A recent study by Aviva found that 28% of UK garage owners hardly ever use their garage to park their car, with 21% citing difficulty in parking and 16% believing their car is too big. This is likely due to the fact that cars have grown by 22% in size over the last 20 years, making it more challenging to park in garages. As a result, many drivers prefer to park on their driveway, with 42% opting for this option.
The research also revealed that many drivers struggle with parking in general, with 52% having bumped or scraped their car while parking, and 20% struggling with parallel parking. The most common objects that drivers collide with include walls, bollards, lamp posts, and parked vehicles. In almost half of the cases, the damage was cosmetic, but in some instances, it led to more significant damage, such as broken bumpers, headlights, and wing mirrors.
The study also found that many drivers rely on technology, such as parking sensors and rear cameras, to assist with parking. However, it is essential to use these features judiciously and not over-rely on them, as they may not always detect objects or people in the blind spot.
Aviva’s Motor Claims Manager, Martin Smith, emphasized the importance of reporting bumps and scrapes to insurers, as failing to do so could result in being unable to make a claim. He also advised drivers to be mindful of their parking location, as providing incorrect information could impact a claim.
The research highlights the need for drivers to be more aware of their surroundings and to take necessary precautions when parking. With the increasing size of cars, it is essential to consider the implications for parking and to take steps to mitigate the risks associated with it. Additionally, drivers should be aware of the importance of reporting accidents and providing accurate information to insurers to ensure that they are adequately covered in the event of a claim.