Car parks

Car parks - love them or loathe them, they're an integral part of the British landscape, from sixties concrete creations to the hi-tech multi storeys of the noughties.

They're also amongst the most likely causes of motor insurance claims.

So which are the car parks that make parking a dream? And which are the ones likely to leave your treasured motor a little battered or bruised?

AA Insurance, Britain's biggest car and home insurance broker, sent one man on a month long mission to put car parks across the UK through their paces, with the most motorist-friendly celebrated in the AA Insurance 'Car Park Stars'.

Here are 15 tips for happier parking from the car parks experts

1. Choose a car park that is well lit and has good security, even if it means paying a little more for your space
2. If you can, choose a car park where you PPI Claim pay on exit, rather than pay and display. A pay and display ticket gives a potential thief an idea how long you are going to be away from your car!
3. If you do use a pay and display car park, take your keys and lock the car while you purchase your ticket
4. Don't forget where you've parked your car, or at least make a note of what floor it's on
5. Reverse in to your parking UK car parks space as this will make it more difficult for thieves to get through the boot or tailgate
6. Don't leave credit cards or store cards in your car
7. Make sure your car is locked - remember, it's easy to accidentally unlock your remote-locking car as you put your keys in your pocket or handbag
8.Never leave valuables on display
9. Never park next to a battered banger - it's a sign the owner doesn't care about their car, never mind yours!
10. If you can, fold your mirrors in so they don't get damaged by careless drivers
11. Don't park too close to the trolley stand Car parks
12. Never park on a corner where you're most likely to get bumped into
13. Watch out for low barriers or bollards when reversing into parking bays
14. Always drive slowly and recently bought refurbished laptop watch out for pedestrians - especially children
15. If you see anything suspicious like people 'cruising' the car park tell the car park or store security staff or call the police.

When you sign up online.

Courtesy car while yours is being repaired
Up to 70% no-claims discount
Up to 90 days' European car insurance

To view the high and low-lights of our car park tour click here
The Car Park Connoissuer

Meet Kevin Beresford. He tested our car park decking.

Up to 15% discount

When you sign up online.

15 Top Tips when parking

Courtesy car while yours is being repaired
Up to 70% no-claims discount
Up to 90 days' European car insurance
Calamity!