Honor Code on the Roads?

NORTHBROOK, Ill., Feb. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The likelihood of drivers stopping or leaving a 'sorry' note on your windshield if they hit your car is not very good according to new Allstate claims data released today. 69% of the country's hit-and-run collisions involved a parked vehicle.

While most states require a driver responsible for an accident with an unattended vehicle to notify the owner, such as leaving a note, some do not. However, Allstate recommends drivers always leave a note, including an explanation of what happened no matter how visible the damage.

"Leaving the scene of an accident without stopping is a very serious matter," said Bill Daly, Allstate assistant vice president of auto claims.  "If you caused damage to a vehicle you may be liable and can be held responsible. Collision coverage will protect you if someone hits your parked car and can help pay for repairs."

A trip to the mall or quick stop at the grocery store can quickly turn dreadful if you return to your vehicle to find you've been a victim of a hit-and-run. Allstate also warns drivers of the dangers of driving distracted, especially when cruising in areas where 'hit while parked' incidents are high.

Turning on the radio or checking for missed calls are distractions and can make it more difficult to maneuver your vehicle. Distractions also increase your chances of becoming involved in a crash.

Here is a look at the 'hit while parked' percentages in America's five largest cities

    
    
    
    
    City, State                       % Hit While Parked
    -----------                       ------------------
    New York, N.Y.                            70%
    --------------                           ---
    Los Angeles, Calif.                       60%
    -------------------                      ---
    Chicago, Ill.                             67%
    -------------                            ---
    Houston, Texas                            57%
    --------------                           ---
    Phoenix, Ariz.                            67%
    --------------                           ---

Allstate offers the following tips on what to do if someone has hit your parked vehicle:

Get the facts at the scene – Ask people nearby the scene if they witnessed the accident. Take down their reports and contact information. Also, take pictures of the area and all damage to your vehicle.

Check for surveillance cameras – If the accident occurred in a parking lot, check to see if a surveillance camera caught the incident on tape.

Contact your insurance company - Report even a minor accident to your insurance company immediately.

For more information about the hit-and-run report, log onto www.allstatenewsroom.com

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation's largest publicly held personal lines insurer. Widely known through the "You're In Good Hands With Allstate®" slogan, Allstate is reinventing protection and retirement to help more than 17 million households insure what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow. Consumers access Allstate insurance products and services through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, and Allstate exclusive financial representatives in the U.S. and Canada, as well as via www.allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate®.

*Note: National figure reflects data for America's largest 200 cities.

SOURCE Allstate Insurance Company

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