Think the open road is the most stressful place to drive? Think again. A new ICBC-commissioned survey shows that for British Columbia drivers, the real danger might be much closer to home—like your local grocery store parking lot. From minor fender benders to near-misses with pedestrians, it turns out that parking lots are where stress skyrockets, nerves fray, and accidents pile up. And if your auto insurance policy isn’t up to date, these everyday hazards could end up costing you far more than you expect.

Today, we’re breaking down what the new survey data means—and why it might be time to double-check your car insurance coverage before your next run to the shops. Ensuring that all drivers have access to necessary services is crucial for safety and peace of mind, , which is why both the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) and the provincial government continue to invest in public awareness and safety initiatives that create a more secure environment for everyone.

More Stress, Less Safety: Parking Lots Feel Riskier Than Open Roads

According to the ICBC-Ipsos survey of B.C. drivers, 51% say they feel more stressed in busy parking lots than while driving on highways or city roads. Even more telling: nearly half (47%) say they actually feel less safe in parking lots than out on the open road.

It’s not just a feeling. In 2023, 33% of all crashes in British Columbia involved parking lots or parked vehicles. That’s not a fluke—it’s a pattern. Low-speed areas might not seem dangerous, but the tight spaces, unpredictable foot traffic, and distracted drivers make for a perfect storm. And the kicker? These kinds of accidents can still raise your car insurance premium. ICBC’s safety measures are managed in accordance with best practices and regulations to mitigate these risks—many of which are implemented in partnership with the provincial government and supported by the local business community, whose parking lots are often the setting for these incidents.

Parking Lot Panic: Why Weather and Crowds Add to the Chaos

Spring rainstorms, dark evenings, and busy shopping hours are all recipe ingredients for heightened driving anxiety:

• 37% of drivers say they feel very or extremely nervous driving in outdoor lots during heavy rain or snow
• That number climbs to 42% when it’s also dark
• 25% feel especially uneasy in parking lots during busy times like weekends or sale events

Feeling nervous isn’t just uncomfortable—it can lead to slower reaction times and poor decision-making. And when it results in a claim, even a minor one, you could see a spike in your auto insurance premium. For many drivers, that claim could be the result of a fender bender while slowly navigating past carts, pedestrians, and other drivers—all while trying not to drop any newly purchased items.

Collisions Are Common—But Drivers Don’t See the Risk

Despite how many customers have been involved in or witnessed parking lot incidents, most British Columbia drivers continue to underestimate the risks.

The survey revealed:

• 13% have been in a collision while driving in a parking lot
• 16% have had their vehicle hit while parked
• 35% have witnessed a collision in a lot
• 27% have witnessed a near collision with another car or pedestrian

Yet surprisingly, 78% of drivers say the risk of a crash in a parking lot is only “low” to “moderate.” That mismatch between perceived risk and actual incidents is why so many people find themselves filing claims for accidents they never saw coming. Many drivers only learn the hard way how difficult it can be to obtain compensation without clear evidence, strong coverage, or cooperative parties.

Drivers Trust Themselves—But No One Else

If you think you’re more alert than the driver next to you, you’re not alone. Nearly every British Columbia driver surveyed—99%—claims to be at least somewhat aware of parking lot hazards. A whopping 77% call themselves “very aware.”

But when asked about other drivers?

• Only 7% think others are “very aware”
• 55% say others are only “somewhat aware”
• And 60% say they drive more cautiously themselves than they do on the open road

It’s clear: trust in other drivers is low, and that distrust is justified based on the high number of parking lot incidents. The result? A stressful, unpredictable driving environment—and a stronger case for reviewing your auto insurance coverage to make sure you’re fully protected. Additionally, having access to your policy details and contact information in case of an incident is crucial.

The Easiest Way to Stay Safe? Reverse Into Your Spot

Backing into a parking stall might not feel intuitive, but it’s one of the best things you can do to provide better visibility and safety, thereby reducing collision risk. Still, only 47% of drivers make it a habit.

Why don’t more people do it?

• 25% say it’s harder than pulling in forward
• 19% say they simply don’t feel confident reversing into a spot
• And 7% admit they don’t even know how

Here’s the benefit: reversing in means you’re facing forward when it’s time to leave, giving you better visibility and minimizing your chances of hitting another car, cyclist, or pedestrian. It also means fewer insurance claims—and possibly lower car insurance rates in the long run.

Your Parking Lot Survival Guide: Tips from King Insurance

Want to stay safe, sane, and claim-free during your next parking lot adventure? Here’s what we recommend:

1. Back It In
   Always reverse into your stall if possible. It’s safer, smarter, and may save you from an unnecessary claim.
2. Slow It Down
   Expect unexpected moves from both drivers and pedestrians. Speeding through the lot? That’s asking for trouble.
3. Stay Alert in Every Direction
   Shoulder check. Use your mirrors. Don’t rely solely on your backup camera.
4. Skip the Close Spots
   Parking further away in a quiet corner is often safer than squeezing into a tight, high-traffic area.
5. Use Your Signals Religiously
   Treat parking lots like real roads—because they are. Signals can prevent confusion and collisions.
6. Do a Signal + Light Check Regularly
   Make sure your brake lights, backup lights, and indicators are working. Other drivers depend on them more than you think.

What Your Insurance Might Not Cover in a Parking Lot Crash

Here’s the fine print many drivers miss: not all parking lot accidents are covered the same way under every car insurance policy, and some scenarios may require comprehensive coverage to ensure you are fully protected.

Some scenarios to consider:

• If you’re found at fault in a minor parking lot collision, your insurance premium may increase
• If both parties share fault, claims can get complicated—especially without witnesses or dashcam footage
• If your auto insurance policy doesn’t include comprehensive coverage, you may be on the hook for damages from hit-and-runs or vandalism while parked

That’s why we recommend reviewing your car insurance quote annually—or sooner if you’ve recently made a claim, changed vehicles, or adjusted how often you drive. The insurance corporation responsible for overseeing these policies has a wealth of tools and resources to help drivers stay informed and protected.

Don’t Let a Minor Mistake Spike Your Insurance Premium

Even low-speed collisions can have high-stakes consequences. If you file multiple small claims in a short period, your auto insurance premium can rise sharply—and some insurance companies may even drop you.

That’s why it’s critical to renew your car insurance coverage proactively, not reactively. King Insurance works with a range of insurance companies to help you compare car insurance rates and customize your insurance coverage to match your lifestyle. Whether you’re a new driver or a seasoned commuter, we’ll help you find a policy that protects you from both the unexpected and the everyday. You can even email us and request a custom quote tailored to your specific driving habits, risk profile, and coverage needs—quickly and easily online.

Now’s the Time to Check Your Coverage—Not After a Fender Bender

Spring is here, and with it comes more people on the roads, in parking lots, and at outdoor events. Don’t wait until you’re filing a claim to figure out what your auto insurance actually covers. Take advantage of the convenience of checking and updating your insurance coverage online.

At King Insurance, we offer:

• Free, fast car insurance quotes
• Honest comparisons between top insurance companies
• Tailored advice on reducing your car insurance cost without compromising protection
• Friendly, local advisors who know British Columbia roads—and parking lots—inside and out

Ready to see if you’re overpaying for peace of mind?
Let us help you shop smarter. Get your personalized car insurance quote today and drive confidently—wherever the road (or lot) takes you.