Car hanging up in a parking lot: are you covered?

Car hanging up in a parking lot: are you covered?
Skirmishes in parking lots are common. But, are you covered if your car gets hitched? Find the answer to your question here.


 
Car hanging up in a parking lot: are you covered?
In collaboration with Promutuel Insurance.
In collaboration with Promutuel Insurance.
After shopping and finding your car, you notice that it suffered a collision which damaged its bodywork. Misery! Although this is an unfortunate incident, accidents in parking areas are unfortunately very common. However, sometimes it is difficult to determine who is at fault and whether auto insurance covers these types of situations.

In order to shed light on the subject, Promutuel Insurance will teach you more about the issue of insurance in the event of a crash in a parking lot. Whether your car gets hooked by another vehicle or a basket, here is more information on your protections in such an incident.

COLLISION IN A PARKING: 50/50 LIABILITY?
Many motorists believe that liability is split evenly, in the event of a collision between two or more vehicles, in an unmarked parking lot. Is this a myth or a reality? The answer: it's more of a myth.

In Quebec, to determine the level of liability of motorists involved in an accident, insurers must refer to the Direct Compensation Agreement (CID) of the Groupement des assureurs automobiles (GAA). Thanks to detailed and pre-established scales, they are able to assess the liability of each of the parties involved in an accident occurring in the territory of the province.

However, in the event of conflicting testimony from the parties and the absence of an independent witness, the responsibility may be split 50/50.

COLLISION: BASIC RULES IN PARKING
In a parking lot, the CID mentions some important concepts, especially about main and side aisles. A main lane is a main lane, in an unmarked parking lot, used to enter, exit or circulate therein. A secondary aisle is a path that feeds a main or other aisle. The following basic principles are taken into account by insurers when making their decision:

Priority is given to a vehicle traveling in an alley and not to a vehicle leaving a parking space.
Priority is given to a vehicle traveling in a main alley and not to a vehicle traveling in a secondary alley.
HANGING WHEN YOUR CAR IS PARKED: COVERED OR NOT?
Let us return to the situation of your car parked, hooked up by another vehicle, while you do your shopping or you are about to put the key in the ignition. In such a situation, the driver of the car that hooked you up is 100% responsible. There are two options available to you to be compensated:

1. The driver at fault runs away without speaking to you

If the responsible motorist leaves the scene without speaking to you, you have been the victim of a hit and run. If you can, write down their registration number. You will then need to contact the police to get a report. Contact your insurer as soon as possible so they can guide you through the process to follow.

Will you be covered for damage to your car in this situation? Yes, as long as you have opted for “collision and upset risk” or “all risk” coverage when contacting your auto insurance. Otherwise, in the case of a hit-and-run, the Quebec Automobile Insurance Company could compensate you.

If, on your turn, you crash into an unoccupied car, be sure to do the right thing. Wait until the owner of the vehicle in question returns to resolve the situation. If you can't wait, you should contact the police to report the accident and provide the information needed to resolve the matter. According to the Highway Safety Code, if you do not do so, it constitutes a hit-and-run and puts you at risk of receiving a fine and 9 demerit points. Be aware that leaving your contact details in the windshield of a damaged car is not the best practice.

2. The driver at fault remains on site to resolve the incident

If the driver involved remains on site and no one is injured, you must jointly complete an amicable report. The amicable report is also available electronically. If, you are not able to get hold of this document, just write down the contact details and driver's license, the name of the insurer