Parking lots can be crazy places. Whether you’re at the mall, the grocery store or even just grabbing a quick coffee… all those cars coming and going can up anyone’s chances of being in a parking lot accident.

Which may lead you to wonder: How does insurance cover parking lot accidents? Let’s walk through a few common scenarios.

What Happens if I Hit Someone Else’s Car in a Parking Lot?

Accidents happen. That’s why having the right auto insurance can give you peace of mind.

If you do hit a car in a parking lot, here’s what to do next:

• Don’t leave the scene. If you drive away without telling anyone, that’s considered a hit-and-run accident, meaning you would have to pay legal penalties. Depending on the state where you live, the consequences for leaving a crash can include criminal charges, fines, license revocation and even jail time. So do the honest thing and stick around.
• Get out of harm’s way. Even a simple fender-bender can block traffic or scatter broken glass. Make sure you’re a safe distance from anything dangerous and be mindful of the flow of traffic. If needed, put your hazard lights on to alert nearby drivers.
• Try to locate the car’s owner. If you’re in a parking lot for a specific store, try contacting the owner directly. Note the make, model and color of the car and ask a store employee to page the owner over the loudspeaker. If you’re in a place, like a grocery store, where people are unlikely to leave a car parked for a long period of time, you could also try waiting for the car’s owner to return.
• Leave a note. It’s the right thing to do… and potentially even the law. Not leaving a note is considered a hit-and-run in the majority of states, even if the damage was just a small scratch. Keep it simple and polite. Include your name, contact information, and a brief explanation of what happened. Leave it in a secure spot where it won’t blow away, like under the windshield wiper.
• Consider calling the police. If the damage is serious, call the non-emergency number of the local police department. An officer can help you file an incident report and track down the car’s owner.
• Call your insurance agent. When you’re with Erie Insurance, you don’t have to go it alone. Your local ERIE agent is there to answer questions and help you understand what’s covered.

Remember, policy conditions might require you to tell ERIE or your agent about the incident – even if you decide not to file a claim. Learn more about what to do when accidents happen.

Someone Hit My Parked Car. Now What?

An at-fault driver’s auto insurance should cover the property damage they caused to the other vehicle. Hopefully, they left a note and you can get in touch without too much fuss.

Unfortunately, some people won’t do the right thing. If you return to a dented or dinged car with no indication of who did it, you can ask around to see if anyone witnessed the accident. If there aren’t any, ask the store if they have security cameras. Take pictures of the damage to your vehicle as well. (They’ll come in handy if you take advantage of ERIE’s photo appraisal process.)

If the incident is a hit-and-run—or if the at-fault driver has no auto insurance or not enough insurance—you’ll have to rely on your own auto insurance to cover the damage. That’s assuming you purchased optional collision coverage on your own vehicle.

Also, uninsured motorist property damage coverage that is available in some states protects your car if it’s struck by a hit-and-run driver. (A deductible may apply.)

Just keep in mind that you’ll likely need uninsured and underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage. This insurance coverage is optional in some states and mandatory in others. It covers you and your passengers’ damages if you’re injured by an uninsured driver or a driver who doesn’t have enough coverage to pay for your medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering.

Whether it’s a simple fender-bender or something more serious, remember – your local ERIE agent is there to help answer questions and provide advice.

What Happens if Two Cars Hit Each Other at the Same Time?

There is usually an at-fault driver when there’s a parking lot accident. Determining who was at fault is important because it often dictates which driver’s insurance company will pay for the damages – including things like car repairs, medical bills and property damage. And whether or not you’re at fault can impact your auto rates after the accident, too.

But there are some cases where an accident is two drivers’ fault—for instance, two people may back out at the same time and hit each other. What typically happens in these cases is that each driver files a claim with their own insurance company.

How to Prevent Parking Lot Accidents

Luckily, there are steps you can take to keep you, your car and others safe. Get our list of tips for how to avoid a parking lot accident.

Unfortunately, accidents do happen. But when you’re with ERIE, you have your own personal insurance advisor – your local ERIE agent – when they do.

