Assurance for parking: which guarantees to choose for optimal protection?

In summary

📌 Section	📋 Description
🚗 Should you insure a parking space?	Parking insurance is not always mandatory, but it is recommended depending on the type of parking: public, private, co-owned or separately rented.
🏢 Different types of parking and their coverage	Depending on the location (public, private, co-ownership, rental), insurance obligations and guarantees vary.
🔥 Fire	An underground parking lot or a locked box can be exposed to fires. Home coverage may include this risk.
💧 Water damage	Underground parking lots are prone to infiltration and flooding, requiring specific coverage.
🏴‍☠️ Theft and vandalism	Theft and damage to a vehicle or a box can be covered by specific insurance.
⚖️ Civil liability	If an accident occurs on your parking and you are responsible, civil liability insurance is essential.
🏠 Private parking insurance	If your parking is on private land, insuring it is not mandatory, but some home extensions are available.
🔑 Co-ownership parking	Residential parkings are often covered by collective insurance, but individual guarantees may be necessary.
📜 Rented parking insurance	Tenants can subscribe to liability insurance, and landlords to PNO insurance.
💰 Cost of parking insurance	The cost varies according to location and chosen guarantees. A closed box is more expensive but better protected.
🔍 How to choose your parking insurance?	Assessing included guarantees, the rate, exclusions, and deductibles helps select the best coverage.
🛠 Responsibility in case of a claim	In case of fire, theft, or water damage, the relevant insurance depends on the cause and the parking’s status.
📝 Reporting a claim	Gathering evidence, contacting your insurer, and providing necessary documents allows obtaining compensation.
🔎 Insurance comparison	It is recommended to compare offers and guarantees to obtain the most suitable coverage.

Parking your vehicle in a parking lot involves certain risks: theft, vandalism, or fire. The parking insurance allows you to protect against these potential damages. Discover here the obligations, guarantees, and tariffs of this coverage.

Best insurers for Parking

🏢 Insurer	🛡️ Coverage Type	💰 Estimated Monthly Price	📍 Suitable for	🚗 Theft protection	🔥 Fire protection	🌊 Water damage	🛠 Protection of stored objects	🔍 Responsibility liability insurance
MAIF	Liability + theft and fire	6 to 15 €	Outdoor parking and secure boxes	Optional	Yes	No	No	Yes
MACIF	Home dependence + theft	5 to 12 €	Underground parking and private garage	Included	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
Allianz	All risks (theft, vandalism, fire, water damage)	10 to 25 €	Closed box with stored objects	Included	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
GMF	Non-occupant owner insurance (PNO)	7 to 18 €	Lessor owners	No	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
AXA	Closed garage and box (including stored goods)	8 to 20 €	Private and closed parking	Included	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Groupama	Co-ownership and tenant (home extension)	5 to 14 €	Co-owners and tenants	Depends on the contract	Depends on the contract	Depends on the contract	No	Yes
Luko	Flexible insurance (private or co-ownership parking)	4 to 10 €	On-demand insurance (monthly or yearly)	Included	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

📍 Should you insure a parking space?

Insuring a parking space is not always mandatory, but it is highly recommended to protect yourself against potential damages. Depending on whether your parking is public, private, in co-ownership or rented separately, the obligations and recommendations differ.

🏢 Different types of parking and their insurance coverage

🚗 Parking Type	📜 Mandatory Insurance?	🛡️ Recommended Protection
Public parking	❌ No	Only auto insurance
Private parking at home	❌ No	Option within home insurance
Co-ownership parking	✅ Yes (by co-ownership)	Additional for theft and vandalism
Rented parking	❌ No	Specific tenant insurance

🚦 1. Should a public parking space be insured?

Public parking spaces (street, supermarkets, municipal parking) do not require specific insurance. This type of location belongs to a public authority and is accessible to everyone.

🛡️ Recommended protection:

• Auto insurance already covers the damages your vehicle might suffer when parked in a public space.
• In cases of vandalism, theft, or glazing breakage, you will be compensated only if your auto contract includes these guarantees.
• In case of fender bender, the driver responsible’s insurance covers the repairs.

💡 Tip: If your vehicle regularly parks in a public place, it is recommended to opt for comprehensive insurance or add a vandalism and theft guarantee.

