Does an accident in a parking lot affect car insurance rates?

Whether two drivers collide while moving or someone hits a parked car, you may need to file a claim with your insurer for damage coverage if you have a car accident in a parking lot. When it comes to car insurance, a parking lot accident may or may not cover you, depending on the type of insurance you have and the type of accident that occurred.

Filing frequent claims will increase your rates, but a minor parking lot accident may not. Here’s what you need to consider when it comes to such incidents.

Will car insurance increase after an accident in a parking lot?

At-fault accidents (those that you cause) may lead to an increase in insurance premiums. If you are driving recklessly in a parking lot and hit another car, you might find yourself with higher rates. In most situations, your car insurance will not go up if someone hits your car, but some not-at-fault accidents may also cause rates to go up. This often depends on the damage costs of those accidents or your previous claims history with the insurer.

Read more: Does hitting a parked car affect car insurance rates?

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Will my car insurance costs rise if I am at fault for a parking lot accident?

Fault plays a vital role in insurance costs for most accidents. Some insurance companies may increase prices if you are at fault.

Parking lot cases can be a bit tricky, though. Because they often occur on private property, the police may not respond to a minor incident unless there are severe injuries. That means it is usually up to the insurance adjuster to consider all facts in the case to determine if you were at fault.

Keep in mind that some states have no-fault insurance. That means the insurance company pays for the losses to your car no matter who caused the damage, depending on the type of policy you have. In this situation, your rates may still increase if the cost of the claim is high.

This is very much dependent on the situation and the insurer. Some insurers don’t raise rates for every accident, regardless of fault.

Read more:

• Compare Car Insurance Rates After an At-Fault Accident
• How do you deal with insurance after someone hits your parked car?

If I do not report it, will car insurance rates increase after an accident in a parking lot?

If an accident occurs, it is best to document the situation thoroughly. That often means letting your insurer know it happened. Sometimes both parties may agree not to involve insurers, especially if the damage is minimal. Keep in mind that there are risks to this. If there is no claim, the insurance rates are not likely to go up from that incident.

Should the other driver come back later and say you caused an accident that led to an injury, you may be responsible for those claims out-of-pocket if you did not file a claim with your insurer.

Could accident forgiveness reduce my car insurance after a parking lot accident?

Some insurance companies have accident forgiveness. Keep in mind that serious, high-value claims may not qualify for this. Certain accidents, including minor ones, will not lead to increased rates. If the parking lot accident is your first claim, the insurer will not likely raise your rates for a small ding.

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How long will I have high rates on my car insurance after a parking lot accident?

It’s important to keep in mind how long car insurance claims stay on your record. A claims history typically remains for three to five years, with some reports lasting longer depending on the accident’s severity and the state where you live. However, insurance company rates depend on multiple factors, and parking lot accidents may not have a big impact on your rates for the full length of time. (For more information, read our “Do car accidents where you live affect car insurance rates?“).

Remember, not all claims lead to increased rates.

Read more: How long does a car accident stay on your insurance record?

Understand the Consequences of a Parking Lot Accident

When a parking lot accident occurs, do the right thing to protect yourself. If it is possible, file a police report. Document the incident with photos and a written description. Be sure to exchange numbers with the other party. Then, turn to your car insurance representative for guidance in the following steps. 

You will likely not see a rate increase for a minor accident. The insurance representative can provide you with the info needed to know what steps to take next, depending on the nature of your policy. 

Case Studies: Impact of Parking Lot Accidents on Car Insurance Rates

Case Study 1: Single-Vehicle Accident

John, a driver who backed into a stationary object in a parking lot, wonders if this incident will affect his car insurance rates. Since the accident was not involving another vehicle, John questions whether his insurance company will increase his rates due to the incident.

Case Study 2: Minor Fender Bender

Sarah’s vehicle was involved in a minor fender bender with another car in a parking lot. She is concerned about the impact on her car insurance rates, considering the accident occurred in a low-speed, confined space. Sarah questions if her rates will increase and if fault will play a role in the rate adjustment.

Case Study 3: Hit-and-Run Incident

Mike’s parked car was struck by another vehicle in a parking lot, resulting in significant damage. He wonders if this hit-and-run incident will affect his car insurance rates and whether his insurance company will view him as at fault due to the absence of the responsible party.

Case Study 4: Varying State Regulations

Samantha’s vehicle collided with another car in a parking lot, resulting in moderate damage. The incident occurred in a different state with varying regulations regarding parking lot accidents. Samantha wonders if her insurance rates will be affected by the accident, considering the variation in state laws and how insurers assess parking lot accidents.

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