Risky Business

Beware the Dangers of the Parking Lot

By Shelly Benisch, CIC with Commercial Insurance Solutions (CIS)
Posted Oct 9th 2012 4:44AM

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Hi Everyone,

Spending time in the Petro Parking Lot for the Great Lakes Convoy, reminds us of the perils of a Parking Lot!

Believe it or not, there are thousands of insurance claims every year involving damage in parking lots. These claims are quite costly for insurance companies AND for Owner Operators.

In most areas there are no police reports available on private property.   An incident report also does not establish who is At-Fault.     So in the end YOU are responsible for the deductible for the damage to your own truck and your insurer pays the rest.

A few things you can do to help:

Obviously try to park in safe and well lighted areas w ithin view of a Lot Surveillance Camera if possible.

If you do get hit, as in any accident remember to us e all available means to record the incident.    Try to get photos of the At-Fault Truck (hitting you) or at least the damage to his truck.  Then get all available statements from witnesses along with their contact information.

If the other driver accepts blame call your insurer immediately and have him acknowledge fault. Most insurers like Progressive will record all calls.

Remember, too often drivers will change their minds later and say it was NOT their fault.

Record it any way YOU can at the time so that you can provide proof for your insurance company so that they can fight for your case later.

....Just getting guy’s license plate or truck number and accusing him of hitting you is not a good case. Without any solid proof it is impossible to win, and you'll get stuck paying that deductible on your own truck every time.

Warm Regards,

Shelly Benisch, CIC   Commercial Insurance Solutions (CIS)

[email protected]  www.myCISagent.com