As a driver, you may wonder if your car insurance will cover parking lot accidents and injuries. Parking lot accidents happen more often than you think, and you’ll usually find out after a quick trip to the shops that your car has dents, scratches, or more. The extent of your coverage depends on the type of auto insurance policy you have.
Vehicle Damage: If your car is damaged in a parking lot accident, your insurance coverage will vary depending on your policy. Comprehensive and collision coverage will cover these kinds of incidents, whether they’re hit-and-runs or minor accidents. If the other driver is at-fault and has car insurance, their liability coverage will cover your repair costs.
Injuries: If you get injured in a parking lot accident as a driver or pedestrian, your coverage will depend on the circumstances. If the at-fault driver has insurance, their liability coverage should pay for your medical bills. However, coverage limits and policy terms apply, so review your policy to ensure your financial protection.
Since parking lot accidents are complicated, review your policy and talk to your insurance agent to prepare for the unexpected.
What Kind of Insurance Will Cover Parking Lot Accidents?
Parking lot accidents, whether moving or parked, can cause unexpected damage and insurance claims. The type of coverage that applies depends on the situation and your specific insurance policies.
Several types of car insurance can help you in the event of a parking lot accident, whether your car is in a fender bender or parked:
- Collision Coverage: Repairs to your car if it’s damaged in a parking lot accident, regardless of fault. This also applies if your vehicle is hit and run and the at-fault driver is not found.
- Liability Coverage: If you’re at fault, liability insurance covers the other driver’s car and medical expenses. If the other driver is at fault, their liability insurance should cover your repairs.
- Comprehensive Coverage: This policy pays for damage to your parked car from non-collision events like theft, vandalism, falling objects (e.g., tree branches), or natural disasters.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage(UM/UIM): Uninsured motorist coverage pays if a driver with no insurance or insufficient coverage hits your car. In some states, uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD) will cover repairs to your vehicle if the at-fault driver can’t be found.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): A personal injury claim will pay medical expenses and lost wages for you and your passengers, regardless of fault. PIP is available in some states; others have similar coverage under medical payments (MedPay).
- Rental Reimbursement Coverage: This optional coverage helps pay for a rental car. In contrast, your vehicle is being repaired after a collision or comprehensive claim.
- Property Damage Liability Coverage: Damage you cause to another person’s car or property. After hiting a parked car, your property damage liability insurance will cover the repairs to the other vehicle up to your policy limits.
Knowing these coverage options will help you be protected in various parking lot situations. Review your policy and talk to your insurance provider to see what’s covered and if any deductibles or limitations apply.
What Should I Do After a Parking Lot Accident?
Parking lot accidents, whether hit-and-run or hit-your-car, must be handled quickly to make the claims process smooth. Many drivers think the other driver will stick around to handle the situation. Still, hit-and-run incidents are common in busy parking lots.
Here’s Steps for what to do if you get into a parking lot accident.
1. Assess the Situation and Get Evidence
- Check for injuries and see if your car needs to be moved. If it’s in a bad spot, move it somewhere safer.
- Take clear photos of your car from multiple different angles and the surrounding area.
- Find nearby witnesses who saw the accident and can give you info.
2. Call the Police
- A police report is key, especially if it’s a hit-and-run. An official record will come in handy when you file your insurance claim.
- If there are injuries, call for medical help right away.
- Write down the police officers names and badge numbers to get a copy of the accident report afterwards.
3. Gather Relevant Info about the Accident
- If the other driver is around, get their contact info, license number, plate number, registration, and insurance card.
- Write down the time, location, and any other factors that might have caused the accident.
- Look for security cameras in the parking lot that might have caught the incident.
4. Call Your Insurance Company to File a Claim
- Report the accident to your insurance company ASAP. Many insurance companies have time limits to file a claim.
- Send all the evidence you gathered – photos, witness statements, and police report for support on your claim.
- Depending on your insurer, you can file the claim either online or on the phone.
Handling a parking lot accident quickly and smoothly will avoid further complications and get you the necessary coverage for repairs.
Who’s at Fault in Parking Lot Accidents?
Parking lot accidents, though minor, need to be determined to find who’s responsible for damage to vehicles and personal injuries. Like on the roads and highways, at-fault determination in parking lot accidents determines which driver’s insurance policy will cover the damages and whether any out-of-pocket expenses will be incurred.
Why Does Fault Matter?
Fault in a parking lot car accident is essential for financial and insurance purposes. The driver at fault will generally be responsible for the damages, either through their insurance or personally, if they’re uninsured. Even if insured, a driver with liability-only coverage may have to pay for vehicle repairs unless they have collision coverage. Without proper coverage, at-fault parties can face big financial hits, medical bills, and other party vehicle repair costs.
How is Fault Determined?
Fault in parking lot accidents is determined the same way as in road accidents. Insurance companies determine fault by getting statements from drivers, evaluating vehicle damage, and applying predetermined fault determination rules. These rules help adjusters allocate blame based on traffic patterns, right of way, and specific accident circumstances.
Common Parking Lot Accident Scenarios and Fault
Since parking lots accidents work the same as on public roads, fault determination follows a pattern for parking lot crashes:
- Moving Vehicle vs. Parked Vehicle: When a moving car crashes into a parked car, the moving car is always at-fault. But if the parked car was parked illegally, partial fault may be assigned to the owner.
- Rear-End Collisions: A car that rear-ends another is almost always at fault, like a standard traffic incident.
- Turning and Backing Out
- A car turning into a parking spot and hitting a car going straight in the lane will probably be at fault.
- A car backing out of a space is usually at fault for any collision with a moving vehicle.