🏠 2. Insure a private parking space at a single-family house

If you own a private parking lot on your land, no mandatory insurance is required. However, in case of damages (fire, flood), the liability may fall on the owner.

🛡️ Recommended protection:

• Some home insurance policies already include coverage for private parking.
• If you use a closed box as outbuilding, it can be insured within your multi-risk home contract.
• An extension of guarantee can be subscribed to protect the space against natural disasters and water damage.

💡 Good to know: A private parking can be responsible for a third-party damage (example: a fall caused by poor maintenance of the parking). In this case, the civil liability insurance is essential.

🏢 3. Is a parking space in co-ownership insured?

In a collective residence, parking spaces are often part of the common areas. They are therefore covered by the co-ownership insurance. However, this protection remains limited.

📜 Mandatory:

• The co-ownership insurance covers damage to common parts, but not necessarily those suffered by a vehicle or a private box.

🛡️ Recommended protection:

• Check with your building manager if your parking space is covered.
• Subscribe to a additional insurance if you want to protect your vehicle against theft, vandalism, or fire.
• For closed boxes, a specific insurance is sometimes necessary, especially if you are storing objects.

💡 Tip: In case of damage, if the co-ownership insurance does not cover all damages, you will need to resort to your personal home insurance or auto.

🔑 4. Should you insure a separately leased parking space?

If you rent a separate parking space (in a residence, private garage, or underground parking), insurance is not mandatory but strongly recommended.

📜 Mandatory:

• The owner landlord has no legal obligation to subscribe to specific insurance unless they own multiple spaces for rent.

🛡️ Recommended protection:

• As a tenant, you can subscribe to a tenant liability insurance to protect yourself from damages you might cause.
• If you own a closed box, a theft and fire insurance is highly recommended.

💡 Note: If your parking space is part of your lease agreement, it can be covered by your housing insurance.

🔍 What risks does a parking insurance cover?

The parking insurance can protect a private parking against various risks that could lead to material damages or invoke the liability of the owner or tenant. This coverage is particularly useful for underground parking, closed boxes, or private parking spaces.

🔥 1. Fire: A risk not to neglect

A fire in a parking lot can have serious consequences, especially in a confined space. The causes of such an incident can be multiple:

• Electrical short circuit in a private box
• Arson (vandalism act)
• Malfunction of a parked vehicle

🛡️ Insured protection:

• Repair of damages caused to the parking (covering the surface, structure, equipment).
• Coverage of restoration costs for the closed box or electrical installations.
• Liability if the fire damages another vehicle or the shared parts of a co-ownership.

💡 Tip: A covered parking or a closed box can be insured through a home extension for optimal protection.

💧 2. Water damage: A frequent problem in underground parking

Underground parking lots are especially exposed to infiltrations and floods in case of heavy rain or pipe leaks. These incidents can cause significant damage:

• Ground settlement
• Damage to paints and coatings
• Damage to parked vehicles

🛡️ Protection assured:

• Repair of damaged infrastructures.
• Coverage of pumping and cleaningCosts.
• Reimbursement of damages if the cause is linked to a defective parking installation.

📌 Note: If flooding comes from a co-ownership pipe failure, it is the collective insurance that covers repairs.

🏴‍☠️ 3. Theft and vandalism: Protection against malicious acts

A private parking, even secured, is never immune from a vandalism act or a theft. The main risks involve :

• Theft of a vehicle
• Attempted break-ins on a box
• Graffiti and tags on parking walls
• Vandalism (scratches, flat tires, broken windows)

🛡️ Protection assured:

• Compensation in case of theft or damage to the parking.
• Repair of damages caused to infrastructures.
• Coverage of security costs (installation of new locks, cameras, reinforced gates).

💡 Tip: Theft and vandalism insurance is often optional. Remember to check it in your contract!

⚖️ 4. Civil liability: An accident at your location

If an accident occurs on your parking space, you may be held responsible for damages caused to a third party.

👨‍⚖️ Examples of covered situations :

• A pedestrian falls on an poorly maintained parking (oil presence, hole, ice).
• An stored object in a box falls and injures a person.
• A wall or a barrier of the parking collapses and causes damage to a neighboring vehicle.

🛡️ Insured protection:

• Coverage of medical expenses if a third party is injured on your property.
• Compensation for damages caused to other vehicles or infrastructures.
• Legal defense in case of dispute related to an accident on your parking space.

