Home > Help Centre > Blog
Parking lot accidents happen all the time in Ontario. The combination of vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, shopping carts, medians, and tight driving lanes make them a potential recipe for disaster.
Considering all the factors in play, it’s no surprise parking lot accidents happen. Statistics show they are more common than most realize - about 1 in 5 accidents happen in parking lots. Almost all of them are avoidable.
While most parking lot accidents are minor and involve low speed impact, they can still result in serious damage and injury. They can also have a big impact on your car insurance. This is a reason why many go unreported and parking lot hit and runs are common.
Since the accident happens on private property, and not on a public road, many people assume how you should react to a parking lot accident will be different. Contrary to popular belief, parking lot accidents should be treated the same as any other accident.
If you are involved in an accident, check to make sure all parties involved are not injured. If they are injured, call for emergency assistance.
If the damage is more than the $2,000 threshold in Ontario, call the police and file an accident report. Make sure you exchange information with all parties involved and notify your insurer.
Follow the same steps as you would any other type of traffic accident :
Some drivers choose to pay for minor damage out of pocket. Even if you choose to pay for the damage, you are still required to notify your insurer about the accident. This is another reason why it's important to have Toronto car insurance - the more people, the more risk drivers can face.
Parking lot accident fault is commonly misinterpreted. Just like any other auto accident, fault is determined on a case-by-case basis. Determining fault in a parking lot accident can be difficult due to the variety of factors at play.
Drivers in the traffic lane have the right of way over vehicles exiting spots. This is a key factor when determining fault. In some instances, one driver may be solely at-fault, and in other situations, drivers share fault.
In general, if you collide with a legally parked vehicle, you are to blame for the at-fault accident.
Anyone who is exiting a parking spot must yield to the vehicle driving down the lane. If you disobey a traffic sign and it results in an accident, you will most likely be found to be at-fault. These fault determinations are applicable in Ontario, Alberta and most other Canadian provinces.
There is a misconception that all parking lot accidents are considered to be 50-50 fault. This is not true. Fault for a parking lot accident is determined on a case by case basis. While some parking lot accidents are difficult to determine fault, it's determined based on the details of the accident.
There are many common types of parking lot accidents that could happen. Here are some of the most common :
Yes. A parking lot accident is treated the same as an accident anywhere else. If reported, it will go on your driving record and it could impact your insurance premium. For this reason, many drivers choose not to report parking lot accidents.
We’ve all heard stories about vehicles getting hit in parking lots. Doors get dinged and bumpers scratched and dented all the time. There are two parking lot accident hit and run scenarios :
If you hit another vehicle in a parking lot and the other driver is not present, see if you can find the driver. If you cannot locate the driver, leave a note on the driver’s windshield. Provide them with your contact information so you can sort out the details.
This will help you avoid a potential hit and run charge.
It’s also good karma. You’d want other drivers to leave a note if they hit your vehicle.
There is a certain set of rules, or parking lot right of way laws, that apply in parking lot accident situations in Ontario. These rules include :
Parking lots are busy places. You need to pay attention at all times to avoid accidents. Here are some tips :
Parking lot accidents are treated just like any other type of accident by insurers. They use the same rules to determine who the cause of the accident is and they can impact your car insurance quotes if you are found to be at-fault.
Yes. Just like any other accident. You should always notify your company if you are involved in an accident in a parking lot. You are required to report all accidents to your insurer, even if you plan to pay for the damages out of pocket.
It’s estimated that approximately 20% (1 in 5) of all car accidents happen in parking lots.
In this instance, both parties are commonly found to have some fault in causing the car accident. The percentage each driver is found to be at-fault will depend on the details of the situation.
Parking lot accidents need to be reported in Ontario if the damage of both vehicles is greater than $2,000, if someone gets injured or if it's a requirement on your policy.
Yes. You can file a car insurance claim for an accident in a parking lot of private property. They are treated the same as other types of traffic accidents even if they occur on private property. What Happens If You Get In A Parking Lot Accident In Ontario?
Feb 15, 2021
What You Should Know About Parking Lot Accidents
What Do You Do If Your In A Parking Lot Accident In Ontario?
Steps To Take If Involved In A Parking Lot Accident
Who's At-fault In A Parking Lot Accident?
Fault Determination In A Parking Lot Accident
Is An Accident In A Parking Lot 50-50 Fault For Each Driver?
What Are The Most Common Types Of Parking Lot Accidents?
Does A Parking Lot Accident Go On Your Driving Record?
What Is A Parking Lot Accident Hit And Run?
What To Do If You Are Involved Parking Lot Accident Hit And Run?
What Are The Parking Lot Accident Rules In Ontario?
Tips To Avoid A Parking Lot Accident
Do Parking Lot Accidents Affect Insurance?
Do I have To Notify My Insurance Company About A Parking Lot Accident?
Parking Lot Accident FAQs
<<What Drivers Need To Know About Showing Proof Of Car Insurance
Driving Without Insurance In Ontario>>