Watching deer in their natural habitat can be an enjoyable, peaceful experience. But encountering one on a roadway? That’s a different story.

If it’s happened to you… you’re not alone. More than 1.5 million drivers are involved in deer collisions each year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, causing nearly $1 billion in vehicle damage. (Learn how auto insurance can help you if you hit a deer.)

We’ve already shared tips on how to avoid hitting a deer if one jumps in front of your car. But what about those common bits of folklore that everyone seems to have heard about deer collisions? Is there any truth to those?

Below are six common myths you may have heard… along with some facts to back them up.

• Myth: Deer are more active at sunrise and sunset. Status: True. While deer can—and do—cross the road at all hours of the day, dusk and dawn are their peak hours of activity. Deer are “crepuscular” animals. That’s a fancy way of saying they move the most during twilight. So if you’re driving as the sun is rising or coming home from work at dusk… be especially careful.
• Myth: You’re more likely to hit a deer in the fall. Status: True. Nearly half of all deer/vehicle collisions happen between October and December. Not coincidentally, deer mating season and peak hunting days also fall between these months. As deer are running from hunters or looking for a mate… odds are they’ll cross a road somewhere in between.Related:Top 4 Fall Driving Hazards (And How to Handle Them)
• Myth: Deer whistles can prevent collisions. Status: False. Deer whistles attach to your vehicle and are said to emit a frequency that alerts deer of your presence and send them running away. Despite anecdotal evidence – we all probably know someone who swears by their deer whistle! – no credible study has proven them to be effective. One research study at the University of Georgia found that no matter how loud or high-pitched the whistle, the sound isn’t enough to alter the deer’s behavior. Tried-and-tested technology like crash avoidance features might give you more (or… less?) bang for your buck.
• Myth: Hitting a deer isn’t that dangerous. Status: False.  Nobody wants to face the repair costs of a deer collision. But in many instances, these crashes cause more than just inconvenience. In 2016, the IIHS recorded 189 deaths from collisions with animals. It’s important to note that the most serious injuries occur when a vehicle leaves the roadway—so know when to swerve, and when to stay in your lane. Related: When is a car considered totaled… and what happens when it is?
• Myth: More deer are present at “deer crossing” signs. Status: True. If you encounter a deer crossing sign, it’s there for a reason.  Signs are installed in areas with high deer populations and a history of deer collisions. Additional factors that can lead to crashes, such as road conditions and visibility, also inform where deer crossing signs are placed. (And before anyone asks: The signs, of course, are for people to read… not the deer.)
• Myth: If I hit a deer, I can take home the meat. Status: It depends. If you have a taste for venison, you may be tempted to make the best of an unfortunate situation by taking the unlucky animal home with you. But first, check with the authorities – it’s usually the body that regulates hunting in your state, such as the Game Commission or the Fish and Wildlife Division. (Here’s a helpful list, organized by state.) In some states you’re free to take the animal, but not before filing a police report or applying for a special permit or tag. In other states, it’s downright illegal.

Does my auto insurance cover hitting a deer?

Deer-vehicle collisions are covered under the comprehensive portion of your auto insurance, which is an optional coverage you can choose to add on. (Learn more about understanding your auto policy.) An insurance professional like a local Erie Insurance agent can help you customize an auto insurance package that fits your needs and budget.

You’re sitting calmly in traffic drumming your fingers on the steering wheel when you hear the sound of brakes screeching from behind. Glancing in the rearview mirror, you see a car barreling toward you and brace for the crash.

In 2023, more than 5.25 million Americans experienced an auto accident, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). While we can’t always prevent accidents from happening, we can prepare for what to do when they occur.

First and foremost, your ERIE Agent is here for you and can guide you through the entire claims process. Our claims adjusters will also help determine the next steps for restoring or replacing your vehicle, and your online account or mobile app will keep you posted on the claims process.

What now?

A car accident is just that, an accident. If you find yourself in the aftermath you might notice that as the adrenaline drops off, your brain starts to whirl with questions. Often, the loudest one is, what now?

