Honesty Not The Policy In WA Car Parks

Online, November 14, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Touch parking remains an issue in WA suburbs with 67 per cent of drivers having had their car damaged while it was parked, new research by SGIO has found 1,2.

The insurer's claims data also shows that Bunbury is the place where you're most likely to return to your parked vehicle and find it damaged, followed by Perth and Joondalup.

"Our research showed that a note is left by the offending driver in around eight per cent of cases," said SGIO Car Insurance spokesperson Andrew Tubb.

"Sometimes people may not realise they've hit another vehicle or maybe they think it's such a gentle hit they haven't done any damage.

"Although a lot of drivers are not owning up to hitting a parked car, there are a lot of witnesses to touch parking - 55 per cent of people have seen a car connect with another car while trying to park in a tight spot.

And with increased residents and limited parking spots in many Perth suburbs, touch parking is likely to be an ongoing issue for WA drivers.

"We think that at times maybe out of frustration, drivers may try to squeeze their car into a tight spot to rush to their destination.

"No matter what the reason, if drivers do accidently hit a car while parking, we're encouraging them to do the right thing and leave a note - you never know when you might be on the receiving end and find your car damaged," Mr Tubb said.

SGIO Car Insurance some tips to try and avoid touch parking:

• If you hit a parked car, do the right thing and leave a note with your details;

• When reversing in or out of a car space, go slow and don't just rely on your mirrors - look over your shoulder as well;

• If you witness a collision, pass on any information you have to the innocent party.

• Reversing cameras and sensors can help, but drivers should still be aware of what's around them; and

• If you have a passenger, ask them to get out and help talk you through the parking.

1 Based on a survey of 440 WA drivers by Pure Profile Research in October 2011. 2 Based on SGIO motor claims data for the financial year 2008 - 2011.

SGIO Insurance is a leading insurance provider, offering Home Contents Insurance, Car Insurance, Motorcycle Insurance, Travel Insurance, Business Insurance, Boat Insurance, Health Insurance and Caravan Insurance in WA.