You’d think a parked car is safe, right? No traffic, no speeding, no other drivers. But here’s the reality: Parked cars are still at risk… And not just from criminals. Hail, burst pipes, falling trees, and even reckless delivery scooters can strike when you least expect it.
So, if your car spends more time standing still than on the move (especially in winter), here’s what you need to know to make sure your insurance still has you covered.
Yes, insurance covers parked cars but…
With that being said, you’d need to check your cover. The reason? Not all policies are created equal. Let’s say that you have our royally comprehensive car insurance. If that’s the policy you have, you’re covered for damage while your car is parked. Whether it’s parked at home, the office, or even parked under a tree that suddenly turns vengeful, you’re covered.
However, if you’ve opted for third-party only or third-party, fire and theft, you might not be covered for accidental or weather-related damage while parked.
So, really, to know if you’re covered, you’re going to need to check what level of cover you have. Now’s a good time. We’ll wait. You go on and check your policy schedule.
Where you park could matter…
When you take out a policy, whether it’s with us or any other insurer in South Africa, you’ll be asked where your car is kept most of the time. We’ll ask where you park it most of the time during the day and at night, because this info helps us work out your risk profile and premium.
If that situation changes (for example, you start parking on the street instead of in a garage), and you don’t tell us, it could affect your claim.
So yes, honesty = lower drama come claim time.
Common parked-car risks we see all the time…
You might be surprised how many claims come from cars that weren’t even moving:
- Hail damage during a summer storm.
- Theft from gated complexes with dodgy security.
- Flooding in basement parking garages.
- Trees falling onto cars during storms.
- Kids playing cricket… With bad aim.
The key takeaway? Your car’s just as vulnerable to life’s “oopsies” moments while standing still.
Storing your car for a while? That’s a different story…
If your car’s off the road long-term, say, you’re going overseas or using another car for a while, you might be tempted to cancel your cover. But honestly, that leaves you open to unexpected costs, even if the car never moves an inch. What you can do instead is chat to us about adjusting your cover.
We can sometimes switch to a storage-friendly policy, which costs less but still protects your car against theft, fire, and other non-driving risks.
Simple ways to reduce parked-car risks…
While our royal cover is your safety net, we have to say that prevention is always better (and cheaper). So, please make sure that you park in a garage or carport if you can, avoid tree-lined areas during storm season, don’t leave valuables visible inside, and make sure your address and parking details are up to date.
Stick to these guidelines and you’ll reduce your chances of claiming. Maybe even lower your premium. And remember, your car doesn’t need to be moving to get damaged… Or to be covered. With the right insurance and a quick policy check, you can park easy knowing you’re protected.
After all, standing still is no guarantee of staying safe… But King Price is. If you’re looking for car insurance that has your back and doesn’t cost a fortune, then we’ve got you.
Click here for a commitment-free insurance quote or you can WhatsApp us on 0860 50 50 50