Accident While Parked? Learn What To Do

Walking back to your car and finding it dented, scraped, or badly damaged while you were nowhere near the wheel is frustrating and confusing. For many Australian drivers, “damaged while parked” is not just bad luck – it is one of the most common reasons for a motor insurance claim, with one major insurer reporting that parked-vehicle damage accounts for around 18% of all claims. In fact, car parks are among the riskiest locations on the road network, with one analysis showing that car parks make up 17.4% of reported non-fatal crashes nationwide. If you were not at fault, knowing exactly what to do – and who can help – can save you time, money, and stress.

This guide explains the practical steps to take after your car is hit while parked, and how CrashClaim helps not-at-fault drivers across Australia get back on the road with expert claim management and an accident replacement vehicle at no cost to them (with costs recovered from the at‑fault insurer).

How Common Are Parked-Car Accidents?

Parking lots are accident hotspots

Low speeds can give a false sense of security, but data shows that car parks are a major crash hotspot in Australia. One large study of more than 14,000 non-fatal accidents found that car parks accounted for 17.4% of all reported crashes, making them riskier than intersections and roundabouts. Another insurer has reported that “damaged while parked” is its single most common claim type, responsible for 18% of all motor claims.

Research also shows that a significant share of crash and damage claims occur while vehicles are parking or already parked, underlining how exposed your vehicle is even when you are not driving. For many drivers, the first time they learn about their rights in a not-at-fault parked-car crash is after the damage has already been done.

Why these statistics matter for you

These numbers highlight two important facts: first, being hit while parked is extremely common, and second, it is very often a not-at-fault situation for the parked driver. In other words, if your legally parked car has been hit, chances are the other party is responsible – and that opens the door to powerful protections, including access to a like-for-like replacement vehicle and professional help with your claim through providers like CrashClaim.

What To Do Right After Your Car Is Hit While Parked

1. Stay calm and check for safety

Before anything else, make sure the area is safe. If your car is in a dangerous position (for example, protruding into traffic), move it to a safer spot once you have quickly noted its original position and taken a few initial photos.

2. Document the damage in detail

• Take clear photos of all visible damage, close-up and from a distance.
• Capture the surrounding area, road markings, parking bays, and any skid marks or debris.
• If the other vehicle is present, photograph its position, damage, and number plate.

These **images** can become crucial evidence when proving you were not at fault and when CrashClaim’s team is pursuing the at-fault driver’s insurer on your behalf.

3. Look for a note, witnesses, or CCTV

In an ideal world, the at-fault driver leaves their contact and insurance details on your windscreen. Unfortunately, many parked-car crashes go unreported. Surveys suggest that a significant proportion of drivers admit hitting a parked car and leaving without reporting it, which is effectively a hit-and-run scenario for you.

• Check your windscreen for any note left by the other driver.
• Ask nearby pedestrians, shop staff, or security if they saw anything.
• Look around for CCTV cameras in car parks, service stations, or street-facing buildings and ask how to request footage.

4. Report the incident

In many Australian states, you should report the accident to police if the damage is significant, the other driver fled, or details were not exchanged. A police report helps establish a clear record that you were not at fault, which can strengthen a not‑at‑fault claim and support the recovery process handled by CrashClaim.

5. Collect the key details

Whenever possible, gather this information:

• Full name, phone number, address, and licence number of the other driver.
• Registration, make, and model of the other vehicle.
• Insurance details (insurer name and policy number, if available).
• Date, time, and precise location of the incident.

The more accurate your information, the faster a claims specialist can start working on your behalf to recover costs from the at-fault insurer.

How CrashClaim Helps Not-at-Fault Drivers

End-to-end claims management – at no cost to you

Dealing with insurers, assessors, and repairers after a parking-lot accident can be overwhelming, especially when you were not at fault. CrashClaim is one of Australia’s leading non-fault accident claim specialists, providing a complete claims management service so you don’t have to navigate it alone. For eligible not-at-fault drivers, their services are provided at no cost, because CrashClaim pursues the at‑fault driver’s insurer for all reasonable costs.

When you contact CrashClaim after a not-at-fault parked-car accident, their team can:

• Confirm fault based on the circumstances and evidence.
• Manage communication with the at-fault party’s insurer.
• Arrange quality repairs with trusted repairers across Australia.
• Handle the paperwork and follow-up, so you can focus on your day-to-day life.

This professional support means you can often avoid paying your insurance excess and protect your no-claims history, while your vehicle is restored to its pre-accident condition.

Accident replacement vehicles: keep moving while your car is off the road

One of the biggest worries after your car is hit while parked is how you will get around while it is being repaired. Australian law allows not-at-fault drivers to seek to be put back into the position they were in before the accident, which can include a similar replacement vehicle while theirs is off the road, with costs typically recovered from the at-fault insurer.

CrashClaim offers accident replacement vehicles to eligible not-at-fault drivers, with a focus on like-for-like or similar models so you can continue your normal routine with minimal disruption. Whether you drive a small hatch, family SUV, prestige sedan, ute, van, or even a motorcycle or scooter, CrashClaim maintains access to a wide range of vehicles that can be delivered directly to you, often the same day your claim is approved.

Why choose CrashClaim after a parked-car accident?

• No upfront cost to eligible not-at-fault drivers, with costs pursued from the at‑fault insurer.
• Specialist expertise in non-fault accidents, including car-park and parked-vehicle claims.
• Like-for-like replacement vehicle so you can keep working, caring for family, and living your life while your car is repaired.
• Protection of your own policy by avoiding an at‑fault claim on your insurance, which can help protect your no-claims benefits.

Next steps if your parked car has just been hit

If your car has been damaged while parked and you believe you are not at fault, you do not have to face the process alone. Start by gathering photos, witness details, and any note left by the other driver, then reach out to CrashClaim with as much information as you have. Their experienced team can quickly assess your situation, arrange an accident replacement vehicle, and manage your claim from start to finish – helping you turn a stressful car-park mishap into a controlled, well-managed experience.

With car parks responsible for a significant share of crashes and “damaged while parked” sitting among the top claim types in Australia, it pays to know your rights and have a trusted non-fault claims partner ready to help when you need it most.