Parking can be chaotic. Who among us hasn’t driven around and around, seeking out the perfect spot. You know the 1, it’s not too close to other cars (your car doesn’t like car-friends), has no trolleys lurking nearby, and it’s reasonably close to where you need to be.
Look, whether you’re squeezing into a spot outside your favourite coffee shop or dodging rogue trolleys in a shopping centre, the fact is that finding a decent space can be a major struggle. And we get that while you’re just trying to get on with life, your parking choices could actually be putting your car, and your insurance, at risk.
That’s right, there are legit bad parking habits that can actually void your claim if something happens to your car. So, before you treat your handbrake like a mild suggestion, here are 5 of the worst parking offences… And how to avoid getting caught out.
1. Parking on an incline (without checking your handbrake)
It seems basic, but the correct use of your handbrake is weirdly overlooked. Weird in that it happens a bit more often than you might think. So, if you happen to be parking on a slope, don’t forget to pull up the handbrake fully, to put your car in gear (or in park, if it’s automatic), and to turn your wheels toward the curb (when applicable).
If you don’t, then your car could roll away and hit another car, or a wall, or a person. And if your insurer finds that it was your failure to secure the car that caused the damage… Your claim could be rejected.
Moral of the story? Don’t ignore your handbrake.
2. Parking in a no-parking or unsafe zone
You may be tempted to stop ‘just for a minute’ in a red zone, on a yellow line, or under that big, old (and somewhat creaky-sounding) tree. But if something happens to your car while it’s parked in a place where it clearly shouldn’t be, your insurer might not pay out.
You see, parking in risky areas, even if it’s ‘only for 2 minutes’, can be seen as negligence, especially if the area has visible warning signs or is clearly unsafe.
Moral of the story? Take the long way round, walk the extra 50 metres, and park like your policy depends on it… Because it might.
3. Leaving your windows open or doors unlocked
It’s a hot day and you’re dashing into the store for a bag of ice. You decide to crack a window ‘just a little’ so you don’t get back into a furnace. Or maybe it’s just a simple case of forgetting to lock the car on your way out. But here’s the thing: If your car is broken into and your insurer finds that it was left unsecured, your claim could be rejected.
Wondering why? Well, insurance is based on the assumption that you’re taking reasonable precautions to look after the thing that you’ve insured. So, an open window, even if it’s small, could be seen as an invitation to thieves… And a red flag for your claim.
Moral of the story? Always lock up, even if you’re just grabbing bread and milk.
4. Double-parking or blocking other cars
If you double-park or leave your car in a spot that blocks another car, you’re not only being that person, you’re also taking a risk. If your car gets bumped or scratched while sitting somewhere it shouldn’t be or if someone damages it while trying to squeeze past, then your insurer might have grounds to reject the claim.
Well, the fact is that if you park in a way that increases the risk of damage, especially without a good reason, is grounds for a rejection.
Moral of the story? Don’t be that person.
5. Ignoring the weather forecast
It might not sound like a parking mistake, but it is. Leaving your car under a tree during a windstorm or on a flood-prone street in the rainy season can be considered negligence… Especially if warnings were issued and you didn’t take precautions.
So, if a tree branch crushes your bonnet or floodwater wrecks your interior, your insurer will ask themselves if this could have been avoided. If the answer is yes, then they may just decide that the payout is a no.
Moral of the story? Be weather-wise. Parking in the shade is great until the shade comes crashing through your windscreen.
The king has your back
You should always park like your claim depends on it. You’ve no idea how many car insurance claims are influenced by how and where you parked. And while not every incident is avoidable, the best way to stay protected is to park responsibly, use your common sense, and avoid obvious risks.
We’re here to back you up, and all we ask is for you to do your part and take care of your baby to the best of your abilities. So, the next time you’re in a rush and tempted to take a shortcut, remember this article… And park like a pro.
Click here for a commitment-free insurance quote or you can WhatsApp us on 0860 50 50 50
FAQs
1. Can bad parking habits really void my car insurance claim?
Yes, absolutely. If your insurer determines that negligence (like failing to use your handbrake or parking in a no-parking zone) contributed to the damage or loss, they could reject your claim. Always park responsibly to stay covered.
2. Is it a problem to leave my windows slightly open while parked?
Yes, even cracking a window ‘just a little’ can be considered a security risk. If your car is broken into and it’s found to be left unsecured, your insurance claim could be denied.
3. What happens if I park under a tree during a storm and my car gets damaged?
If warnings were issued and it was avoidable, parking in high-risk areas (like under old trees in a windstorm) could be seen as negligence and your claim might be rejected.
4. Will I be covered if I double-park and my car gets damaged?
Not necessarily. Parking in a way that blocks others or increases the risk of damage can be seen as irresponsible. If damage occurs in these situations, your insurer may deny your claim.
5. Why does it matter if I park on a slope without using the handbrake properly?
Improper use of the handbrake on inclines can cause your car to roll and cause damage or injury. If your insurer finds you didn’t secure your vehicle properly, they can decline your claim.