Car Park Vehicle Accidents: What to Do in Public vs. Private Car Parks

Accidents in car parks are a common occurrence, with two-thirds of British drivers experiencing damage to their vehicles in car parks. So whether the vehicle accident happened in bustling supermarket car park, an NCP type of car park, or quieter private car parks. Knowing how to handle such incidents can save you time, stress, and potential legal complications. Below, we’ll guide you through the steps to take if your vehicle is damaged in public and private car parks in the UK, including how to request CCTV footage, when to involve the police, what your legal entitlements may be, and how to claim for your losses via the negligent party.

If you require direct assistance and do not want to claim via your insurance ACC may be able to help. Even if you only have the registration number of the negligent party we can help. We provide a direct route to claim your vehicle damage (write off or repairs) and provide you with a suitable courtesy hire car during the process. We claim directly from the negligent parties insurers so you do not need to claim on your policy, and you retain full control over your vehicle claim and get to agree any write off values or select the repair centre if your vehicle is repairable. If you require assistance with anything covered in this article please contact a member of our service team via live online chat, or call the team to day for immediate assistance, the team will always do their best to help you.

Accidents in Public Car Parks (e.g., Supermarket, Shopping Centre, NCP)

When your vehicle is damaged in a public car park, whether the result of an accident or the actions of a negligent party, the steps you take can significantly impact the outcome of any claims or legal actions. Here’s what you should do:

Immediate Actions To Take

• Check for a Note: Look for any note left by the other driver with their contact details and insurance information.
• Document the Scene:
  • Photographs: Take clear photos of the damage to your vehicle, the surrounding area, and any other vehicles involved.
  • Witnesses: If there are any bystanders who saw the accident, ask for their contact information and a brief statement.
  • Obtain Third Party Details: If possible obtain the negligent parties name, contact details, insurance information and registration number. (Note. Even if you only have the negligent drivers registration number we can usually help)

Requesting CCTV Footage

• Identify the Operator: Determine who manages the car park—this is often the supermarket, shopping centre, or a company like NCP.
• Make a Request: Contact the car park operator and request the CCTV footage. You may need to submit a formal Subject Access Request (SAR). Include:
  • The date, time, and location of the incident.
  • A description of your vehicle and the nature of the accident or incident.
• Response Time: The operator is required to respond within one month under GDPR regulations.

Reporting to the Police

• Hit-and-Run: If the other driver didn’t leave their details or the damage is significant, report the incident to the police as a hit-and-run.
• Crime Reference Number: Obtain a crime reference number, which will be necessary for your insurance claim.

Claiming for Your Losses

• Third-Party Claims: If the other driver’s details are known, even just their registration number, we can assist you and pursue a claim directly against their insurance.. If the damage is a result of the car park infrastructure, work site operations, the actions of an employee or company, we can assist with claim via their relevant insurance policy. We claim the cost of your losses, repairs, and provide you with a temporary courtesy hire car during the process if required.
• Contact Your Insurer: You maybe required to report the accident to your insurance company, even if you don’t plan to claim, check your policy terms. Your insurer may processes your claim via your policy or manage a claim made against the negligent party.
• Legal Advice: If the other driver is uninsured or refuses to admit fault, consider seeking legal advice to explore your options for recovery. The MIB (Motor Insurance Bureau, link to site) maybe able to help in the event your vehicle is damaged by a uninsured party.

Accidents in Private Car Parks

Private car parks, such as those attached to residential properties, businesses, or private clubs, may present different challenges when dealing with vehicle accidents. ACC can still assist you in the event of an accident or incident in a private car park. If you have the details of the negligent party, this could be a company, an insurance company, an individual or the registration of a negligent driver, ACC maybe able to process your damage claim and arrange a suitable temporary courtesy hire vehicle during the process. If you require help contact our service team via live online chat of call the team directly.

Immediate Actions

• Check for Witnesses: Since private car parks might have fewer people around, gathering witness statements early is crucial.
• Take Photos: Document the damage to your vehicle, any other involved vehicles or infrastructure, and the surrounding environment to give as clear as possible location and possible causation of the accident or incident.
• Obtain Third Party Details: If possible obtain the negligent parties name, contact details, insurance information and registration number. (Note. Even if you only have the negligent drivers registration number we can usually help)

Requesting CCTV Footage

• Identify the Property Owner: Find out who owns or manages the car park. This could be a business owner, property management company, or landlord.
• Make a Request: Request access to any available CCTV footage by submitting a Subject Access Request (SAR) to the property owner or management company.
  • As with public car parks, include detailed information about the incident and your vehicle.
• Response Time: The property owner must respond within one month under GDPR regulations.

Reporting to the Police

• Serious Damage or Criminal Activity: If the damage is significant or you suspect criminal activity (e.g., vandalism), report the incident to the police.
• Obtain a Crime Reference Number: This will be important for any subsequent insurance claims.

Claiming for Your Losses

• Third-Party Claims In A Private Car Park: If the other driver’s details are known, even just their registration number, we can assist you and pursue a claim directly against their insurance. Should the damage be a result of the car park infrastructure, work site operations, the actions of an employee or a company, we can assist with claim via their relevant insurance policy. We claim the cost of your losses, repairs, and provide you with a temporary courtesy hire car during the process if required.
• Legal Advice: If the other driver is uninsured or refuses to admit fault, consider seeking legal advice to explore your options for recovery. The MIB (Motor Insurance Bureau, link to site) maybe able to help in the event your vehicle is damaged by a uninsured party.
• Contact Your Insurer: Notify your insurance company about the incident. They may need to deal directly with the property owner’s insurance if their negligence contributed to the accident (e.g., poor lighting or maintenance).
• Third-Party Liability: If another vehicle was involved, and regardless if the driver is identified, it is often possible claim against the negligent vehicles insurance. If you have the registration number we can usually obtain the owner / insurer details and assist with the vehicle damage claim. If your vehicle was damage by car park infrastructure, building work, actions of a company or service, a simple loss claim can be usually be made against their insurers.
• Consider Small Claims Court: If the responsible party refuses to pay and insurance does not cover the full amount, you might need to pursue a claim in the Small Claims Court. The citizens advice website could be a good starting point to understanding the process and your writes to claim losses via a small claims court.

General Tips for Both Public and Private Car Parks

• Don’t Move the Vehicle: If possible, leave your vehicle in its damaged state until you’ve documented everything and gathered all necessary information. If possible report the accident or incident to whoever is responsible for the operation of the location. This could be an empolyer, the company which owns or runs the site. Or locate the individual responsible for the sites management.
• Gather The Negligent Parties Details: Obtain the negligent parties details, this could be a registration number, the company or owner details for the site.
• Contact ACC: If you wish to claim directly against the neglient party directly ACC may be able to assist. Contact our service team via live online chat or call simply call a member of our team directly.
• Contact Your Insurance: Even if you don’t intend to claim, you many be required to inform our insurers, for clarification on this consult your policy. Informing your insurer ensures they have all relevant details if complications arise later.
• Stay Calm and Polite: Whether dealing with the other driver, witnesses, business owners or property managers, keeping a cool head will help you gather the necessary information without escalating the situation.

By following these steps, you can navigate the aftermath of a car park accident or incident efficiently and ensure you’re in the best position to claim for your losses. If you require direct assistance with potentially pursuing a vehicle damage claim or simply require a courtesy hire car during the claim process, contact our team today.