Parking prangs prove pricey
16/10/2008
Parking related collisions are on the increase with NRMA Insurance recording more than 27,000 parking
claims in the past year, costing more than $43 million in repairs.*
The insurer said more than 16 per cent of collision claims in NSW are the result of parking, which equates to more than 500 claims every week.
NRMA Insurance spokesperson John Hallal said most car park collisions occur in busy shopping precincts where a high volume of cars regularly arrive and exit car parks.
“People are often surprised to learn that those pesky dents, dings and bumps in car parks cost on average around $1600 in repair costs."
“Typical parking collisions include hitting other vehicles, trolleys, railings, walls and poles, posts or pylons and many are caused when reversing,” Mr Hallal said.
Recent research has also revealed that motorists believe they would do the right thing in a parking prang and leave a note but NRMA Insurance claims data shows many drivers are not as honest as they may like to be.**
“The research revealed more than 80 per cent of drivers believe they would leave a note if they damaged a parked car. Yet according to NRMA Insurance claims data, 50 per cent of drivers have returned to their car to find it damaged with no note to identify the culprit.
“We encourage all drivers’ to be considerate and if you damage someone else’s car then be honest and leave your details,” said Mr Hallal.
Top 20 NSW parking hot spots:
| Town | Number | Town | Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Penrith | 424 | 11. Brookvale | 278 |
| 2. Sydney CBD | 418 | 12. Hornsby | 267 |
| 3. Castle Hill | 416 | 13. Liverpool | 264 |
| 4. Parramatta | 369 | 14. Miranda | 248 |
| 5. Chatswood | 360 | 15. North Ryde | 248 |
| 6. Bankstown | 334 | 16. Wollongong | 234 |
| 7. Blacktown | 323 | 17. Bondi Junction | 232 |
| 8. Port Macquarie | 305 | 18. Burwood | 228 |
| 9. Hurstville | 302 | 19. Coffs Harbour | 219 |
| 10. Campbelltown | 284 | 20. Nowra | 119 |
| NRMA Insurance recommends the following tips to help protect your car and others: |
|---|
| Be alert at all times in car parks |
| Reverse carefully and don’t just rely on your mirrors – look over your shoulder too |
| New car technology, such as cameras and sensors, can help when reversing, but drivers still need to be aware of what is around them |
| Do your bit and return shopping trolleys to their bay |
| Be careful opening your door next to other cars, and help children get our carefully |
| Use your indicator every time you make a turn |
| When taking out insurance, consider a policy with a low excess to help ensure you are covered for smaller damage claims |
| If you cause damage to a parked car, do the right thing and leave a note with your details |
| If you witness a collision, pass on any information you have to the innocent party. |
**Based on research conducted by Woolcott Research, August 2008