Christmas time is here! And if you’re a red blooded capitalist, this time of year includes going to the mall and stimulating the economy by buying stuff for the people you love (or at least like.) But travel to any mall or shopping center and you’re likely to find chaos and crowds of people trying to find just the right thing to go under the tree. During this time of you, frequency of parking lot accidents goes up by about 20 percent, according to the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers Association. To avoid parking lot fender-benders, follow these quick tips!
Check it twice! Use your eyes and mirrors—and ask your passengers to help, too—to make sure your path is clear before you back out of a parking space. GO SLOW.
Take it slow! Driving slow around parking lots makes it easier to avoid cars that are speeding, cutting across the lot or pulling out of parking spaces. This also helps you avoid pedestrians and their bags of presents!
Walkin’ in a Winter Wonderland. Don’t hesitate farther from store entrances, where it’s generally less crowded. Less traffic around your vehicle means a lower chance of dings and scratches from other car doors or runaway shopping carts.
If you’re involved in a parking lot accident, file a police report and notify your insurer immediately, even if the accident appears to be minor. This way, you’re protected in case the other party doesn’t have insurance or files a claim.
If you’ve hit a parked car or other property, and can’t find the owner, attach a note with your name and contact information to it, and be sure to notify your insurer.