This article has been updated from a previous version
Parking lot accidents are more common than you think.
With their strategically placed speed bumps and low speed limits, one might wonder how it’s possible to get into an accident in a parking lot or underground garage.
But that’s exactly what makes it susceptible to a high rate of collisions.
Pedestrians obstructing the view of a car backing up or because of the tight space, a vehicle hitting a stationary object – these are a few common examples of parking lot accidents.
Which brings us to the question: how will a parking lot collision affect your auto insurance premium?
Whenever you get behind the wheel to operate a motor vehicle, all traffic laws apply.
The one outlier is Ontario, where parking lots are considered private property, not roads. Therefore, the traffic rules of the Highway Traffic Act do not apply to them.
That does not mean you can drive erratically in a parking lot in Ontario and not face the consequences of your actions. On the contrary, the Criminal Code still applies — so you can’t drive under the influence or drive recklessly — and some Ontario municipalities have declared the parking lots in their jurisdictions as roads. Thus, the Highway Traffic Act does apply. Otherwise, traffic laws do apply to parking lots in every other part of Canada.
Read more: At-fault accident rules: 10 common accidents and who is at fault
Sometimes, we all need a refresher on what our responsibilities are as motorists navigating our way through a maze of parked cars.
Always remember that a driver in a thoroughfare lane has the right-of-way before drivers in feeder lanes. A thoroughfare is generally a lane that exits to a street. These tend to be wider and are the main arteries of the parking lot. Feeder lanes, on the other hand, are smaller lanes that typically begin and end at the thoroughfares. Generally, failure to yield the right-of-way will result in you being found at fault.
That being said, here are some common parking lot collisions in which you may be found at fault.
Keep reading: What is right-of-way in Canada?
A little common sense goes a long way. Here are five tips to help avoid getting in an accident the next time you need to park in a public lot:
A car accident in a parking lot or garage is the same as an auto collision on a main road because these spaces have right-of-way rules too. Parking lot accidents are treated the same way as accidents on the road. If you intend on filing a claim, gather as many details as possible. This includes taking photos, asking any passersby to be a witness if they saw the collision, and exchange your insurance information with the other vehicle’s driver. Most importantly, if anyone is hurt, immediately call 9-1-1.
Related: How to file a car insurance claim after a collision
Like in any vehicle collision, your insurer will consider all aspects of the accident, including whether or not you are at fault for it. If you are, it can impact your car insurance rate.
Related: How a car accident affects your insurance premium
A car accident can happen anywhere, at any time and to anyone. Beyond driving safely, courteously, and obeying all traffic laws, your best protection is an auto insurance policy that caters to your unique needs.
Whether you have been in a collision or not, take a few minutes to get the best car insurance quote by comparing your existing policy to quotes in real-time from more than 30 insurance companies.