Holiday Parking Lot Accidents: What Most People Don’t Know

​Holiday parking lots are one of the most common places for fender benders — but most drivers aren’t aware of how insurance works in these situations.

​Here’s what homeowners and drivers should know before the busy season.

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The holiday season brings crowded stores, packed parking lots, distracted shoppers, and rushed drivers.

It’s no surprise that parking lot accidents spike by nearly 20% between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, according to the National Safety Council (NSC).

But while these collisions are usually low-speed, the insurance side can get confusing, especially when both drivers assume the other is at fault.

Here’s what most people don’t know about holiday parking lot accidents — and how to protect yourself.

🚗 1. Most Parking Lots Are Considered “Private Property”
This is one of the biggest surprises for drivers.
Parking lots at:

• Malls
• Shopping centers
• Grocery stores
• Restaurants
• Churches
• Private businesses

…are all typically private property, not public roadways.

What this means:

• Police may not come out unless injuries are involved
• Officers often won’t issue official citations
• So even if the other driver admits fault verbally, insurers will rely on evidence — not conversations.

📸 2. Evidence Matters More Than You Think
Because police reports are limited on private property, the insurance claim relies heavily on:

• Photos of both vehicles
• Exact location & parking space positions
• Security footage (if available)
• Witness statements
• Your account vs. the other driver's account

Tip: Take photos before you move the vehicles — especially showing lanes, lines, and angles.

🔄 3. Backing Out = Higher Chance of Being At Fault
This is a major detail drivers don’t know.
Insurance companies commonly assign fault this way:
✔️ If YOU were backing out
You may be found at fault — even if the other driver was moving fast or distracted.
✔️ If BOTH vehicles were backing out
Many carriers consider this shared fault (often 50/50).
✔️ If the other driver was backing and you were driving straight
The backing vehicle is typically considered at fault.
(Source: Multiple carrier claims guidelines & NAIC auto claims standards.)

🛑 4. Stop Sign Rules Still Apply in Parking Lots
Even on private property, insurers still consider the rules of the road.

Examples:

• If you roll a stop sign → you may be at fault
• If you're in the through-lane → you typically have right of way
• If a car pulls out suddenly → they are likely at fault

Parking lots don’t remove liability — the same right-of-way logic applies.

💥 5. “Minor” Parking Lot Accidents Can Still Be Expensive
Even at low speeds, accidents often cause:

• Crumpled bumpers
• Damaged sensors/cameras
• Misaligned frames
• Broken lights
• Scratches requiring full panel repainting

Modern cars with ADAS systems (parking sensors, cameras, lane assist) can have repairs in the $1,000–$3,000+ range, even for small impacts.

🧾 6. You May Need to Use Your Own Insurance
In many cases, the other party may:

• Leave without exchanging info
• Refuse responsibility
• Have no insurance
• Provide incorrect information

In these situations, your collision coverage or uninsured motorist property damage may apply.
Having the right coverage = smoother holidays.

🪄 7. Parking Lot Theft & Vandalism Also Spike
Holiday shopping = more break-ins.
Thieves target unlocked vehicles and busy parking lots.
Insurance may cover:

• Stolen items (through homeowners/renters insurance)
• Damage to your car (through comprehensive coverage)

But personal property stolen from a car is not covered by auto insurance — most people don’t know this.

🛡️ 8. How to Protect Yourself During Holiday Shopping
​Use these simple steps:
✔️ Park in well-lit areasThieves avoid visibility.
✔️ Keep shopping bags out of sightTrunk > back seat every time.
✔️ Drive slowly & expect sudden stopsKids, carts, distracted shoppers — parking lots are unpredictable.
✔️ Use your backup camera and mirrorsCameras are helpful, not perfect.
✔️ Don’t assume the other driver sees youHoliday traffic = distracted drivers.

❤️ Final Thoughts
Parking lot accidents may be small, but the insurance details can get complicated fast — especially during the busy holiday season.
Understanding how fault works and what your insurance covers can save you time, money, and stress.

If you want to review your auto coverage before the holidays, the Corin Insurance team is here to help you prepare and stay protected.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace legal or insurance advice. Claim outcomes vary by carrier, circumstances, and state laws. For tailored guidance, contact a licensed Corin Insurance agent.