First, make sure everyone involved is safe. If your vehicle can be moved out of the roadway, do so. No matter what, be sure to turn on your hazard lights.

Next, remember to stay calm. Take some deep breaths and remember, with ERIE, you are not alone.

Then:

• Call the police to report the accident. If someone needs medical attention at the scene, call 911
• If your vehicle needs to be towed, be cautious of predatory towing companies. Using them may result in expensive out of pocket charges. ERIE has a towing program, and you can request an accident tow by using your mobile app. If using a towing provider at the scene, be sure to obtain the towing company name, operator, contact information and location to where the vehicle is being towed.
• Document the scene. Take notes, photos, videos and voice memos. Make sure to get:

• Date, time and location
• Description of what happened, while it’s still fresh in your mind
• Contact information of those involved and any witnesses
• Insurance information, driver’s license number and license plate information of all drivers involved
• Identifying information of all responding officers
• Photos of the involved vehicle from different angles, showing the damage done to both cars. Note that if you use ERIE’s photo appraisal option, you’ll need to take additional photos of your vehicle during the photo appraisal process.
• Copy of final accident report

If your accident was the result of a hit and run, the steps don’t vary much. Record any details you may recall about the vehicle that hit you and gather witness statements and contact information.

Finally, contact your Erie Insurance Agent directly to begin the claims process. Even if your accident occurs in a state outside of ERIE’s footprint, your ERIE Agent can gather the information, talk about next steps and submit the claim.

Did you know?

ERIE includes basic transportation car coverage automatically in most states when you purchase comprehensive coverage. You’re covered for a compact sedan rental car. If you need a larger rental vehicle, you could purchase additional coverage. While many competitors pay for either a certain percentage of costs or a capped dollar amount, ERIE’s coverage can pay for rental cars for up to 45 days.²

To have rental car coverage for collision losses, such as when you hit another car or a fence, building or pole, you would need to add the coverage to your policy.

What’s next?

Once a claim is submitted, if you have an online account or ERIE’s mobile app, you can monitor your claim and check the status at any time, when it’s convenient for you. You have the option to receive updates via text or phone call.

Check in…when and where you want

It isn’t a secret that pretty much everything can be done with a smartphone these days. Whether it’s checking the forecast or shopping for groceries, there’s usually an app or process to help you.

Your claim status isn’t much different.

While your Agent is always there to assist you through a claim after an auto accident, ERIE also has tools for Customers that want to monitor and communicate during their claim electronically. With ERIE’s claim status feature, you can keep an eye on your claim status timeline, which can provide:

• An overview of the claim, including a small timeline of what’s been done and what’s happening next.
• Vehicle rental confirmation and details. If you have transportation coverage on your policy, this would include the rental car company, reservation number, type of vehicle and the rental car period.
• Direct Repair Program (DRP) information, including repair shop details and contact information. ERIE’s DRP program can help speed up the repair process, so we can get you back on the road ASAP.
• A communication log. You can see all of the points of contact throughout the process and if there is anything that needs follow up.
• Payment confirmation, should ERIE make an e-payment directly to you, the Customer.

Download an ERIE online account and mobile app

If you don’t have an ERIE online account yet or haven’t downloaded the mobile app, this is a great time.

Not only does your online account have the ability to show your claim status, but you can also:

• View your ERIE Agent’s contact information
• View policies and full declarations pages (You can select the option to go paperless, too)
• View auto ID card (not available in NY)
• View your billing and payment activity (as well as make a payment)

What else can I do in claim status?

Not every auto accident is the same. There are some additional items that you can view in your claim status based on your specific situation, such as:

• Towing information, including what towing company is servicing the claim, the status of the tow, pickup and destination locations and reference number.
• Total Loss. When you experience a total loss, you’ll see this in your claim status timeline. You’ll also see the involved vehicle’s information and total dollar amount owed from the claim.

When you experience a total loss, this is when your Auto Security coverage would help. Auto Security allows you to replace your totaled vehicle with a newer one with fewer miles or cover the difference between what you owe and your car’s value.¹ If you don’t have Auto Security on your auto policy, talk to your ERIE Agent about adding it.

