Parking tons could be loopy locations. Whether or not you’re on the mall, the grocery retailer and even simply grabbing a fast espresso… all these vehicles coming and going can up anybody’s possibilities of being in a car parking zone accident.
Which can lead you marvel: How does insurance coverage cowl car parking zone accidents? Let’s stroll by just a few widespread situations.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I HIT SOMEONE ELSE’S CAR IN A PARKING LOT?
Accidents occur. That’s why having the fitting auto insurance coverage may give you peace of thoughts.
For those who do hit a automotive in a car parking zone, right here’s what to do subsequent:
- Don’t depart the scene. For those who drive away with out telling anybody, that’s thought-about a hit-and-run. You possibly can face a complete different set of authorized points if a safety digicam or witness spots you within the act. So do the sincere factor and stick round.
- Get out of hurt’s method. Even a easy fender-bender can block site visitors or scatter damaged glass. Be sure to’re a secure distance from something harmful and be aware of the circulate of site visitors. If wanted, put your hazard lights on to alert close by drivers.
- Attempt to find the automotive’s proprietor. Ask a retailer worker to web page the proprietor of the automotive over the loudspeaker.
- Go away a notice. It’s the fitting factor to do… and probably even the legislation. Not leaving a notice is taken into account a hit-and-run within the overwhelming majority of states, even when the injury was only a small scratch. Preserve it easy and well mannered. Embody your identify, contact info, and a quick clarification of what occurred. Go away it in a safe spot the place it received’t blow away.
- Think about calling the police. If the injury is critical, they might help you file an incident report and monitor down the automotive’s proprietor.
- Name your insurance coverage agent. Whenever you’re with ERIE, you don’t should go it alone. Your native ERIE agent is there to reply questions and show you how to perceive what’s coated.
Bear in mind, coverage circumstances may require you to inform ERIE or your agent concerning the incident – even for those who resolve to not file a declare. Be taught extra about what to do when accidents occur.
SOMEONE HIT MY PARKED CAR. NOW WHAT?
An at-fault driver’s auto insurance coverage ought to cowl the property injury they brought about to the opposite automobile. Hopefully, they left a notice and you may get in contact with out an excessive amount of fuss. Sadly, some folks received’t do the fitting factor. For those who return to a dented or dinged automotive with no indication of who did it, you may ask round to see if there have been any witnesses. If there aren’t any, ask the shop if they’ve safety cameras.
If the incident is a hit-and-run—or if the at-fault driver has no auto insurance coverage or not sufficient insurance coverage—you’ll should rely by yourself auto insurance coverage to cowl the injury. That’s assuming you bought optionally available collision protection by yourself automobile.
Additionally, uninsured motorist property injury protection that’s accessible in some states protects your automotive if it’s struck by a hit-and-run driver. (A deductible might apply.)
Simply remember that you’ll possible want uninsured and underinsured motorist bodily damage protection. This insurance coverage protection is optionally available in some states and necessary in others. It covers you and your passengers’ damages for those who’re injured by an uninsured driver or a driver who doesn’t have sufficient protection to pay in your medical bills, misplaced wages and ache and struggling.
Whether or not it’s a easy fender-bender or one thing extra critical, keep in mind – your native ERIE agent is there to assist reply questions and supply recommendation.
WHAT HAPPENS IF TWO CARS HIT EACH OTHER AT THE SAME TIME?
There may be normally an at-fault driver when there’s a car parking zone accident. However there are some instances the place an accident is 2 drivers’ fault—as an illustration, two folks might again out on the similar time and hit one another. What usually occurs in these instances is that every driver information a declare with their very own insurance coverage firm.
HOW TO PREVENT PARKING LOT ACCIDENTS
Fortunately, there are steps you may take to maintain you, your automotive and others secure. Get our checklist of ideas for how you can keep away from a car parking zone accident.
Sadly, accidents do occur. However whenever you’re with ERIE, you might have your individual private insurance coverage advisor – your native ERIE agent – after they do. Be taught extra about auto insurance coverage or discover a native ERIE agent in your space.
Amanda Prischak and Abby Badach Doyle contributed to this story. This was initially revealed in 2016. It was up to date with new info in 2019.
