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How to handle a parking lot accident
Updated February 26, 2026 . AmFam Team
When it comes to traffic accidents, parking lots can be a gray area. It’s not a roadway, and sometimes one of the drivers isn’t even around during or after the accident. So, what do you do if you’re in one?
For starters, take a deep breath. You’ve got this. And to help you along the way, we’ve gathered some helpful tips for dealing with some of the most common parking accidents.
Hit and run
If you arrive at your parked car and notice it’s been damaged while you were gone, hopefully the responsible party has put their name and phone number on a slip of paper under your windshield wiper. If not, you’ll want to take these steps:
Photograph the damage
Take good shots of the damage to your vehicle, including any broken glass like your windshield or headlights. If you see any other cars in the area that were also damaged, take pictures of those, too.
Write it down
Record what day the accident occurred and what time you discovered it. This is important information to have when reporting the incident.
Contact the police
Even if the damage isn’t that significant, you should still call the police. Call the local non-emergency line to have an officer sent to you.
Call your insurance agent
The sooner your agent is aware of the accident, the sooner they can help you get your life back to normal. Your American Family Insurance agent is always ready to help you when the unexpected happens.
Investigate the accident
It won’t hurt to do some detective work. If the parking area or business you’re located at has a security office, contact them to see if they have video surveillance that could determine what happened. If you parked on the street, check local businesses to see if any of them have street-side cameras that may have captured the incident. Some businesses only keep film for a limited time, so quick action is your best bet.
Fender bender
Although fender benders usually mean less damage, it’s a good idea to handle these accidents the same way you’d handle one that occurred while driving.
Remember, when you’re involved in any car accident, follow these quick tips to help make sure your situation gets handled as smoothly and safely as possible:
- Remain calm
- Call the local authorities
- Collect information
- Document everything
- Contact your agent
What to do if you’re at fault in a parking lot accident
Typically, if only one car is moving at the time of the parking accident, the driver of the moving car is at fault. However actual fault determination usually depends on local laws and circumstances. And may be determined by police or insurance adjusters based on evidence.
If you’re found at fault in a parking lot car accident, follow these tips to safely and responsibly resolve the situation:
Share your information
Always provide your insurance information, name and phone number to the other individual.
If you can, wait
If they aren’t near their car when the incident occurs, wait for the owner of the car you hit to arrive. If you’re at a venue where you can go inside to have them called to their car, leave your phone number and name on their windshield in case they come back while you’re gone.
Leave your contact info
If they don’t arrive before you leave, write your phone number and name on a piece of paper and slip it under their windshield wipers. Make sure you don’t share your insurance information with them until you connect in person.
How to avoid parking lot accidents
To help decrease the chance of getting into a car accident at a parking lot, there are a few easy tips you can follow:
- Drive slowly and cautiously in the parking lot
- Obey the directional arrows painted on the lot
- Don’t park in a compact space if you don’t have a compact car
- Park between the lines — never take up two or more spots
- Look in both directions when backing up and use your mirrors and rearview camera
- Park in a spot where you can pull forward instead of backing out if possible
If a parking lot accident happens, having your car protected means one less thing to worry about. Get in touch with your agent today and make sure your car insurance policy has you covered in the event of an accident.
Looking for more resources in case the unexpected happens to your vehicle? Check out our Car Accident Hub for more helpful articles like this.
This article is for informational purposes only and includes information widely available through different sources. This article does not afford, offer, or guarantee any coverage.
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