Parking wars heat up ahead of Christmas: AA Insurance urges courtesy

Parking wars heat up ahead of Christmas: AA Insurance urges courtesy

• 1 in 7 Kiwis admit to tense moments over parking spots

• Drivers use extreme measures - such as lying down in spaces - with nearly 20% admitting to tactics like asking someone to hold a space, placing cones, leaving fake notes, or blocking spots with bins and trolleys

• AA Insurance reports more than 87,000 collision-related claims in the past year

As Christmas shopping ramps up and car parks hit capacity, tensions are rising among Kiwi drivers.

New research from AA Insurance shows that 1 in 7 Kiwi drivers have had a disagreement over a parking spot, and nearly 20% admit to using unconventional tactics to secure a park - including: using cones or chairs to ‘reserve’ a spot, asking someone to stand in a space to hold it, leaving a fake note or warning on another car and using bins, shopping trolleys, or other objects to block a space.

The survey highlights that festive stress is spilling over into car parks, with stories ranging from heated arguments to extreme measures like lying down in a parking space to reserve it.

In the past year, AA Insurance has received over 87,000 collision-related claims, covering everything from collisions with other vehicles or fixed objects to damage sustained while parked and accidents involving reversing vehicles.

AA Insurance Head of Motor Claims Beau Paparoa says, “in the Christmas rush, tempers can flare when car parks are full and everyone is trying to get in and out quickly. Parking disputes can escalate fast, and no one wants their holiday ruined over a car park. The best thing you can do is stay calm, avoid risky tactics, and remember that safety comes first.

“If someone beats you to a spot, let it go. It’s not worth a confrontation. And if you do make a mistake, owning up and leaving your details is the right thing to do. A little courtesy goes a long way in keeping everyone safe and stress-free.

“In busy car parks, accidents happen quickly. We often see cars reversing into other vehicles or getting clipped by stray trolleys. It’s a terrible time of year to end up with damage, so the best thing drivers can do is slow down, stay calm, and keep an eye out for hazards”, adds Paparoa.

AA Insurance’s top tips for stress-free holiday parking:

• Plan ahead: Shop early or visit during off-peak hours.

• Stay calm: If someone takes your spot, let it go. Your safety is worth more than a car park.

• Avoid risky tactics: Standing in spaces or using objects to reserve parks can lead to confrontation.

• Protect your vehicle: Park in well-lit areas, keep valuables out of sight, and always lock your car.

• Consider alternatives: Public transport or rideshare can save time and stress.

• Drive carefully: Use extra care in carparks at Christmas time, keeping speeds low to minimise accidents in busy areas where many cars are moving at once.