Ways to avoid damage to your parked car.
Minor damage to parked cars is a common hassle that often results in a car insurance claim. These three handy tips will help minimise any unwanted surprises.
Three tips to protect your parked car.
Car parks can be a risky area for cars given the tight spaces and volume of traffic. The good news is that there are things you can do to reduce the chance of a ding, scratch or other minor incident.
Choose your neighbours carefully.
When you’re choosing a parking space, avoid parking next to large SUVs and utes, or any vehicles that are parked on an angle or have turned wheels as there is a greater chance of a ding to your vehicle or an accident occurring when backing out of a carpark. Remember, everyone makes mistakes, so be careful when opening your door, especially on windy days.
Keep your distance.
Parking close to an entrance (for example the cinema or a shopping mall) can increase the risk of your vehicle being damaged by others.
- Park further away from buildings where there are fewer vehicles and foot traffic when it is safe to do so.
- Park away from trolley return sites to avoid damage being caused to your vehicle by ‘runaway’ trolleys.
- Avoid spaces at the ends of rows where your vehicle could be scraped by others as they turn the corner.
Parking street smarts.
If you’re parking on the street:
- Get into the habit of folding in your wing mirrors.
- Park in the direction you are travelling and close to the kerb.
- Allow room for the vehicles ahead and behind to get out.
We can help.
Make a claim
If you need to make a claim, you can do it online or give us a call.
Compare your cover options
Compare your Westpac Car Insurance options to see which best suits you and your situation.
Things you should know.
The tips on this page are a brief summary only of general information.
Westpac Home, Contents, Vehicle and Boat insurance cover is arranged by Westpac New Zealand Limited (“Westpac”) and underwritten by IAG New Zealand Limited (“IAG”). None of Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141, Westpac, or any member of the Westpac group of companies guarantee the obligations of, or any products issued by IAG. Westpac will receive commission payments as a result of the arrangement of IAG policies. See IAG's financial strength rating.
The material on this webpage is provided for information purposes only and is not a recommendation or opinion in relation to an insurance product. The information on this webpage does not take your particular financial situation or goals into account. Terms, conditions, exclusions and limits apply. More detail can be found in the policy document (downloaded here as a PDF), or obtained by calling 0800 809 378. The availability of any insurance cover is subject to the acceptance and approval of a complete application.
Any claim payment is subject to your claim being accepted.