Claims data from AAMI indicates shopping centre car parks remain a regular source of motor losses in the lead‑up to Christmas, with clear patterns by location, time of day, and day of week.
Using more than 17,300 car park claims lodged nationally between Sept. 1, 2024, and Aug. 31, 2025, AAMI found that Doncaster, in Melbourne’s east, recorded the highest volume of car park incidents, followed by Chadstone in the south‑east. December recorded the largest monthly tally of shopping centre car park collisions, with 1,876 incidents over the period.
The analysis points to two main causes: accidental damage to parked vehicles, responsible for 40% of claims, and collisions with fixed objects such as bollards, poles and trolleys, which made up 24%. Fridays were identified as the day with the highest incident levels, with Thursdays and Saturdays also relatively busy, while Sundays saw the fewest collisions. Most reported car park incidents occurred between noon and 4pm.
By state and territory, the highest‑claim suburbs for shopping centre car park collisions were Doncaster (Victoria), Chatswood (New South Wales), Maroochydore (Queensland), Innaloo (Western Australia), Modbury (South Australia), Kingston (Tasmania), Belconnen (Australian Capital Territory), and Alice Springs (Northern Territory).
The claims figures are drawn from AAI Limited’s motor portfolio, trading as AAMI, for the 12 months to Aug. 31, 2025. Behavioural findings are based on a national survey of 2,005 Australian drivers aged 18 and over, conducted by Pure Profile from Nov. 1 to 28, 2025.
The accompanying survey looks at how motorists approach parking in crowded centres, outlining several recurring “parking personas” that may affect risk outcomes. According to the results, 40% of respondents align with “Traditionalists,” drivers who typically head to the same level or section each visit. A further 27% described themselves as “Santa Stalkers,” following other shoppers to their cars and taking over spaces as they become vacant.
Around 24% said they usually manage to secure a parking spot even at busy times, while 6% reported they are prepared to pay for options such as valet, premium, or car wash parking. A smaller group, 4%, acknowledged using restricted or non‑standard bays – including “parents with prams” spaces or other prohibited areas – when regular parking is scarce.
AAMI motor claims manager Leah James said holiday‑period activity in retail centres continues to be reflected in claim volumes. “The festive rush turns shopping centre car parks into a real battleground – think last‑minute gift runs, distracted shoppers, and a whole lot of circling. It’s no surprise we see so many fender-benders at this time of year,” James said.
James also pointed to changes in the vehicle mix as a consideration in incident prevention. “This season, we also flag the rise of electric and hybrid vehicles as a safety issue. They’re much quieter than conventional cars, so pedestrians and other drivers may not hear them approaching or reversing – especially in dimly lit car parks,” James said. She said the core safety message remains consistent. “Whatever your car park personality, the simplest way to avoid becoming a Christmas car park statistic is to slow down, be patient, and stay focused,” she said.
James recommended motorists watch for reversing lights and check blind spots, avoid mobile‑phone use while manoeuvring, take extra care around pedestrians and children (particularly when driving electric vehicles), use headlights in underground or multi‑level facilities, and remain alert to structures such as pillars and trolley bays.
On inter‑urban and regional roads, NTI reports that conditions on freight routes tighten as school holiday travel overlaps with peak transport activity. Data from the National Truck Accident Research Centre (NTARC) shows that in 85.7% of fatal crashes involving a car and a heavy vehicle, the truck driver was not at fault.
NTI supply chain technical manager Aaron Louws said differences in vehicle performance and limitations remain a key factor. “Trucks operate very differently to cars – they have larger blind spots and require longer distances and more time to slow down. A little patience on the road really can save lives. Being extra cautious on rural roads and driving within speed limits, and to conditions can help avoid putting anyone in a dangerous situation,” Louws said.
Fatigue continues to feature prominently in insurer commentary on holiday‑period risk, particularly when families are travelling long distances on regional or unfamiliar roads. Louws said planning and rest are still the main controls available to drivers. “Taking the time to plan your journey, schedule rest breaks, and stopping when you feel tired is critical. There’s no quick fix for fatigue; the only real way to recover is sleep,” he said. Louws noted that the holiday period often combines longer driving hours, irregular sleep, higher traffic volumes, and more frequent stops at roadside facilities.
According to Louws, responsibility for safer outcomes is shared between passenger‑vehicle drivers and heavy‑vehicle operators. “Take your time, avoid risky behaviour, and be especially mindful around heavy vehicles. A little planning and patience go a long way,” he said.
For underwriters, brokers, and risk managers, the combined insights from AAMI and NTI point to continued focus on driver education covering shopping centre car park behaviour, interactions with heavy vehicles, and fatigue management as part of holiday‑season risk advisory and loss‑prevention work.
