Where’s the safest place to park your car at night?

Having your car regularly serviced helps ensure its smooth running, and paying for car insurance gives you cover in the event of an accident or damage - but what else can you do to protect it, especially while it's parked overnight? Here are some steps you can take to keep your car safer during the evenings.

Where should you park your vehicle at night?

No two houses are the same, from terraced houses with street parking to detached homes that have a private driveway. But no matter where you live, you want to make sure that you’re doing what you can to protect your car at night.

A garage

If you have access to one, a garage is one of the best and safest places to keep a car. Not only is it out of sight, but it can also help to protect your car from the elements. The cold can impact a vehicle’s battery, while sun exposure can cause the tyres to dry out and crack over time. You may also find your car’s paintwork suffering from weather conditions, so a garage should help prevent these things from occurring.

A private driveway

For homes without a garage, the next best place to park your car is on a private driveway. When your vehicle is off the road, it’s safe from passing vehicles that could damage it as they drive by. Driveways are also an ideal place to keep an eye on your vehicle. You can boost security with motion-activated lights, streetlights, smart doorbells with camera monitoring and other forms of security 

A private carpark

If you live within an apartment complex, assisted living or retirement community you may have access to a secure or private car park. With some requiring a pass code or fob to access - plus, possibly CCTV - this would be a secure environment to leave your car overnight.

Street parking

Street parking is very common, particularly in cities or beside older terraced houses. When you have to park your car on the street, you should try to ensure that it’s in a well-lit place, ideally under a streetlight or as close to one as possible.

Though it’s not always an option, you should try and park as near to your house as you can. Free on-street parking can be a bit of a free-for-all, as people will park wherever they can find a space. If you're lucky enough to secure a spot by your home, it'll be much easier for you to monitor it.

Perhaps unexpectedly, parking on busier roads may be safer than quieter ones. A car is more likely to be stolen from an empty, dimly lit road. Where possible, try to find a busier road with good lighting for parking. 

Can I park in front of my house?

Even if you have a driveway, you may still choose to park on the road in front of your house. Just be aware that if it is a public space, then other people also have the right to park there, as long as there aren't yellow lines or a dropped kerb.

If you park regularly on the road, instead of on your driveway, this should be communicated to your insurance provider. Where you park your car at night affects your insurance risk and can change the cost of your insurance premium.

Can I buy a parking space outside my house?

You cannot currently buy a parking space on public roads outside your house.

However, if your local area has designated off road parking, you can contact your local council to learn more about parking schemes and permit applications.

You can request to have a disabled space designated near your home, if you qualify for one. White lines will be drawn onto the road to mark the area as only available to those with a Blue Badge. Bear in mind that anyone with this permit will be entitled to park in a disabled space, even if it's directly outside your home.

Can I park on the pavement?

Parking on the pavement is a complicated subject.

In London, it is prohibited. You could be fined up to £130, if you ignore these rules.

There are only two exceptions to this London ban:

1.    When a sign with the parking “P” and showing a car parked on the footway is visible.

2.    For loading or unloading when there is no other way the delivery or collection could be made.

Outside of London, there isn’t currently a law that stops you from parking on a pavement. However, the Department for Transport (DfT) has said that it may consider bringing this rule into force in the rest of England at some point in the future.

Blocking pavements can be frustrating for pedestrians, as it can force them to walk in the road. For parents with pushchairs or people with certain disabilities or in wheelchairs, this can be especially dangerous. 

How to use street parking safely

The Highway Code says you shouldn’t leave a car parked where it can cause “unnecessary obstruction”. Therefore, where possible, try to park with all four wheels on the road, ensuring there’s enough space for cars to get past as they’re driving along.

You may also want to tuck in your wing mirrors to prevent damage. This also allows pedestrians to pass easily and safely.

Keys that allow for keyless entry emit a signal, which is very useful but can come with risks. Thieves are able to amplify the signal used to gain access to the car, but special pouches can be purchased that block the signal. You can check this guide on stolen car keys to find out more information around keeping your keys safe.

Generally, when parking your car, the best thing to do is use your common sense. Try to avoid parking it where the car could become an obstruction, such as on a junction or on the pavement. You can use lighting, amongst other things, to help keep it safe at night.

Summary

If you want to keep your car safe overnight, consider these tips:

• Parking your car in a garage is likely the safest option and comes with the added benefit of protecting your car from weather damage.
• If you must use street parking, opt for a busy, well-lit road, as this will decrease the likelihood of theft.
• Drivers in London should know that parking on the pavement prohibited and can result in a fine (not applicable to those outside of London) 
• If you have a garage or driveway but prefer using on street parking, alert your insurance provider, as this could affect your car insurance policy. 
• If you need one, you can apply for a disabled parking space to be created outside your house.

To find out more about keeping your car safe and in good condition, visit our Useful Article section. We have a range of helpful guides for motorists looking to get more out of later life.