between a car and a stationary object like a pole or a wall. Parking lots are often designed for traffic to go at a slow pace and may include features such as speed bumps and crosswalks that are well-marked.

A parking lot, on the other hand, can be crowded and, at times, the disorganised confluence of autonomous actors who are all going about their business in their own unique ways. Accidents are also a possibility in a parking lot, so drivers should exercise caution there.

Who is at fault in a parking lot accident?

Determining fault in a parking lot accident can be complex, as the rules of the road that apply to regular streets do not always apply in parking lots. In general, the driver who is backing out of a parking space is considered at fault if they hit another vehicle that is passing through the lane. However, if both drivers were reversing at the same time, the fault may be shared.

Does insurance cover parking lot accidents?

Whether or not your insurance will cover a parking lot accident depends on the specific details of your policy and the circumstances of the accident. In general, if you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance will cover damages to your vehicle, as well as any injuries or property damage that you may have caused. The following are what your insurance policy might cover :

Collision insurance

If you have collision insurance and your car is damaged in a parking lot fender bender, the insurance will pay for the repairs. Whether the damage was caused by you (for example, by backing into a pole) or someone else (such as when someone slammed into you), it can pay for repairs.

Liability insurance

If you are responsible for an accident that results in damage to another person’s vehicle, your auto liability insurance may pay for the other driver’s repairs. If someone riding in another vehicle sustains injuries, liability insurance will not only pay for their medical bills (except in places that practice no-fault insurance), but it will also provide you with a legal defense if you are sued.

On the other hand, if another driver causes an accident that involves your vehicle, you have the right to file a claim against that driver under their liability insurance.

Personal injury protection

If you or any of your passengers are injured in an accident, the personal injury protection (PIP) that you have purchased can assist with the payment of medical bills as well as other costs, such as missed income. Certain states do not offer PIP. Certain states provide coverage known as “medical payments,” which is comparable to PIP but is offered at lower coverage rates.

Uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance

Rental reimbursement insurance

If your vehicle requires repairs as a result of a collision claim, rental reimbursement insurance may foot the bill for a replacement vehicle while your own vehicle is getting restored and put back on the road. This coverage is entirely voluntary.

What should you do after a parking lot accident?

If you are involved in a parking lot accident, the first thing you should do is make sure that everyone involved is okay. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that there are tens of thousands of car accidents that take place each year in parking lots and garages due to the high levels of activity and distraction that are present in parking lots.

If you are engaged in an accident in a parking lot, the following procedures should be followed:

Don’t run away from the scene!
Communicate with the other motorist and exchange information.
Make some notes about what happened in the accident and give them to your insurance company.
Photograph or film the damage to keep a record of it.
If the other motorist fled the site of the accident, you should inquire at a nearby store, mall, or other location to see if they have video surveillance that you can use to locate the other driver and bring them to justice.
If you hit a parked automobile and the owner isn’t nearby, leave your details so they can get in touch with you. Include your contact information in the submission.
If it becomes necessary, call the police.
Make sure to tell your insurance company about the incident by calling them.

Understanding Your Coverage

When it comes to car accidents, many people assume that their insurance will automatically cover any damages that occur. However, the type of accident and the specific circumstances surrounding it can greatly affect whether or not your insurance will provide coverage. This is especially true when it comes to accidents that occur in parking lots.

It’s important to understand the details of your insurance policy to know what kind of coverage you have in the event of a parking lot accident. Some policies may include coverage for parking lot accidents, while others may exclude them or provide only limited coverage.

Common Causes of Parking Lot Accidents

Parking lots can be hazardous places, especially when they are crowded or poorly maintained. Some common causes of parking lot accidents include:

Distracted driving: It’s easy to get distracted while driving in a parking lot, especially if you’re looking for a parking spot or trying to avoid other vehicles. This can lead to accidents, such as hitting a parked car or running over a pedestrian.

Poor visibility: Parking lots can be poorly lit, which can make it difficult for drivers to see other vehicles or objects in their path. This can lead to collisions, such as rear-end accidents or sideswipe accidents.

Poor road conditions: Potholes, uneven surfaces, and other hazards can cause accidents in parking lots. For example, a driver may lose control of their vehicle if they hit a pothole at high speed, or a pedestrian may trip and fall on an uneven surface.

Tips to Avoid Parking Lot Accidents

Even though driving in a parking lot during a busy day can be a nerve-wracking experience, the following are a few things you can do to reduce the likelihood of getting into an accident:

Take it easy and pay attention to the directional arrows that have been painted on the parking lot.
Please park inside the lines designated for your place, and do not occupy more than one parking spot at a time.
If at all feasible, choose a parking location from which you can pull ahead rather than having to reverse out of it.
When parking, try to do so in a location that is free of other vehicles, objects, and people.
Before you start backing up, make sure to check in all directions and make use of your mirrors.
Take advantage of technology. When combined with backup cameras and parking sensors, rear automated braking systems have the potential to reduce the number of accidents caused by backing up by more than 75%. According to the findings of a study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, rear cross-traffic alert sensors can cut the risk of being involved in an incident caused by backing up by more than 20%.

In conclusion

Whether or not an insurance policy will cover an accident that occurs in a parking lot is dependent on the exact details of the incident as well as the coverage that is contained in the insurance policy. If the auto insurance policy in question includes collision coverage, then, as a rule, the policy will pay for any damages or injuries caused in an accident that occurred in a parking lot. However, to have a complete understanding of your coverage, you should read the terms of your insurance policy in great detail, and then discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your insurance provider. When driving in parking lots, it is essential to exercise extreme caution and drive cautiously to forestall collisions and reduce the likelihood of suffering potential losses or injuries.