One in four brits admit to damaging someone else’s car in a supermarket car park (Image: Getty Images)
Nine in 10 British drivers experience anxiety about car damage, with one in four admitting to accidentally causing damage to another vehicle in a supermarket car park, while over half have been a victim of such an incident themselves.
In an effort to avoid dents and damage, half of British drivers have taken extra precautions, such as parking across two spaces or deliberately parking next to a luxurious car in the hopes that the owners will be more cautious with their doors.
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A cheeky one in 10 confessed to parking in parent and baby spaces, despite not having children with them for the extra room.
According to the study, 23% of Brits expressed a strong interest in purchasing a parking space with a ‘dent-free guarantee’, to help them avoid potential damage from inconsiderate drivers.
The study was commissioned by The AA to promote their Accident Assist service, a 24/7 support system for members. The brand have created a humorous ‘drive-thru bubble wrap machine’, to illustrate the lengths people might go to avoid scrapes and dents.
TV personality Scarlett Moffatt, who required 14 attempts to pass her driving test, was the first to test the drive-thru.
She commented: “Car parks can be a nightmare, especially with the size of some cars these days [so] it’s no small wonder people are afraid of getting their own vehicle scraped or dinged, and how many have accidentally done it to someone else.”
For numerous Britons, having extra protection means they can steer clear of the hassle involved in making claims. Notably, one in ten admitted they wouldn’t know how to initiate the process, while four in ten would be frustrated by the extensive paperwork required to get the issue resolved.
Tim Rankin, Managing Director of AA Accident Assist, commented: “Even the smallest dents can add up to a significant hassle.”
“It’s not just about the appearance of the car, but the time, effort, and often money required to address these issues. We take care of it all as part of your membership giving you the freedom to drive with confidence.”