Do Parking Lot Accidents Qualify for Insurance Claims?

Yes, parking lot accidents can qualify for insurance claims in India, depending on the type of coverage and circumstances. If you park your car in a crowded parking space, there’s a high chance of your vehicle getting dents, scratches, scuffs, cracks, etc. 

Hence, knowing whether claims can be filed in such situations, what type of car insurance policies include parking lot accidents in coverage, a step-wise claim filing process, etc., becomes crucial for car owners. We’ve covered all these aspects in this blog, so you’re well informed about how to navigate such situations.

Types of Parking Lot Accidents Covered by Insurance

• Vehicle Collision

Collision between two vehicles inside a parking lot, whether while reversing, steering, pulling out of a slot, etc., is generally covered in a Comprehensive Car Insurance Policy. If you have accidentally collided your car with another vehicle, then the claim can be paid using your Third-Party Car Insurance. 

If you have a Comprehensive Or Stand-Alone Own Damage Car Insurance Policy, you can file a parking lot accident insurance claim if an unidentified person collides with your parked car. These claims require proper documentation, FIRs (in serious cases), and repair estimates. 

• Damage to Parked Cars

If your parked car is hit or scratched by another vehicle, then you can file a car parking accident insurance claim. If the offender is identifiable, they will compensate you using their Third-Party Insurance Policy. However, if you cannot identify the offender, then use your own Stand-Alone Own Damage Car Insurance Policy or comprehensive policy to get the required claim.

• Minor Damages

Most Comprehensive Car Insurance Policies typically cover damages caused by man-made activities, as well as key scratches or deliberate dents in parking lots. However, you must have valid proof, such as a CCTV recording or a police report, to support your claim. 
 

Insurance Policies That Cover Parking Lot Accidents

• Collision Coverage

Collision coverage is generally included under Comprehensive Car Insurance Policies. If your car collides with another vehicle in a parking lot, you can use this coverage to file a parking lot accident insurance claim to cover the repair costs. 

• Comprehensive Policy

Anyone looking for enhanced protection for their car, including damages caused during parking lot accidents, should invest in a good comprehensive policy. 

Whether a vehicle gets damaged in the parking lot due to collision, hit-and-run, or natural calamities, you will receive approved compensation from your insurer. 

• Stand-alone Own Damage Car Insurance Policy

The stand-alone own damage car insurance policy safeguards car owners against repair costs if their vehicle gets damaged in the parking lot. This policy is incredibly crucial, as it saves you financially if the offender cannot be identified or tracked for demanding repair costs.  

• Third-Party Policy

Third-party policy can be used when you accidentally damage another vehicle in the parking lot. However, it doesn’t cover damages caused to your car.
 

Claim Process for Parking Lot Accidents

If you’ve purchased a Shriram Car Insurance Policy, then you can file a claim request using the following steps:

• You can register a claim on the MYSGI app or at the Shriram General Insurance website. Alternatively, you can call us at our toll-free numbers 1800-300-30000/1800-103-3009 from 4:00 AM to Midnight 12:00 AM for registering a claim.
• Submit the required documents, such as the description and location of the accident, FIR copy (if any), vehicle inspection address, etc. 
• Wait for verification.

  Once your documents are verified and approved, the claim will be disbursed at the earliest.
 

Tips to Ensure Smooth Claim Approval

• Always Document the Scene

You will have to submit proper documentation during the claim application process, so ensure you document the accident scene carefully. You can take videos and images of the damaged car, the surrounding area, nearby vehicles, and other relevant details. 

Contact the parking authority to obtain CCTV recordings of the accident. It will help you identify the offender or any witnesses, strengthening your claim request. 

• Get Repair Estimates from Authorised Garages

Damaged cars should be taken to authorised garages for a near-accurate repair estimate, as it will help you finalise the claim amount. You can also opt for cashless settlements in insurer-authorised garages as their repair estimates are accepted faster. 

It also gives the benefit of reduced disputes and faster approvals. Non-authorised garages may complicate and delay the process. 

• Maintain a Comprehensive Policy with Add-ons

Car owners should always secure their four-wheelers under a comprehensive car insurance policy because it provides enhanced coverage. For example, you can choose the Shriram Comprehensive Car Insurance Policy as it covers loss or damage to the vehicle, whether it’s caused by man-made or natural calamities. 

Besides enhanced coverage, Shriram General Insurance also stands out for fast-track claim support, so you’re always updated on the claim status.
 

Conclusion

Parking lot accidents have become more common than ever due to the increasing number of car purchases and the resulting congestion in parking lots at commonly visited locations. While you cannot prevent your car from getting scratched or damaged, you can protect it by securing it under a relevant Car Insurance Policy. 

You can consider choosing a Comprehensive Car Insurance Policy from Shriram General Insurance because it provides enhanced coverage at budget-friendly premiums. You can also customise the coverage by choosing relevant add-ons. Our faster-claim settlement, 100% paperless application process, and 24*7 claim notification process will keep you stress-free.
 

FAQs

1. Can I claim insurance for a dent in a parking lot?

Yes, you can claim a car parking accident insurance claim for a dent if you have a comprehensive or stand-alone own damage car insurance policy.
 

2. What if the offender flees the scene?

Even if the offender flees the scene, you can claim a parking lot accident insurance claim using your stand-alone own damage or comprehensive policy.
 

3. Is FIR mandatory for minor parking accidents?

FIR isn’t mandatory for minor parking accidents. Insurers generally ask for FIR copies in case of theft, vandalism, hit-and-run, and other significant damage.
 

4. Should I use a Zero-Depreciation Cover for parking damage?

Yes, you can use Zero-Depreciation Cover for parking damage if you don’t want the insurer to deduct depreciation on replaced parts. It leads to higher reimbursement.
 

5. Can I claim damages caused due to man-made activities in a parking lot?

Yes, you can claim such damages under a Comprehensive Car Insurance Policy. However, you will have to submit valid proofs, such as a FIR copy, CCTV recordings, etc.
 

6. Are cashless claims available for parking lot accidents?

Yes, you can get a cashless claim if you repair the damaged car in an insurer-authorised garage.
 

7. Will third-party insurance cover my parked car’s damages?

No, Third-Party Insurance will only cover damages you cause to another vehicle or person. To financially secure your car, consider getting a Comprehensive or Stand-Alone Own Car Damage Policy.