Insurer Youi is warning Christmas shoppers of carpark rage as the Christmas shopping frenzy heats up.

'Car parks are notorious places for collisions,” says Youi CEO Frank Costigan.

'Our research shows one-in-five or 20 per cent of all motor insurance claims occur while cars are parked, with an average cost of each claim over $1800.

'As shopping centre car parks across the nation become increasingly busy and congested with many making the year-end dash to the store, it's likely there will be increased numbers of collisions as drivers look for that elusive parking space.”

Other information gleaned from car park collisions is that one third of the culprits fail to leave their details.

'Unfortunately, many drivers returning to their cars often find it damaged and the offender has not left their contact details,” says Frank.

He urges motorists to take extra care in car parks and to extend courtesy to all other drivers during the busiest shopping period of the year.

'Unfamiliar car parks can be difficult places to safely navigate and when combined with large numbers of stressed-out drivers looking for scarce available spaces it's a perfect scenario for an increased number of collisions,” says Frank.

'The intense competition for space often means drivers try to squeeze into tight spots. People trying to get out of their car also often knock their door into other vehicles, with many cars baring the trademark nick on the side.”

'Worse still, manoeuvring in and out of a narrow space can result in a costly crash.”

'Youi is urging motorists to minimise the risk of damage to their cars this Christmas by taking note of our tips to avoid car park collisions,” says Frank.

• Look at alternative ways of getting to the shopping centre, such as public transport, an Uber, taxi or think about car sharing
• Do your shopping early or at less busy times
• Consider online shopping
• Drive slowly, observe all signs in car parks, and respect reserved parking directions
• Turn on headlights when entering car parks
• Look for extra spaces on other floors rather than competing for space on the busiest floor
• Be mindful of pillars and other obstructions and ensure there is sufficient space between cars
• Extend courtesy to all other drivers that way the Christmas shopping experience will be lots more enjoyable.