Most Queensland drivers say they would do the right thing and leave a note if they damaged a parked car, but NRMA Insurance research shows many drivers are not as honest as they would like to be.
In a recent NRMA Insurance survey, more than 90 per cent of respondents said they would leave a note if they damaged someone else's car. But, according to NRMA Insurance claims data, only about 50 per cent of drivers actually do.
NRMA Insurance State Manager Brett Robinson said half of the customers who claimed for damage to a parked car found no note to identify the culprit.
"It's disappointing intentions don't always match actions," he said.
"Most damage to parked cars occurs in busy shopping precincts with a high volume of cars arriving and exiting car parks.
"Unfortunately, any damage to a parked car is usually not the fault of the driver or owner. But there is a cost in terms of inconvenience and, if another driver can't be identified, there is often the cost of insurance excesses.
"We're encouraging Queenslanders who accidentally damage someone else's car to do the right thing - own up and leave a note with your details."
Common causes of damage to parked cars include reversing incidents, runaway shopping trolleys and other drivers' car doors.
NRMA Insurance recommends the following tips to help protect your car and others:
- Be alert at all times in car parks
- Reverse carefully and don't just rely on your mirrors - look over your shoulder too
- New car technology, such as cameras and sensors, can help when reversing, but drivers still need to be aware of what is around them
- Do your bit and return shopping trolleys to their bay
- Be careful opening your door next to other cars, and help children get our carefully
- Use your indicator every time you make a turn
- When taking out insurance, consider a policy with a low excess to help ensure you are covered for smaller damage claims
- If you cause damage to a parked car, do the right thing and leave a note with your details
- If you witness a collision, pass on any information you have to the innocent party.
*Based on NRMA Insurance comprehensive motor insurance claims 2007/08
