Parking lot accidents happen all the time. The hustle and bustle of drivers coming and going to their destination creates the perfect scenario for a likely accident. But when an accident does ensue, you may wonder how insurance companies cover parking lot accidents. Read on to review some common parking lot situations.
Helpful Tips When You Hit a Car
Regardless of how careful you are, sometimes accidents can and do still happen. Perhaps you were distracted or forgot to check your mirrors before backing up and suddenly you realize you just hit a car. The following are some typical steps to follow:
- Never Leave the Scene- Do the right thing and stick around. Leaving the scene is the same as a “hit and run” which could result in more significant charges.
- Move to Safety and Engage Hazard Lights- If the wreck happens in a congested area of the lot, move to a safer area and put on hazard lights.
- Look for the Owner- If you don’t see anyone approaching that car, you should go inside the store(s) and ask the manager to make an announcement of the car, make, and model. If this doesn’t work, stay as long as you can to see if the owner does come back.
- Leave a Note- If no owner can be located, leave a note with contact information and a brief synopsis of what occurred. Make sure it is in a spot where it won’t fly away.
- Notify Your Insurance Agent- Go ahead and contact your independent insurance agent so he/she can assist you with the next steps.
- Contact Police When Necessary- If the damages are significant enough, go ahead and contact the police who can also assist in finding the owner.
Tips When Someone Hits Your Car in the Parking Lot and Leaves
Maybe it has happened to you. You come out of a store and noticed someone has dented your car, and you don’t see anyone, nor is there a note. Unfortunately, some people do the wrong thing after hitting a parked car, which is ultimately a “hit and run.”
When this happens, you can certainly ask around to see if anyone saw anything or go into the store and ask them to review camera footage for information. If that leads to a dead end, you will typically file the damages with your own insurance company, if you have collision coverage. If you don’t have collision coverage on your auto insurance policy, or the person (if located) has no insurance or is underinsured, you could file a claim under Uninsured Motorist Property Damage Coverage. For further details on that, it is recommended you contact your local N.Y. independent insurance agent. *Deductibles may apply on both Collision Coverage and/or UMPD Coverage
Guidelines When Two Cars Hit Simultaneously in Parking Lot Accidents
This is a common scenario in parking lots, especially when two people are backing out. When this happens, each driver would file a claim with their respective insurance company to pay for their own damages. However, if there is another type of situation when two cars hit, someone is likely to be found at-fault.
When an Accident Happens, Cameron Group Insurance is Here to Help!
Whether it’s a minor fender-bender or something more significant, Cameron Group Insurance is here to assist with any questions, concerns, and advice. We realize accidents can and do happen so contact us today for all your New York auto insurance needs.
