ERIE INSURANCE HOME Menu CAR SENSE 5 Ways to Avoid Parking Lot Accidents by Jennifer Sonntag on October 2, 2020 As Americans continue to pick-up online orders or use curbside to-go options for shopping or dining out, parking lots are still bustling with drivers (and sometimes, distracted ones). The good news is that your ERIE auto policy extends to parking lots. Just check in with your local ERIE agent to make sure your coverage limits provide you with optimal protection for the range of potential parking lot scenarios. Learn more in our related story on how insurance can cover parking lot accidents. Here are key steps to take to ensure that a fender-bender (or worse) doesn’t end up being a costly headache. HOW TO AVOID A PARKING LOT ACCIDENT Take it slow. Proceed with caution. Driving slow and using extra caution when turning or backing up are ways to stay safe. Correctly set your side mirrors. Move the side mirrors out or consider adding blind spot mirrors to your side mirrors. Embrace technology. Many cars now come equipped with a standard backup camera, and a lot of vehicles now come with motion detection, cross traffic alerts and parking assist systems. (Wondering what's new these days? See what made our list of 12 high-tech car safety upgrades to consider.) Keep your distance. Avoid parking too close to other cars in the parking lot. Watch out for stray carts. Gusty winds can send shopping carts zooming…right into your car. When it comes to parking lots, make sure you keep a watchful eye and are on the lookout for other drivers who are searching for their perfect parking spot. Have you ever wondered what type of parking lot driver you are? Take our quiz below: RELATED STORIES How Does Insurance Cover Parking Lot Accidents? Can You Guess The Real Cost of a Fender Bender? Yep! Accidents Happen. (Then What?) BUSINESS SENSE CAR SENSE HOME SENSE LIFE SENSE ERIE STORIES SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ©2010-2021 Erie Indemnity Co. Privacy Terms of Use Disclaimer States of Operation ERIE® insurance products and services are provided by one or more of the following insurers: Erie Insurance Exchange, Erie Insurance Company, Erie Insurance Property & Casualty Company, Flagship City Insurance Company and Erie Family Life Insurance Company (home offices: Erie, Pennsylvania) or Erie Insurance Company of New York (home office: Rochester, New York). The companies within the Erie Insurance Group are not licensed to operate in all states. Refer to the company licensure and states of operation information. The insurance products and rates, if applicable, described in this blog are in effect as of October 2020 and may be changed at any time. Insurance products are subject to terms, conditions and exclusions not described in this blog. The policy contains the specific details of the coverages, terms, conditions and exclusions. The insurance products and services described in this blog are not offered in all states. ERIE life insurance and annuity products are not available in New York. ERIE Medicare supplement products are not available in the District of Columbia, New York and Wisconsin. ERIE long term care products are not available in the District of Columbia and New York. Eligibility will be determined at the time of application based upon applicable underwriting guidelines and rules in effect at that time. Your ERIE agent can offer you practical guidance and answer questions you may have before you buy.