Parking lots can be crazy places. Whether you’re at the mall, the grocery store or even just grabbing a quick coffee… all those cars coming and going can up anyone’s chances of being in a parking lot accident.
Which may lead you wonder: How does insurance cover parking lot accidents? Let’s walk through a few common scenarios.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I HIT SOMEONE ELSE’S CAR IN A PARKING LOT?
Accidents happen. That’s why having the right auto insurance can give you peace of mind.
If you do hit a car in a parking lot, here’s what to do next:
- Don’t leave the scene. If you drive away without telling anyone, that’s considered a hit-and-run. You could face a whole other set of legal issues if a security camera or witness spots you in the act. So do the honest thing and stick around.
- Get out of harm’s way. Even a simple fender-bender can block traffic or scatter broken glass. Make sure you’re a safe distance from anything dangerous and be mindful of the flow of traffic. If needed, put your hazard lights on to alert nearby drivers.
- Try to locate the car’s owner. Ask a store employee to page the owner of the car over the loudspeaker.
- Leave a note. It’s the right thing to do… and potentially even the law. Not leaving a note is considered a hit-and-run in the vast majority of states, even if the damage was just a small scratch. Keep it simple and polite. Include your name, contact information, and a brief explanation of what happened. Leave it in a secure spot where it won’t blow away.
- Consider calling the police. If the damage is serious, they can help you file an incident report and track down the car’s owner.
- Call your insurance agent. When you’re with ERIE, you don’t have to go it alone. Your local ERIE agent is there to answer questions and help you understand what’s covered.
Remember, policy conditions might require you to tell ERIE or your agent at McDaniel Insurance Agency about the incident – even if you decide not to file a claim. Our office can be reached by text or calling 502.909.0920 or email Terry@Mcdanielins.com