Driving in Hong Kong can be a very frustrating experience, especially when it comes to finding a parking spot against a tide of other vehicles that are doing the same. The good news is that there are various ways to help find that perfect spot as easy as possible. While Kwiksure cannot promise that finding a parking spot will be stress-free, the following 3 tips will make finding that parking space as pleasant (or the very least, bearable) and less stressful as possible.
Mobile technology is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to finding a parking spot. For a few years now, various mobile applications have been popping up to facilitate drivers in their search for a suitable parking spot.
An excellent example is the ‘HKeMobility’ mobile application from the Transport department. There are great features to be explored with mobile applications as they generally provide car park information, including real-time parking vacancy information of some car parks. Applications can highlight the number of vacant spots or how full the parking lot is. On-street parking space information is also provided, indicating availability for various types of vehicles like cars, vans, goods vehicles, and for disabled road users too.
Therefore, check out mobile applications that offer features that indicate availability but also warn drivers of any hazards that vehicles may come across.
If drivers are in a parking lot of a busy shopping mall, then there are 2 ways to go about searching for a suitable parking spot:
Although being close to the entrance is a bonus for shoppers or visitors, the problem with the first approach is that too much time is spent looking for a vacancy. As such, if there is a concern for time, driving around until a parking spot becomes available may be the most efficient approach for drivers.
More so, there’s an issue of safety as vehicles parked closer to the entrance are more at risk of receiving damage due to unattended trolleys and the presence of other vehicles looking for a spot near the entrance. For safety, drivers may wish to search for an area where congestion is lower and with little to no unattended obstructions like cones and trolleys.
Parking a vehicle is always easier when there is clear visibility and the area is well lit-up. Hazards can be seen before making a decision to park. Obstructions may be in the way and could cause damage to parts of the vehicle, for example, the wheels. Assessing the safety not only for the driver, but also for the vehicle reduces the risk of making a motor insurance claim for damage done to the vehicle. This very much depends if the driver is insured under a comprehensive or third-party plan.
If the driver accidentally damages the vehicle when maneuvering into or out of a parking spot, then having comprehensive motor insurance will be most beneficial to making a successful claim. Without comprehensive cover, the driver will risk having to fork out for repairs. Worse still, if the car is written off, then the value of the vehicle will fall significantly, and the driver left with an unroadworthy vehicle.
Third-party only (TPO) is the lowest allowable level of insurance that drivers must get in Hong Kong. TPO covers damage to other people and other cars, but any damage to the driver’s car remains their responsibility to fund and sort.
A third-party fire and theft motor insurance plan is the same as TPO, but the insurance plan will also cover situations where the vehicle catches fire or if it’s stolen.
Generally, parking lots in many shopping malls across Hong Kong will provide sufficient lighting. Outdoor parking lots will have bright flood lights to light up the whole area. However, there may be times when a parking spot is found along a side street in Hong Kong, and the lamp post may be broken leaving a dark patch over the area. If unsure it is also best to search for a well-lit area that fosters safety for both the driver and the vehicle.
Kwiksure is the best insurance broker to approach for all car insurance inquiries to ensure vehicles and owners are protected from unexpected bills.
As the leading motor insurance broker in Hong Kong, Kwiksure’s team of experts have years of experience matching drivers with the best third party and comprehensive car insurance policies on the market. If you have any more questions or would like to get a free auto insurance quote and discuss about a no claims discount, click here to speak to Kwiksure’s advisors.
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Kwiksure has over 20 years of experience in the car insurance industry, comparing quotes from over 60 insurers in Hong Kong. Use our online quotation tool now to get a free car insurance quote!
The above information is for reference only. Kwiksure takes no responsibility for the accuracy and timeliness of the information. For the coverage, mode of compensation, benefit limit and premium levels of any specific insurance plan, please refer to the relevant policy terms.
Kwiksure is a licensed motor insurance brokerage company with over 20 years of experience in insurance. The company strives to simplify insurance and select the best insurance plans for customers that fit their budget and coverage needs.
Kwiksure provides a range of insurance products, including car insurance, motorcycle insurance, cross-border insurance between Hong Kong and Mainland China, home insurance, travel insurance, domestic helper insurance, and voluntary medical insurance. The team has been named "Best Car Insurance Broker" and "Outstanding Leadership Award" by various media outlets over the years.
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