Getting a parking ticket can be a buzzkill. While most parking tickets come from public parking lots, private car parks are also out there and able to issue parking tickets to vehicles. So, what is a private parking company and what makes private parking tickets different from public tickets? Do you have to pay private parking companies that ticket you? We will dive into all of these issues below, so stay tuned!
What's the difference between a public and private parking company?
There always seems to be a bit of confusion when it comes to parking rules surrounding a car park that is considered private and public. Luckily, BrokerLink is here to dispel any misunderstandings you may have:
Public car park
A public parking lot has open access to all individuals and vehicles. These are usually owned by the local municipality, but there is no controlled access. The city or police are in charge of enforcing the rules and regulations of the lot and are able to issue a parking ticket to your vehicle. For example, if you park in a disabled space without a visible permit.
Private car park
A private car park is one that is either owned by a private company or an individual. These parking lots are meant for the company's customers, employees, or those living there. For example, an underground parking lot in an apartment building.
In a lot of cases, private parking lots are typically monitored and have private access points. However, not all car lots have controlled access. Private lots could either be employed by the owner of the business or the property management company.
What happens if I don't pay a private parking ticket in Ontario?
In Ontario, a private parking ticket that is issued by a property owner to your vehicle can result in a fine. If you do not pay the costs of the fine, it's likely that the private company will send your information to a collection agency, who will then contact you for payment.
It's important to note that if your tickets are not paid and your information is sent to a collection company, your credit score will be affected.
What happens if you don't pay a parking ticket in Vancouver?
If you receive a private parking ticket in Vancouver and do not pay it, private parking companies have the right to sell your information to a collection agency. In this case, the collection agency will begin to contact you periodically to collect the debt you owe.
Should you choose not to make a payment, collections agencies can notify the credit bureau. When this happens, it can affect your credit score.
Do I have to pay Impark tickets in Vancouver?
No, you do not have to pay Impark parking charges, as there are no legal grounds for private parking companies to issue a ticket in the first place. If you are issued tickets by a private parking company, you are able to submit an appeal with the company itself.
Protect your vehicle with quality car insurance
Whether you drive a car or motorcycle, protecting your means of transport while you're on the road or parked in a car park is important to prevent you from paying out of pocket for any damages or losses. Trust us, parking lot accidents are more common than you think!
Here's how BrokerLink can help no matter what type of affordable car insurance fits your needs:
Get a free car insurance quote with BrokerLink
Whether you need help checking demerit points or have questions about auto insurance and an insurance increase after tickets, BrokerLink is your one-stop shop for quality insurance information right at your fingertips.
With over 200 locations across Canada, BrokerLink may be in your neighbourhood. To work with an experienced broker from our team, don't hesitate to visit us in person at one of our many locations. You can also contact a broker over the phone during business hours. Alternatively, you can request a free, competitive insurance quote using our free online quote tool from the comfort of your own home!
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FAQs about paying private parking tickets
Do parking tickets affect your insurance rate?
A common question drivers have is whether parking tickets affect insurance. And while the truth is that many factors can affect your insurance premiums, an unpaid parking ticket isn't one of them.
That being said, if you've got numerous unpaid parking tickets, you may have trouble renewing your drivers licence in the future until you pay your remaining debt. We recommend checking your drivers licence status before your renewal date to ensure you have no infractions on your account.
Where else can you get a parking ticket?
There are numerous parking rules motorists need to follow. For example, parking near a stop sign can result in a parking ticket, and using a disabled parking space and school zones are common places where police enforce driving rules. To avoid getting parking tickets, make sure you're aware of the rules when it comes to school zones and fines, and other public and private areas.
Can I dispute a parking ticket from private parking companies?
In some cases, you are able to dispute tickets issued on private property if you have been wrongfully ticketed. You'll need to contact the private parking company directly for information on how to dispute the debt issued.
What happens if I don't pay a parking ticket in Waterloo?
If you do not pay a parking ticket in Waterloo, your debt will be sent to collection agencies seven business days after the date of issue.
If you have any questions, contact one of our local branches.
