Protecting yourself in everyday situations !
Carl Schindler , LUTCF , CSA Agent , State Farm Insurance
Carl Schindler is a 40-year State Farm Insurance agent in Morgan Hill . His agency has been voted # 1 in Morgan Hill for the past 5 consecutive years . He specializes in Auto , Homeowner ’ s , Life & Disability Insurance . Visit StateFarm . com / CarlSchindler or call ( 408 ) 779-6969 .
You ’ ve just turned off a traffic-congested street and into the relative calm of a parking lot . Time to relax , right ?
Not really . It ’ s actually a time to be extra alert . About 20 percent of all vehicle accidents happen in parking lots , according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety . Though these lowspeed collisions are rarely serious , they can be costly , time consuming , and aggravating . Protect yourself and your vehicle by following these tips .
Buy Time To React Parking lots are filled with obstacles and hazards , but often the biggest danger is other drivers . They may cut across empty rows , drive too fast , or ignore signs and pavement markings , endangering everyone in the lot . The best way to deal with these drivers is simple : Slow down . This buys you time to react and avoid a collision . Be especially cautious when turning corners and backing up . “ If you drive just a little bit slower , you are in a better position to absorb the misbehavior of others ,” says Leonard Evans , an expert and author on traffic safety issues . “ You must absorb their folly so you don ’ t pay for it .” Expect Pedestrians Parking lots are full of people coming from and going to their cars . “ Pedestrians have a great sense of security in parking lots ... they don ’ t look for traffic ,” Evans says . Though pedestrians may not be looking out for you , it ’ s still your responsibility to look out for them . Keep a wary eye out for any pedestrians who may cross your vehicle ’ s path , and be sure to obey all crosswalks within the parking lot . When entering particularly high foot-traffic areas , take your foot off the accelerator and cover the brake . Anticipate pedestrians even if you don ’ t see any . If you ’ re in a busy shopping area , remember that people lugging sacks of groceries or other purchases could also be shepherding hard-to-see children . Distance Yourself Door dings and scratches are aggravating and hard to avoid . No matter how courteous and conscientious you are when parking , you can fall victim to someone else ’ s carelessness . One way to reduce the risk of door damage is to park away from other vehicles . This may be inconvenient , but it ’ s considerably more polite than parking your vehicle across several spaces to keep others from parking near you . And the extra walking is good exercise .
Your babysitter uses your car to drive your kids to the swimming pool . You ’ ve given her your permission — but what happens if there ’ s an accident when someone else is behind the wheel of your car ?
“ Generally it ’ s not a problem if they ’ re driving with your consent ,” says Jeanne Salvatore , senior vice president of Public Affairs and consumer spokesperson for the Insurance Information Institute . “ If it ’ s an occasional use — say I borrow your car to go pick up milk — and as long as permission has been verbally granted , you ’ ll typically be covered .” But borrowing a car under other circumstances may not be as clear-cut . ( Coverage will depend on your insurer and your particular policy .)
Typically , even if the person driving your car has his or her own insurance , your insurance will likely pay damages first if there ’ s an accident . The driver ’ s insurance may cover some of the personal injury or medical expenses , and it may supplement your plan if the accident maxes out your coverage .
“ When you have someone you employ , such as a nanny or a nurse who will be a regular driver , contact your insurance agent about your coverage ,” Salvatore recommends . “ He or she may need to be added to your policy .”
Because the policy terms and state laws can vary widely , always contact your insurance agent before loaning out your car — or any other motor vehicle , such as a motorcycle , boat , jet ski , snowmobile , ATV or RV .
“ Any time you have a question about your coverage , call your insurance agent first ,” says Salvatore . “ You always want to let the insurance company know the circumstances . Get their advice .”
“ Don ’ t be cavalier about lending your car ,” adds Salvatore . “ If you know someone isn ’ t a good driver , think twice about giving your permission . Any accident they ’ re in could go on your insurance record .”
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