Parking lots can be treacherous territory.
In fact, tens of thousands of crashes and hundreds of deaths occur each year in parking lots, according to the National Safety Council. The good news is that your auto policy extends to parking lots. Just check in with your local agent to make sure your coverage limits provide you with optimal protection for the range of potential parking lot scenarios.
Here are key steps to take to ensure that a fender-bender (or worse) doesn’t become a costly headache.
How to Avoid a Parking Lot Accident
- Take it slow. Proceed with caution. Driving slow and using extra caution when turning or backing up are ways to stay safe.
- Correctly set your side mirrors. Move the side mirrors out, or consider adding blind spot mirrors to your side mirrors.
- Embrace technology. Many cars now come equipped with a standard backup camera, and many vehicles now come with motion detection, cross-traffic alerts, and parking assist systems. ()
- Keep your distance. Avoid parking too close to other cars in the parking lot.
- Watch out for stray carts. Gusty winds can send shopping carts zooming…right into your car.
When it comes to parking lots, be vigilant and look out for other drivers who are searching for their perfect spot.
Have you ever wondered what type of parking lot driver you are? Take our quiz below:
ERIE® insurance products and services are provided by one or more of the following insurers: Erie Insurance Exchange, Erie Insurance Company, Erie Insurance Property & Casualty Company, Flagship City Insurance Company and Erie Family Life Insurance Company (home offices: Erie, Pennsylvania) or Erie Insurance Company of New York (home office: Rochester, New York). The companies within the Erie Insurance Group are not licensed to operate in all states. Refer to the company licensure and states of operation information.
The insurance products and rates, if applicable, described in this blog are in effect as of January 2024 and may be changed at any time.
Insurance products are subject to terms, conditions and exclusions not described in this blog. The policy contains the specific details of the coverages, terms, conditions and exclusions.
The insurance products and services described in this blog are not offered in all states. ERIE life insurance and annuity products are not available in New York. ERIE Medicare supplement products are not available in the District of Columbia or New York. ERIE long term care products are not available in the District of Columbia and New York.
Eligibility will be determined at the time of application based upon applicable underwriting guidelines and rules in effect at that time.
Your ERIE agent can offer you practical guidance and answer questions you may have before you buy.
