Parking lot accidents happen all the time throughout Ontario. The combination of vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, medians, and narrow driving lanes is undoubtedly a recipe for disaster. Given the factors at play, it’s no surprise that 1 in 5 accidents occur in parking lots, and nearly all of them can be avoided. While most of these accidents are minor and involve low-speed impact, they can still cause serious damage and injuries. They can also have a significant impact on your auto insurance, which is why many go unreported and hit-and-run situations are so common. Here, we’ll explore what you need to know if you get into a parking lot accident.

When are you at fault in a parking lot accident?
Sometimes, we could use a little refresher of our responsibilities as drivers when navigating busy areas like parking lots. Vehicles in thoroughfare lanes have the right-of-way over those in feeder lanes. Thoroughfare lanes are typically wider and serve as the main routes that exit to streets. On the other hand, feeder lanes are smaller and usually connect to the thoroughfares. If you fail to yield the right-of-way, you’ll likely be found at fault in the event of an accident.

Here are some common parking lot accident scenarios in which you could be found at fault:
 

1. Opening your car door. If you open your car door without checking for oncoming traffic and someone hits it, you’re at fault.
2. Hitting a legally parked vehicle. If you hit a legally parked vehicle, you’re at fault, regardless of the circumstances. There aren’t any exceptions in this case.
3. Disobeying traffic signs. Traffic signs are in place for safety. If you get into an accident because you ignored a sign, you’re at fault.
4. Failing to yield when exiting a parking spot. Before pulling out of a parking spot, make sure there’s no oncoming traffic. If you pull out and collide with another vehicle, you’re at fault.

What should you do if you’re involved in a parking lot accident?
Many people believe parking lot accidents require a different response since they happen on private property rather than public roads. However, it’s important to treat a parking lot accident the same way as any other type of accident.
 

• Stop your vehicle immediately.
• Check for injuries. If someone is hurt, don’t move them. Call 911, follow the call taker’s instructions, and wait for help.
• When it’s safe, exit your vehicle.
• Take pictures and videos of the scene and any damage. Record as much information as possible using our accident worksheet.
• If it’s safe, move your vehicle out of the way.
• Call the police if the total damage to all vehicles involved appears to be more than $5,000.
• Call a collision reporting centre if the total damage to all vehicles involved appears to be less than $5,000.
• Let your insurance company know what happened and ask about next steps.

Some drivers choose to pay for minor damage out of pocket. Even if you decide to cover the costs yourself, you’re still required to notify your insurer about the accident.

What's a parking lot accident hit-and-run?
We've all heard stories about vehicles getting hit in parking lots – whether it's a dinged door or a scratched bumper. There are two common parking lot accident hit-and-run scenarios:
 

1. You hit another vehicle. Many people don't realize that you could be charged with a hit-and-run if you hit another vehicle in a parking lot and leave the scene.
2. Your vehicle is hit by another vehicle. If another driver hits your legally parked vehicle, you won't be at fault. If the other driver doesn't leave a note, you can contact the police to file a report. They may or may not be able to track down the other driver.

What should you do if you’re involved in a parking lot accident hit-and-run?
If you accidentally hit another vehicle in a parking lot and the driver isn't present, try to locate them. If you can't find the driver, leave a note with your contact information on their windshield. This is a good practice and will help you avoid a potential hit-and-run charge. If someone were to hit your vehicle, you would probably want them to leave a note as well.

Will a parking lot accident affect your driving record?
Yes, a parking lot accident is treated the same as any other type of accident. If reported, it will appear on your driving record and could impact your insurance premium. Because of this, many drivers choose not to report parking lot accidents.

Will a parking lot accident affect your insurance?
Insurance companies consider parking lot accidents like any other accident. They apply the same criteria to determine fault, and if you’re found to be at fault, it will be recorded on your insurance record. This could lead to an increase in your auto insurance premium when you renew your policy.

Should you notify your insurance company about a parking lot accident?
Yes, it’s important to notify your insurance company if you’re involved in a parking lot accident. You’re required to report all accidents to your insurer, even if you plan to pay for the damages out of pocket.

A car accident can happen suddenly, at any time and to anyone. While safe driving is essential, having an auto insurance policy that suits your needs is the best protection. If you're a current OTIP policyholder, contact us at 1-833-615-9329 to review your existing auto insurance policy. If you’re not insured with OTIP and are shopping for auto insurance, call us at 1-833-494-0085 to get a quote and receive a $20 gift card of your choice!