New industry statistics show that thousands of minor carpark accidents run up a damage bill of more than $100 million a year. NRMA Insurance says the average small carpark prang costs about $1300.

The NSW insurer handles about 130 such claims a day and believes many other incidents are simply not reported.

Robert McDonald, head of NRMA’s Insurance Industry Research division, says one in seven collisions occurs in carparks, almost half of them when a driver is reversing.

He says carpark design can play a part in accidents but poor driving is the main factor.

“Motorists need to watch out for other motorists who may disobey traffic signals, such as one-way signs, or park illegally and create collision hazards,” he said. “New technology such as reverse sensors and better design features can assist, but drivers need to be very aware of what is around them.”