Parking lot accidents are a frequent headache for drivers, especially in busy cities like Dubai. If you’ve ever wondered, “Does car insurance cover parking lot damage?”. Short answer? yes, comprehensive policies do. For a more detailed answer, keep reading as this guide answers your question by unpacking UAE policies, coverage for parking lot accident insurance, and how providers of motor insurance in Dubai handle claims. Stay informed and protect your vehicle.
Too Long; Didn’t Read (TL;DR)
- Parking lot damage is covered only if you have comprehensive insurance.
- Hit-and-runs are covered under comprehensive insurance with a police report, even if the other driver is unknown.
- Third-party insurance does not cover damage to your own parked car.
- A police report is mandatory for almost all parking-lot claims.
- You’ll usually pay a deductible, and your no-claims discount may be affected. So only make a claim if the damage is considerable.
Parking Lot Accidents in Dubai – How Common Are They?
Parking lot accidents such as scratches, dents, and minor collisions are common in Dubai and often go unreported unless serious. Whether insurance covers the damage depends on the situation and the type of policy.
Hit-and-run: The other driver leaves without notice. Contact the police immediately and check for CCTV cameras or witnesses.
Injured while parked: If you’re inside the car and get injured, call the police, seek medical attention, and file a claim under the at-fault driver’s liability insurance.
Driver leaves a note: Report the incident to the police, contact the driver, and claim through their insurance first before using your own collision cover.
Does Car Insurance Cover Parking Lot Damage in the UAE?
After learning about the accidents that can happen to your parked car, you can identify the type of incident and perform the correct actions. Now, it’s time to go over the car insurance, parking lot accidents, and each policy’s coverage.
Coverage depends on your policy and the situation. Do insurance companies cover parking lot accidents in all cases? It depends on the following:
- If both parties are present: it will be treated like a regular accident and insurance will cover.
- Hit-and-run: if you have comprehensive insurance, yes, your policy will cover the damages. A third-party liability will not cover the damages of a hit-and-run.
- Required documentation: Police report, photos/CCTV footage, and repair estimates from approved garages.
Parking Lot Accident Insurance – What’s Covered & What’s Not
| Incident Type | Covered by Insurance? | Notes |
| You scratch another car | ✅ (Third-party liability) | Must report to police |
| Another car hits you (visible) | ✅ (Comprehensive only) | Need police report and license plate info |
| Unknown car hits you (hit/run) | ✅ (Comprehensive) | Police report required |
| You hit a pole/wall | ✅ (Comprehensive) | Considered own-damage |
| Shopping cart damage | ❌ (Usually not) | Rarely covered, unless part of bigger claim |
What Should I Do After a Parking Lot Accident?
When experiencing parking accidents, you may think all accountable parties responsibly wait to take care of the situation, but unfortunately that’s not always the case. Many people leave after causing an accident to run away from the consequences.
This hit-and-run accident happens daily, especially in busy parking lots and areas. Let’s see what you can do if such a thing happens to your vehicle:
Find a Witness
If you’re lucky, you can find a witness to the accident. Search around the area to see if anyone has witnessed the incident.
Call the police
The next essential step is calling the police. As a victim of a hit-and-run, you can call the police and have them file a report for you. If you have a witness to the accident, make sure to let the police know.
Gather documents and reports
Taking pictures of the damage caused to your vehicle and its surroundings, alongside the police report, will be helpful to documents you can gather for your insurer. Check for any security cameras around where you can use their footage.
How to File a Claim for Parking Lot Damage in Dubai – Step-by-Step Guide
If you were in a parking lot accident in Dubai, follow these steps to make sure your parking lot accident insurance claim is processed smoothly:
Step 1: Report the Incident Immediately
- Use the Dubai Police App:
- Open the app, select “Accident Report,” and upload details (location, photos, involved parties).
- For hit-and-runs, select “Unknown Driver” and attach evidence (e.g., CCTV footage requests).
- Visit a Police Station (if required):
- Serious damage or injuries may require an in-person report. Obtain a police report – it’s mandatory for most claims.