📌 Note: Civil liability may be included within a home insurance if the parking is declared as a dependence.

🏠 Private parking insurance: is it mandatory?

If your parking is located on your private land, you are not legally obliged to subscribe to a specific insurance. However, this type of parking might be exposed to various risks, including theft, damage, fire, or water infiltration.

📌 Why insure a private parking?
Even though insurance is not mandatory, subscribing to a coverage for your garage, box or outdoor space can save you from high costs in case of damage. Many home insurances allow adding such spaces as dependences, but with certain limitations.

🏠 What types of private parking can be insured?

🏠 Parking Type	🛡️ Recommended Insurance	💡 Particularity
Closed garage	✅ Yes (home extension)	Protects against theft and fire
Outdoor parking	❌ Not mandatory	High risk of vandalism
Residence spot	📜 Co-ownership insurance	Check for exclusions

💡 Good to know: Home insurance sometimes also covers private parking under certain conditions. Remember to check your contract!

🔒 1. Insuring a closed garage: a recommended protection

A closed garage is often considered a dependence of the main residence and can be insured within the same contract. It offers an additional security but remains exposed to certain risks:

• Theft and break-in: Forcing the garage door to steal objects or break into the house.
• Fire: Presence of flammable products (oils, fuel, electrical equipment).
• Water damages: Leaks from plumbing or infiltrations from the roof.

🛡️ Protection assured:
✅ Coverage of repairs for damage.
✅ Compensation of stolen objects stored in the garage (according to the contract clauses).
✅ Home extension possible to include a theft and vandalism guarantee.

📌 Tip: If you store valuables (bike, tools, sports equipment), it’s advisable to declare their presence to obtain better coverage.

🚗 2. Should you insure an outdoor parking?

A private outdoor parking, whether located on your land or in front of your house, does not require specific insurance. However, this type of parking is more exposed to risks:

• Vandalism: Scratches, tags, broken glass on a parked vehicle.
• Natural damages: Storms, hail, floods.
• Liability: If someone falls on your private space due to maintenance defect.

🛡️ Recommended protection:
✔️ Check if your home insurance covers external infrastructures (floors, markings, gates).
✔️ Subscribe to liability insurance to protect yourself against damage to third parties.
✔️ Opt for auto insurance with vandalism guarantee for parked vehicles.

📌 Attention: Home insurance does not cover vehicles parked outside. Auto guarantees (theft, fire, damages) take over.

🏢 3. Co-ownership parking: what does the co-ownership insurance cover?

If your parking space is in a private residence, it is generally covered by co-ownership insurance. However, this coverage is limited to damages to infrastructure and does not protect your personal vehicle.

📜 What does co-ownership insurance cover:
✔️ Damage to shared parts (barriers, floors, automatic gates).
✔️ Electrical incidents in underground parking.
✔️ Civil liability in case of accident caused by a maintenance defect.

🛡️ What you need to insure personally:
❌ Your vehicle, covered by your auto insurance.
❌ Your closed box, which sometimes requires a home extension.
❌ The stored belongings in a box (bikes, furniture, tools).

📌 Tip: Before subscribing to insurance, ask the co-ownership manager what the collective coverage exactly includes!

🏢 Co-ownership parking insurance

If your parking space is in a collective parking lot, it is usually included in the co-ownership insurance. However, this collective coverage has some limits, and a additional insurance may be necessary for optimal protection.

📌 1. What does co-ownership insurance cover?

The co-ownership insurance protects the shared parts, including collective parking, in case of a disaster affecting the entire building or its shared equipment.

🛡️ Typically included guarantees:
✔️ Material damage to parking infrastructure (floors, walls, automated access).
✔️ Liability coverage in case of accident caused by a faulty maintenance.
✔️ Fire and water damage affecting the structure of the collective parking.
✔️ Vandalism acts on common parts (garage doors, barriers, elevators).

📌 Attention: The co-ownership insurance does not cover your vehicle nor personal objects stored in a private box.

🧐 2. Should you acquire individual insurance for your co-ownership parking?

Even if the co-ownership insures the structure of the parking, you can be liable in case of damage caused to third parties or damage in a claim not covered by the collective insurance.

