New research suggests that hit‑and‑run behaviour in car parks is far more common than many drivers may realise. A survey of more than 1,000 Australian motorists found that 57% admitted to hitting a parked, unattended vehicle and leaving without reporting the incident. Fewer than half said they left their contact details for the owner.

According to Money.com.au, many drivers tend to dismiss low‑speed car‑park collisions as “minor”, particularly where damage is not immediately obvious. However, even small dents or scratches can lead to costly repairs, insurance disputes and reduced resale value, especially where vehicles are subject to finance.

Younger drivers more likely to drive away

The research highlighted significant differences by age group. Gen Z drivers were the most likely to leave the scene, with 84% admitting to leaving without reporting the incident. This compared with 56% of Millennials, 54% of Gen X, and 40% of Baby Boomers.

The findings sit uncomfortably alongside Australians’ self‑perception as responsible drivers. Quietly driving away after damaging someone else’s vehicle—no matter how small the impact—passes the financial and administrative burden onto the innocent owner.

Legal obligations still apply, even in car parks

Importantly, Australian road laws are clear. Under Rule 287 of the Road Rules 2014, drivers involved in a crash must stop and provide their details to the owner of any damaged property. If a parked vehicle is damaged and the owner cannot be located, drivers are expected to leave their details and notify police if necessary.

Failure to exchange particulars can carry real consequences. In NSW, offences can attract fines and demerit points, while more serious cases of leaving the scene can lead to significantly higher penalties, including possible imprisonment in some jurisdictions.

For insurers and brokers, these legal duties intersect directly with policy conditions around disclosure, cooperation and fraud. Unreported car‑park impacts often resurface later as unexplained damage or disputed claims, complicating liability, recoveries and coverage decisions.

Risky and distracted driving remains widespread

The hit‑and‑run findings align with broader research showing that risky and distracted driving behaviours remain common across Australia. Surveys indicate many drivers regularly admit to speeding, driving while fatigued, using mobile phones, or interacting with in‑vehicle systems while driving.

Notably, almost one‑third of drivers report using a mobile phone behind the wheel, despite widespread awareness of the risks. At the same time, most motorists continue to rate themselves as “good” or “safe” drivers, highlighting a sharp gap between self‑perception and actual behaviour.

Recent studies also show growing confidence in mobile phone use while driving, particularly for navigation, messaging and music control. For insurers, this ongoing exposure to distraction risk has implications for pricing, telematics, and claims frequency.

Why this matters for drivers and insurers

Taken together, the research paints a picture of a road environment where low‑impact collisions, distraction and incomplete disclosure are common. For drivers, the message is clear: even minor car‑park incidents carry legal, financial and ethical responsibilities.

For insurers and brokers, unreported collisions can translate into disputed claims, unclear causation and limited recovery options. Clear communication with policyholders about their obligations after any collision—no matter how minor—remains critical.

Doing the right thing starts with stopping, leaving details, and reporting the incident. A small action at the time of a crash can prevent far bigger problems later.