Accidents in parking lots occur regularly in Canada. The combination of vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, shopping carts and narrow driving lanes can create hazardous situations.
Given all the variables involved, it’s no surprise that parking lot accidents occur. While most involve an impact at low speed, they can still cause serious damage or injury. They can also affect your auto insurance.
What Do You Do If You’re in a Parking Lot Accident in Ontario?
Many people assume that because an accident occurs on private property and not on a public road, they should react differently. However, parking lot accidents should be treated like any other car accident.
First, make sure that nobody involved is injured. If someone is hurt, call for help right away. If the total damage appears to exceed $5,000, report the accident to police.
Exchange names, contact details, licence numbers and insurance information with the other drivers. Take photos of the vehicles, damage, licence plates and surrounding area. You should also notify your insurance provider as soon as possible.
Who Is at Fault in a Parking Lot Accident?
The cause of parking lot accidents is frequently misunderstood. Fault is determined under Ontario’s Fault Determination Rules, just like in other car accidents. Due to the number of factors at play, determining fault can sometimes be difficult.
Drivers moving through a parking lot lane generally have priority over vehicles leaving a parking space. This is an important consideration when determining fault. In some cases, one driver is solely at fault, while in others both drivers share blame.
Common Types of Parking Lot Accidents
Two Drivers Back Up and Hit Each Other
In this case, both drivers may be at fault. The insurance companies may determine that the drivers share fault 50–50.
A Driver Leaves a Parking Space and Enters the Traffic Lane
The traffic lane has the right-of-way in a parking lot. A driver leaving a parking space must wait until it is safe to enter the lane. If the driver fails to yield and causes an accident, Ontario’s rules generally assign that driver 100% fault.
A Car Rear-Ends Another at a Stop Sign
If you collide with a stopped car from behind, whether in a parking lot or on the road, you will generally bear the blame. Even if the driver comes to an unexpected stop, the moving vehicle should have left enough space to avoid rear-ending it.
Parking Lot Hit-and-Run Accidents
A hit-and-run in a parking lot can leave you responsible for the repair bill if you can’t identify the driver and don’t have applicable insurance coverage.
A Driver Hits My Car and Drives Away
Getting hit by another car is unfortunate no matter the circumstances. In an Ontario hit-and-run, you may be able to rely on Collision or All Perils coverage if you purchased it. You will normally have to pay the deductible shown on your policy.
If the damage costs less than your deductible, filing a claim may not be worthwhile because you would still pay the repair cost yourself.
If nearby security cameras identify the driver and the driver is insured, Direct Compensation–Property Damage may cover the insured portion of the loss.
Take photos of the damage and surrounding area. Look for witnesses or nearby cameras, and report the incident to police and your insurer.
I Hit Another Car and the Owner Is Gone
Driving away is not a good idea. Try to find the owner and leave a note with your contact information if they aren’t there. Report the accident when required.
Failing to remain at the scene can lead to charges, demerit points, licence suspension and insurance consequences.
Do Parking Lot Accidents Affect Insurance?
Insurers use Ontario’s rules to determine who caused a parking lot accident. If you are found partially or fully at fault, the accident may affect your car insurance premium.