📌 Check with your syndic:
🔹 Is your parking space included in the collective insurance?
🔹 Are vandalism acts on your vehicle covered?
🔹 Are water infiltration and damages related to installations covered?
🔹 Is a closed box considered a dependency of your home?

✅ It is advisable to subscribe to individual insurance if:
✔️ You store goods in your closed box (bikes, furniture, tools).
✔️ You want coverage against theft and damages.
✔️ You are liable for an accident on your space (injuring a third party, damaged vehicle).

📌 Tip: Some home insurance policies offer an extension for garages and private parking. Remember to check your contract!

🏠 3. Coverage comparison: insurance

🔎 Coverage Type	🏢 Co-ownership Insurance	🚘 Individual Insurance
Damages to structures (floors, walls, barriers)	✅ Yes	❌ No
Liability in case of accident	✅ Yes	✅ Yes (if subscribed)
Water damages, fires	✅ Yes	🔄 Optional
Vandalism and theft	🔄 Partial	✅ Yes
Stored goods in a box	❌ Not covered	✅ Yes

🏠 Insurance for a rented parking space

If you rent a parking space, you might be wondering if it’s necessary to subscribe to insurance. In reality, it all depends on your type of rental. Although insurance is not always mandatory, it is highly recommended to protect you against damages or disputes.

📜 1. What insurance for a rented parking?

The need for insurance depends on the type of rental:

📜 Rental Type	🛠️ Required Insurance?	🔍 Details
Parking with independent lease	✅ Yes	The tenant must subscribe to a liability insurance
Included in the housing lease	❌ No	Already covered by home insurance

📌 Tip: A lessor owner can subscribe to a non-occupant owner insurance (PNO) to cover their property in case of damages not covered by the tenant.

🔒 2. Why subscribe to insurance for a leased parking?

Although not mandatory, a rented parking insurance is strongly recommended to:

✅ Protect the tenant against damages caused to vehicles or infrastructures.
✅ Avoid financial liability in case of an accident in the rented space.
✅ Protect against vandalism, theft, and fire risks.

💡 Example:
If a fire occurs in your rented parking space and damages neighboring vehicles, you could be held liable for damages if you are not covered.

👨‍⚖️ 3. What insurance for a landlord renting a parking space?

An owner who rents out a parking space can subscribe to a non-occupant owner insurance (PNO).

🛡️ The PNO insurance covers:
✔️ Material damages (fire, flood, vandalism).
✔️ The liability of the owner if an accident occurs on the rented parking.
✔️ Coverage of repairs if the tenant causes damages to the infrastructure.

📌 Tip: Without PNO, the owner might be forced to pay out of pocket for damages from a claim.

📑 4. Insurance comparison for leased parking

🚗 Status	🏠 Recommended Insurance	🔍 Details
Tenant	✅ Liability insurance	Covers damages caused to third parties
Landlord owner	✅ PNO insurance	Protects the rented property
Occupant owner	❌ Optional	Possible via an extension of home

📌 Good to know: Some multi-risk home policies automatically cover rented parking spaces when associated with the dwelling. Remember to check your contract!

💰 What is the price of parking insurance?

The rate of parking insurance depends on several factors, including location, the type of parking, and the guarantees chosen.

🔎 1. What factors influence the price?

Insurance companies set their rates based on several elements:

📍 Parking location: An outdoor parking presents higher vandalism risks than a closed box.
🏗️ Type of infrastructure: A secured box will cost more to insure than an outdoor space.
🛡️ Subscribed guarantees: The more extensive the coverage (theft, fire, liability), the higher the insurance cost.
📜 Subscriber status: A landlord owner can subscribe to a specific insurance (PNO) to cover their property when renting.

💶 2. Average prices for parking insurance

The price of parking insurance varies depending on the type of location and the risks involved. Here is an estimate of monthly rates:

📍 Parking type	💰 Estimated Monthly Price
Outdoor parking	3 to 6 €
Underground parking	5 to 12 €
Secure closed box	10 to 25 €

📌 Tip: A comprehensive insurance for a closed box provides better protection against theft and damages.

🛡️ 3. Comparison of guarantees according to price

🔎 Guarantee	🚗 Outdoor Parking	🏢 Underground Parking	🔒 Closed Box
Liability	✅ Included	✅ Included	✅ Included
Theft and vandalism	❌ Optional	🔄 Partial	✅ Yes
Fire and water damages	🔄 Rarely included	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Stored goods (bicycles, furniture, tools)	❌ Not covered	❌ Not covered	✅ Yes

📌 Good to know: A closed box often allows you to include coverage for stored goods, unlike open parking spaces.