Step 2: Document the Damage Thoroughly
- Take Photos/Videos:
- Capture multiple angles of your car’s damage, the accident location, and surrounding landmarks.
- Check for CCTV:
- Ask mall/office security for footage – many Dubai parking lots have cameras. Note the exact time and zone.
- Record Witness Details:
- If someone saw the incident, collect their contact information.
Step 3: Notify Your Insurance Provider
- Contact the Insurer Within 24 Hours:
- Most UAE insurers require prompt reporting. Use their app, call center, or email.
- Submit Required Documents:
- Police report
- Emirates ID, driver’s license, and vehicle registration
- Photos/videos of damage
- Witness/CCTV details (if available)
Step 4: Visit an Approved Repair Garage
- Choose from Your Insurer’s Network:
- Insurers like Oman Insurance or AXA have tie-ups with garages (e.g., Al Futtaim Automall). Using non-approved garages may void coverage.
- Get a Damage Assessment:
- The garage will inspect your car and provide a repair estimate to your insurer.
Step 5: Pay Your Deductible
- Understand Your Policy’s Excess Fee:
- Deductibles in Dubai typically range from AED 500 to AED 2,000. Pay this directly to the garage.
- Waiver Options:
- Some policies waive the deductible for hit-and-runs if a police report is filed.
Step 6: Track Your Claim Status
- Use Online Portals:
- Log in to your insurer’s portal (e.g., RSA, Zurich) for real-time updates. Most claims are processed in 3-5 business days in Dubai.
Step 7: Collect Your Repaired Vehicle
- Inspect the Repairs:
- Ensure all agreed-upon fixes are completed. Sign off only after approval.
- Keep Records:
- Save repair invoices and final approval documents for future reference.
Pro Tips for A Successful Parking Lot Accident Insurance Claim
- Review Policy Exclusions: Some insurers exclude “shopping cart damage” – clarify beforehand.
- Act Fast: Delays in reporting can lead to claim rejection.
- No Admission of Fault: Don’t admit you are at fault. Let Dubai Police determine liability. Sometimes you might think you are at fault while you really aren’t.
Secure Parking Lot Accident Insurance for Ease of Mind
If you want to never worry about parking lot accidents in Dubai, we suggest you start shopping for a comprehensive policy which will cover the cost of damages of even a hit-and-run. Here at Lookinsure and with our installment payment option, it’s not gonna put a lot of financial pressure on you since you won’t have to pay all at once. Find and compare the best motor insurance Dubai policy with parking lot coverage add-ons, and you’re good to go!
Final Thoughts on Parking Lot Accident Insurance
Navigating parking lot accident insurance can be stressful, but understanding your policy is key. Comprehensive or collision coverage often applies when dealing with a hit-and-run or minor scratches. For drivers in the UAE, motor insurance Dubai policies may offer tailored solutions. Always document incidents promptly and consult your insurer to ensure claims are processed smoothly.
Frequently Answered Questions
1: Are accidents in car parks covered by insurance??
Yes, most auto insurance policies typically cover accidents that occur in parking lots, including collisions with other vehicles or property damage. However, specifics can vary based on your policy type and provider, so it’s good to check your policy details.
2: What happens if someone crashes into your parked car??
If your vehicle is parked and hit, your insurance may cover repairs through collision coverage or comprehensive coverage, depending on your policy. You should report the incident to your insurer and provide evidence like photos. If the at-fault driver is identified, their insurance may also cover the damage.
3: Does my car insurance include Valet Parking Cover?
Many car insurance policies do not include valet parking coverage. However, most insurers have add-on coverage plans to your standard policy. You can check your insurer’s add-on coverages to see what they offer.
4: Which UAE provider offers car scratch insurance in the parking lot?
Many insurance companies offer parked car insurance. Some notable companies include AXA, Abu Dhabi Insurance Company, Oman Insurance Company and more. Make sure to compare policies and quotes from different providers before finalizing your choice.
5. What if the other driver leaves the scene after parking lot accident?
If the other driver flees, you should collect as much information as possible—such as vehicle details, license plate number, and photos. Report the incident to the police and your insurance company. Many policies include uninsured motorist coverage or collision coverage to handle such situations.
