Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving when the holiday-shopping rush begins, brings droves of people to stores and plenty of claims for auto insurers, says Progressive Insurance.
The Mayfield Village, Ohio-based auto insurer says that, according to its claims data, the day yields an increase in accidents that occur in parking situations. Claims range from fender benders to break-ins.
Progressive says that in 2011:
- Parking-related claims increased 36.5 percent when compared to Fridays two weeks before and after Black Friday.
- The increase in Black Friday parking claims doubled from 2010 to 2011.
- Nearly 25 percent of Black Friday accident claims occurred in parking situations.
- Rear-ending someone or getting rear-ended, accounting for 13 percent of claims
- Hitting a parked car or having your parked car struck, totaling 11 percent of claims.
- Backing into another car or having your car backed into, accounting for 8 percent of claims.
“Protecting your car can be as easy as parking it a little further back in the parking lot, away from the commotion of the store,” says Maria Cashy, the claims customer service process leader at Progressive in a statement. “That extra one-hundred feet could save your car some serious damage. Of course if it’s dark outside, park wherever you feel safest, like a well-lit area.”
Cashy also suggests being extra vigilant as you drive around the crowded lots, using your eyes, ears and mirrors. If you have passengers in the car with you, ask them to help provide a view from an additional vantage point.
Finally, drive slowly. This way, it’s easier to avoid cars that are speeding, cutting across the lot or pulling out of parking spaces.