Claim status is convenient and can be accessible from both your mobile device or desktop computer. It’s a great way to keep track of the status of your claim anytime, from anywhere.

Claim status is available for boat and property claims, too. Past claims are available for six months after the close date for any reference you may need. Just like having multiple policies with your ERIE Agent, all of your information is stored in one convenient place.

Your ERIE agent is with you every mile

Within your online account’s claim status, your Agent sees what you see. They know exactly what coverages are applicable and can provide guidance on the right services for you. By sharing the same view, your Agent can track your claim’s status and answer any questions along the way.

The last thing you want to do is write down phone numbers or keep track of your claim’s progress. That’s why everything is conveniently done within your online account and with the help of your ERIE Agent.

While you always have the choice in how to communicate with your Agent and ERIE, providing different options allows you to customize the experience that best works for you. Regardless of how you communicate, your Agent is the best place to start when you have a claim.

Whether you’re calling about a claim or going over your policies during a review, your Agent is here for you through it all.

Your auto policy is more than a paper document. It includes an Agent that acts as your advisor, claims team members to help you get back on the road and tools to make navigating insurance a little easier.

For any questions—about your rates, coverage or anything else—your ERIE Agent is here for you, at any time.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) TOP SAFETY PICK award list is out, and car manufacturers faced stiffer requirements to earn honors in this 2024.

But while IIHS made award criteria tougher for 2024 by introducing revised crash tests and requiring manufacturers to meet higher standards in several areas, 71 models qualified this year, including 22 earning TOP SAFETY PICK+ status. By comparison, 48 models were named TOP SAFETY PICKs in 2023.

In its annual list, the IIHS announces which new models performed best in its evaluations. The list is organized by size and type on the IIHS website.

2024’s TOP SAFETY PICKs

The IIHS awarded winners in 12 categories, from small cars to large pickups.

Among carmakers, several manufacturers stood out:

• Hyundai Motor Group, which includes the Hyundai, Genesis and Kia brands, earned the most awards overall with 16—six TOP SAFETY PICK+ and 10 TOP SAFETY PICK selections.
• Toyota Motor Corp., which includes the Toyota and Lexus brands, has the next highest total with one TOP SAFETY PICK+ and 12 TOP SAFETY PICKs.
• Mazda earned the most TOP SAFETY PICK+ selections with five. The manufacturer also earned one TOP SAFETY PICK.

When it came to auto classification, TOP SAFETY PICK+ awards were bestowed to five models in each of the small SUV, midsize SUV and midsize luxury SUV classes. Additionally, 12 Midsize luxury SUVs earned TOP SAFETY PICK honors.

Four models in the small car class earned TOP SAFETY PICK+ awards, while two midsize cars and one large luxury car earned the distinction. No other class had one.

For the full list of winners and ratings, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/top-safety-picks

How Are TOP SAFETY PICKs Determined?

Each year, the IIHS, a nonprofit research and education organization, conducts tests to determine how vehicles fare in two aspects of safety: crashworthiness and crash avoidance/mitigation. It also evaluates other elements of vehicle safety, such as headlight ratings.

IIHS introduced several changes this year to its award criteria intended to encourage automakers to pursue higher levels of safety:

• A “good” rating in the side crash test is required for either a TOP SAFETY PICK or TOP SAFETY PICK+.
• Vehicles must earn “acceptable” or “good” in a revised version of the pedestrian front crash prevention evaluation to qualify for either award.
• Vehicles must earn “acceptable” or “good” in the updated moderate front overlap test, which added a second dummy seated behind the passenger, to qualify for TOP SAFETY PICK+ status.
• The driver-side and passenger-side evaluations were combined into a single rating.

Award winners must also have “good” or “acceptable” headlights on all trim levels.

Insurance for New—and Used—Cars

Car shopping doesn’t just mean kicking tires and taking test drives. It’s also an ideal time to examine your auto insurance options.