- If two cars back out of their parking lanes simultaneously and hit each other, both drivers will generally share fault.
- If two cars try to enter the same parking space at the same time, the driver making a left turn is usually more at fault since right-turning cars have the right of way.
- Collisions Involving Pedestrians
- Drivers always yield to pedestrians. The driver is at fault if a car doesn’t stop at a crosswalk or stop sign and hits a pedestrian. * Even if the pedestrian is not in the crosswalk.
- The driver will be at fault if a child runs behind a backing car.
Parking Lots and their Premises Liability
The parking lot owner can sometimes be liable for an accident on their land. For example, if the parking lot is poorly maintained, has no signs, or doesn’t regulate speed limits, the owner can be held responsible for accidents caused by those hazards.
Private property owners who open their lots to the public have a legal obligation to provide a safe environment. That means keeping the road surfaces clean, marking crosswalks, and installing stop signs. If an owner doesn’t exercise due care in maintaining the premises and their negligence causes an accident or personal injury, they can be held liable under premises liability laws.
Knowing how fault is determined in parking lot accidents will help you with insurance claims, reduce financial exposure, and practice safe driving in these busy spaces.
What Should I Do If Someone Hit My Parked Car and Leaves a Note?
Suppose someone hits your parked car and leaves a note. In that case, you need to act fast so you can handle the situation with your auto insurance company and, if required, law enforcement.
Steps to Take After Finding a Note on Your Parked Car
- Read the Note - The note should have the driver’s name, phone number, and insurance info. If the insurance information is missing, you may need to contact the driver to ask for it.
- Look for Witnesses - If the accident happened in a public place, look around for anyone who may have seen it. Their testimony can help with the details of the accident.
- Take Photos of the Damage – Document the scene by taking clear photos of the damage to your car, the location of the accident, and the note. This will be helpful when filing a claim.
- Call the Police – In most cases you should file a police report, especially if there is extensive damage to your car. This will be an official record of the incident and will help with claims.
- Notify the Insurance Company –
- Suppose the at-fault driver’s insurance info is in the note. In that case, you can contact their insurer to start the claims process under their liability property damage coverage.
- If the note only has contact information but no insurance information, contact the driver to obtain their insurance details.
- Suppose the at-fault driver is uninsured, or their insurance doesn’t cover the damages. You may need to file a claim under your collision insurance or uninsured motorist property damage coverage. Remember that filing under your policy may require you to pay a deductible.
By following these steps, you’ll ensure the damage to your car is assessed and covered and minimize the financial and legal hassle of the accident.
What Should I Do If Someone Hits My Parked Car and Leaves the Scene?
If someone hits your parked car and leaves without leaving a note, that’s a hit-and-run crime in most states. The sooner you take the proper steps, the better to identify the driver, get a police report, and figure out how to handle the repairs through insurance.
First, survey the damage and document the scene. Walk around your car and examine all sides. See if theres visible damage or paint transfer from the other car. Before you move your car, take clear photos and video footage from multiple angles. This includes the surroundings, street signs, and any evidence that might help with an insurance companys investigation.
Next, see if any witnesses or security cameras might have seen the accident. If people are around, ask if they saw anything and if they can describe the car or driver. If your car was parked near a business, ask if they have security cameras that might have caught the accident. Security or traffic camera footage can be huge in helping to identify the at-fault driver.
Once you’ve gathered as much information as possible, report the incident to the police. Filing a police report is important. It helps the police find the driver but also gives you official documents for your car insurance claim.
If you have security footage or witness statements, share those with the authorities to bolster your case.
Finally, contact your auto insurance company to discuss your options. Review your policy or talk to your insurance company to see what’s covered in a hit-and-run situation. Collision insurance covers repairs regardless of whether the at-fault driver is found. Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD) insurance may also apply depending on your state and policy. If you have both and aren’t sure which to use, your adjuster can help you figure out the correct process. The sooner you take these steps, the better you will be able to identify the driver and get covered for your car’s repairs.
Will my Car Insurance Cover Me If I Hit a Parked Car?
If you hit a parked car, property damage liability insurance will likely cover the damage you caused up to your limit. Liability insurance is required in most states to protect other drivers financially when accidents happen. However, not handling the situation right can get you into big trouble, including being charged with a hit-and-run accident, a crime in all states.
If you hit a parked car, don’t leave the scene under any circumstances. Instead, wait to see if the owner returns so you can swap information. If the owner is not present, leave a note in a visible spot on their car with your name, contact info, insurance company, and a brief description of what happened.
This way, the other party can file a claim if needed. Finally, tell your insurance company as soon as possible so they are aware of the incident before the vehicle owner files a claim. Playing it cool can prevent legal headaches and ensure damages are covered correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have collision coverage for parking lot accidents?
Yes, collision coverage is required to cover your vehicle if you’re at fault in a parking lot accident.
Can a parking lot accident go on my driving record?
If you’re found at fault and an insurance claim is filed, the accident will appear on your driving record and may raise your rates.
Does auto insurance cover damage from shopping carts in parking lots?
Yes, damage from shopping carts is covered under comprehensive coverage since they are non-collision incidents.
Will my insurance premium go up after a parking lot accident claim?
If you’re found at fault, your insurance premium may increase after you file a claim, depending on your insurer.
Will my insurance company help if another driver accuses me of being at fault?
Your insurance company will investigate the accident, reviewing all evidence to determine fault.
Does my deductible apply for parking lot accidents?
Yes, if you file a claim under collision or comprehensive coverage, you’ll have to pay your deductible first, and then your insurance will pay the remainder of the repair cost.