📑 4. Is it necessary to compare parking insurances?

It is advisable to compare insurer offers because rates and guarantees vary depending on the contracts.

🔹 Check if your home insurance offers an extension to cover a garage or private parking.
🔹 Request quotes to compare guarantees and deductibles.
🔹 Choose a coverage suited to your use: basic liability or full protection against theft and damages.

💡 Advice: Subscribing to comprehensive insurance for a closed box is more expensive, but offers better security against major risks (theft, fire, water damage). 🚗🏡

🚗 What are the criteria for choosing your parking insurance?

Subscribing to insurance for a parking space or a box requires evaluating several criteria to benefit from optimal coverage. Guarantees will vary depending on your parking type.

📋 Essential criteria to consider

1️⃣ Type of parking

• An outdoor parking lot is more exposed to thefts and weather events.
• A closed box offers better security and can be considered part of the habitation.
• An underground parking is protected against weather but remains vulnerable to water damage and vandalism.

2️⃣ Included guarantees

• Responsibility: Mandatory for landlords and useful for tenants in case of damages caused to a third party.
• Fire and water damage: Strongly advised for underground parking and private boxes.
• Theft and vandalism: Essential if you park in a risk zone.

3️⃣ Deductible amounts

• Be sure to check the deductible amount applied in case of a claim. Some insurances offer full compensation, others impose a deductible.

4️⃣ Insurance rate

• Prices vary depending on the level of guarantee and parking location. A secure box will cost more to insure than an outdoor space.

5️⃣ Guarantee exclusions

• Some policies exclude items stored in a garage or box, or do not indemnify damages caused by unidentified third parties.

📌 Tip: Before choosing insurance, request multiple quotes and compare offers to find the most suitable protection for your situation.

🔍 Parking insurance and liability in case of a claim

In case of a claim affecting a parking space, box, or parked vehicle, coverage will depend on the nature of damages and the type of insurance subscribed.

🛠 Who is responsible in case of damages?

🔍 Situation	⚖️ Concerned Insurance
Fire in an underground parking	Co-ownership insurance + home insurance (if impact on dwelling)
Theft or vandalism on a vehicle	Auto insurance (theft and vandalism coverage)
Pedestrian fall on poorly maintained parking	Liability insurance of the owner
Water damages from faulty pipe	Co-ownership insurance (shared parts) or home insurance (private garage)

📌 Good to know: If you own a parking space in co-ownership, check with the syndic the responsibilities covered by the collective insurance.

📝 How to report a parking-related incident?

When an incident occurs in a parking lot or box, it is essential to quickly report the incident to your insurer to obtain compensation.

📜 Steps to follow

1️⃣ Collect evidence

• Photograph damages (vehicle, parking structure, damaged items).
• If possible, obtain witness statements from people present at the time of the incident.

2️⃣ Report the incident

• You have 5 working days to report material damage (fire, water damage, vandalism).
• In case of theft, the report must be made within 2 working days and include a police report.

3️⃣ Provide necessary documents

• Insurance contract
• Receipts for damaged goods (if applicable)
• Friendly report (in case of vehicle accident)

4️⃣ Call an expert

• For significant damages, the insurer may appoint an expert to assess the extent of the damage and the compensation amount.

📌 Tip: Keep a copy of all documents sent to your insurer for better follow-up of your file.

🔎 Which coverage to choose based on the parking location?

The level of protection of a parking lot varies according to its location and associated risks.

📌 Comparison of protections by parking type

📍 Parking Type	🛡️ Minimum Protection	🔒 Full Protection
Closed box	Liability	Theft, fire, water damage
Underground parking	Co-ownership insurance	Additional vandalism coverage
Outdoor parking	Auto insurance	Theft and glass breakage guarantee
Leased parking	Tenant liability insurance	Non-occupant owner (PNO) insurance

📌 Advice: If you park your vehicle in a closed box, opt for a home extension covering stored goods.

📝 Conclusion

The parking insurance is an essential protection depending on your situation and your parking. Whether you are owner or tenant, it is recommended to review your contract and adapt your coverage according to your needs. 🚘✅

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