Most Hit-and-Runs Happen to Parked Cars

When you think of a hit-and-run accident, it usually involves a dramatic sideswipe at an intersection followed by burning rubber as the driver takes off. According to Allstate Insurance, though, the most common form of hit-and-run occurs when you’re not even in your car.

The insurance company has found that seven out of 10 hit-and-run collisions involve a parked car and the other driver fleeing without leaving a note. This recently happened to the wife of our own David Thomas. She parked her car at work, where it was hit in a parking space by a semitruck that sped off before anyone could get the license plate number. David assures us that this was not a pleasant experience.

Most states have strict rules about notifying owners if you collide with their parked vehicles and heavy punishment for leaving the scene of an accident. Allstate says that most insurance policies have collision coverage that will cover repairs if your car is hit while parked.

Allstate: Seven Out of 10 Hit-and-Runs in Parking Lots (DriveOn)

Comments

It's happened to every car I've ever owned. Usually it's just a small scrape, but sometimes the dents have been quite large.

My son just got his first new car and about 4 weeks later someone dented it in a parking lot.

My current car has never been hit in a parking lot. I usually park out on the fringe to avoid these jerks. Then a tree branch fell on the car and did $1000 damage.

That has happened to me three times in two years street parked in Brooklyn. Based on the condition and damage of the cars parked around me, I have to assume that it comes with the territory. Let's just say it has been a character building experience.

Jereg,
What kind of car do you drive? I don't want to park next to it!

That is some bad luck. I feel your pain.

Of course insurance covers the damage, and then your premiums go up if you have a claim (or claims). Allstate is probably setting the stage for overall premium hikes by putting this info out there.

Of coarse it happend to that Toyota in the picture! The brakes went on it, and the Toyota behind it couldn't stop.

this is quite possibly the silliest thing i've ever come across. i don't know anyone who imagines a hit-and-run as a sideswipe followed by a burnout or highspeed chase. of course the majority happen in parking lots where there are no witnesses present or none that care.

i wonder if the premiums of allstate users increased to pay for this research to confirm the obvious. what's next? speeding happens only while driving???

Nearly a decade ago, my parents were in a hit-and-run, minor, but still...

They hit it hard enough to knock the license plate off the rear bumper, when they went to pick it up the driver almost ran them over. Apparently they were high, and of course they sped off.

Hit-and-run drivers are the lowest of the low. They'll deserve what comes to them eventually.