What to do when involved in an accident with a parked vehicle
Not long after Sandra (our Upper North Island Delivery Lead) started with us, she had a bit of an incident happen to her work car! She decided that it could be a good learning moment for everyone, so read on to hear her story and some tips for if you are ever involved in a similar situation!
One clear sunny Autumn day, I was at home working. My SADD/Kaitiaki o Ara car, which is normally parked in the driveway, was this day parked on the road. When I went out later, I found there was damage to the drivers’ door. To my shock, I realised another vehicle must have backed into it, but no one had knocked on my door or left a note. Highly frustrating and somewhat embarrassing that after five weeks in the job, here I was, having to make an insurance claim!
We get that accidents do happen and it can take a long time and inconvenience to get vehicles repaired. Here are some tips for what to do if you are involved in an accident with a parked vehicle:
If an accident you’re involved in causes damage to a parked vehicle or other property, you must contact the owner within 48 hours (unless you can’t because you’re injured).
You must tell the owner your name and address, where the accident happened, and the damaged vehicle’s registration number. If you don’t own the vehicle you’re driving, you must give the name and address of the owner as well.
If you can’t contact or identify the owner quickly and easily, you must report the accident to the police as soon as possible, but within 60 hours.
You can be fined up to $5,000 if you don’t report the accident, unless you have a reasonable excuse. (You do not have to report the accident if no one is injured and you’re able to contact the owner).
Other helpful information:
Record the name, address, and phone number of any other driver involved in the accident and the registration numbers of the vehicles they are driving.
Exchange insurance company details, if they and/or you are insured.
Record the names, addresses, and phone numbers of any witnesses.
Write down what happened: time, location, weather & road conditions, a sketch of the accident, and speed.
For further information please see the below links:
Note: The obligations to report an accident to the police or to a vehicle or property owner (see above) don’t apply if you’ve been arrested or are being held by the police because of the accident.
Note: You shouldn’t say whose fault you think the accident was. It’s possible your insurance company will refuse to pay out if you say that the accident was your fault.