We tend to think of car accidents as major collisions involving thousands of pounds' worth of remedial bodywork attention.

But, in fact, the bump in a car park, the broken door mirror, the ding in the door, are actually the most common type of collisions experienced by firms around the world.

The cost of repair may be low – a 'smart' repair on car paintwork can be as little as £100 plus the VAT – nevertheless the sheer volume adds up and can have a direct effect on the bottom line of your business.

There are additional costs to consider, too. These include vehicle downtime while the company car is in for repair, loss of residual value if the bumps and scrapes are allowed to continue unattended, and additional administrative duties involved in handling the additional expenditure.

Will Murray is the research director at Interactive Driving Systems, a global provider of fleet risk management solutions, who says: "We have developed a series of common sense tips for drivers that will help them avoid these parking and low-speed manoevring incidents."

Ten top tips to prevent parking bumps

• Minimise the need to travel, for example by video conferencing, or travel by train or other modes whenever possible, especially when visiting urban areas.
• Try to book an allocated parking space in advance so that you can park in a designated location. Allow time in journey plans to find suitable/safe parking.
• Always have an 'exit strategy' in mind when parking. Think about the spacing from buildings, other vehicles, street furniture and turn radius of the exit manoeuvre – and how you will get out.
• Manoeuvre slowly and in control.
• Always park within the painted lines of the space allocation.
• Where legal and safe to do so, reverse/back into parking spaces – so that you can drive out at the start of your journey. This is good for both safety and fuel efficiency.
• Avoid parking in the spaces/end of rows near turning areas.
• Avoid parking near the shopping trolley return areas in store car parks.
• Be extra careful when backing out of car parking spaces. Be aware of vehicles and pedestrians moving behind you, cars waiting to get your spot, others who are backing out at the same time and reckless drivers who speed through lanes.

Source: Interactive Driving Systems

Author Ralph Morton is editor & publisher of Business Car Manager magazine (www.businesscarmanager.co.uk). He was named Business Writer of the Year in the Guild of Motoring Writers Awards and can be contacted at editor@businesscarmanager.co.uk