The Hidden Cost of Car Bumps

Fender Benders & Multifamily Apartment Security

When we think about multifamily garage security, we often focus on theft and violent crime. But for many multifamily property managers, one of the most persistent—and expensive—security challenges is actually parking lot and garage accidents.

From minor fender benders to full-on collisions, vehicle-related incidents in multifamily parking structures are a costly headache. They not only result in property damage, but can also lead to injury claims, rising insurance premiums, and even lawsuits. Yet many properties still lack the proper monitoring to proactively prevent or mitigate these incidents.

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The Scope of the Problem

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), tens of thousands of crashes occur in parking lots and garages each year—many resulting in injuries..

Some key stats:

• An estimated 60,000 people are injured in parking lot crashes every year in the U.S. (NSC)
  
  
• The average property damage claim from a parking lot incident ranges from $2,500 to $5,000, depending on the nature of the damage (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety)
  
  
• Vehicle-related incidents in multifamily garages can cost property owners tens of thousands in repairs, insurance hikes, and legal fees.

AAA reports that drivers often become complacent in parking areas, engaging in distracted behaviors like texting, calling, or adjusting GPS—making accidents even more likely in tight apartment garage spaces.

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The Liability Risk for Property Owners

For multifamily property managers, vehicle accidents bring more than just cosmetic damage. They routinely require tremendous staff resources: reviewing surveillance footage, sorting resident claims, and then filing an incident report for each. Accidents in the garage can also lead to:

• Claims of negligence: If a resident or visitor claims poor lighting or signage contributed to an accident, the property may be held liable.
  
  
• Vandalism or damage: Without adequate surveillance, it’s nearly impossible to hold culprits accountable or assist residents with insurance claims.
  
  
• Insurance spikes: Frequent incidents in garages and lots can cause commercial insurance rates to climb significantly.
  
  

A lack of documentation can put the burden of proof on the property owner. And that’s where modern apartment security tools can change the game.

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AI Video Surveillance & Remote Video Guarding Can Help

Traditional CCTV just doesn’t cut it anymore. Many multifamily operators are turning to AI surveillance and remote video guarding to better protect their parking areas.

Here’s how it works:

• Your existing surveillance camera data is funneled to the cloud. AI analytics send alerts to anomalies - like vehicles colliding, loiterers, etc.
  
  
• Remote guards review the alerts and can step in via loudspeaker to de-escalate or deter risky behavior, or, in the event of emergency, contact emergency services.
  
  
• Event-based alerts and footage are instantly accessible, searchable in seconds, and stored for 30 days, helping managers respond quickly.
• Incidents are documented by remote guards, not your staff. 

Remote video guarding can actively prevent some incidents, while also providing a reliable and rapidly searchable record when things go wrong. Plus, having visible surveillance signage and real-time intervention dramatically deters reckless behavior.

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Best Practices for Parking Lot Safety

If you manage or own a multifamily property, here are a few ways to upgrade your parking garage security:

• Light every corner of the lot or garage to reduce blind spots
• Use clear signage and mirrors to assist with visibility
• Encourage tenants to report incidents and suspicious behavior
• Partner with an AI surveillance and Remote Guarding provider for nextgen level security.

Parking lot incidents may seem like minor nuisances—but they add up fast. From physical damage and insurance hikes to legal headaches, these everyday issues can seriously hurt a property’s bottom line. ‍

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Join Our Webinar! 

We will be talking all things parking lot and garage safety and liability at “Pop Locks & Legal Talks: Car Break-ins, Auto Theft, and Legal Liability” with multifamily legal eagle Melinda McBeth, an attorney at Offit/Kurman! Bring your questions!

Register Today! 

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