How to Parallel Park: Steps and Tips

By Kevin Quinn and the Mercury Team

Imagine you’re cruising through a busy downtown area, running a few errands, when you finally spot a parking space in the perfect location—only it’s a tight parallel spot between two cars. Your heart starts racing a little. Sound familiar?

Parallel parking can be a nerve-wracking experience, but it doesn’t have to be. In this article, we’ll walk you through practical parallel parking tips and highlight how good parking habits can play a role in safer driving and smarter car insurance decisions.

Benefits of Mastering Parallel Parking

Mastering parallel parking offers real-world advantages that go beyond simply passing a driving test, including:

Time efficiency: According to a study by INRIX, Americans spend an average of 17 hours a year searching for parking. In busy cities or tight neighborhoods, knowing how to parallel park efficiently can save you from endlessly searching for a larger stretch of open space.
Accident prevention: With proper parallel parking technique, you can help avoid those little mishaps like bumping the curb or another car—things that can lead to annoying (and sometimes expensive) repairs.
Lower premiums: Insurance companies, like Mercury, typically reward safe drivers with lower premiums. Avoiding minor accidents—especially in tight parking scenarios—can help you qualify for those discounts over time.

How to Practice Parallel Parking

Learning how to parallel park takes some patience, but practice really does make perfect. Here’s what you should do:

Find a quiet spot: Start in an empty parking lot or on a calm street where you won’t feel rushed.
Use cones or markers: Set up cones, boxes, or even water bottles to simulate parked cars.
Take it step-by-step: Practice pulling up next to the “car,” reversing at an angle, and straightening out within the space.
Go slow: There’s no need to rush. Moving slowly helps you stay in control and learn how your car responds.
Practice with a buddy: A friend or family member can offer helpful feedback, especially when it comes to spacing and angles.
Repeat as needed: The more you practice, the more natural it becomes. Muscle memory will kick in before you know it.

Preparing for Parallel Parking

Before you start parallel parking for real, you should take time to prepare yourself. Here are some parallel parking tips to consider:

Assess your surroundings: Look for a space that will accommodate your vehicle. Make sure there are no fire hydrants, driveways, or tight obstacles nearby, and always check for oncoming traffic before attempting to park.
Prepare your vehicle: Adjust your mirrors and seat so you have a clear view of the curb and surrounding vehicles. It also helps to understand how your car turns. Some cars have a tighter turning radius than others, which affects your angle as you park.
Get in the right mindset: Stay relaxed and take your time. Parallel parking can feel tricky at first, but staying calm helps you stay in control and make smoother, more confident movements.

Parallel Parking Steps

Parallel parking might seem intimidating at first, but breaking it down into steps makes it much easier to handle. Here’s a walkthrough to help you park like a pro:

1. Identify a Suitable Parking Space

Look for a space that’s a bit longer than your car—about 1.5 times your vehicle length is ideal. Make sure there’s enough room to maneuver and that it’s legal and safe to park there.

2. Signal Your Intentions

Turn on your signal to let other drivers know you’re about to park. This gives them time to slow down and gives you the space you need to pull in.

3. Position Your Vehicle

Pull up next to the car in front of the empty space, leaving about 2-3 feet of space between you and that vehicle. Your rear bumpers should be roughly aligned.

4. Reverse and Initiate The Turn

Slowly start backing up while turning your steering wheel sharply toward the curb. Keep checking your mirrors, look over your shoulder to stay aware of your surroundings, and take advantage of the technology your car may offer, including external cameras and parking sensors.

5. Straighten and Align

Once your car forms about a 45-degree angle to the curb, begin straightening your steering wheel. Continue reversing slowly until your vehicle is parallel to the curb.

6. Finalize the Position

Make small forward or backward adjustments to center your car within the space. Aim for an even gap between your vehicle and the ones in front and behind you. Also, don’t forget to straighten your wheels when you’re done!

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Parallel parking gets easier with practice, but here are a few common mistakes to watch out for and how to steer clear of them:

Misjudging the space: Trying to fit into a spot that’s too tight can make parking more difficult and increase the risk of minor bumps.
Rushing the process: Moving too quickly can throw off your timing and steering. Take it slow to stay in control.
Ignoring mirrors and blind spots: Always check your mirrors and look over your shoulder to make sure you’re clear of curbs, poles, and other vehicles.
Oversteering or understeering: Turning the wheel too much—or not enough—can throw off your alignment. Small, smooth adjustments make a big difference.

Insurance Insights and Safety Tips

Parallel parking might seem like a small skill, but doing it right can actually help you avoid costly mistakes.

“You’d be surprised how many claims we see from low-speed parking mishaps. Even a minor bump in a tight spot can lead to repairs. Practicing your parking technique can help avoid those accidents,” says Kevin Quinn, VP, Auto Claims at Mercury Insurance..

The more comfortable you are with parallel parking, the less likely you are to misjudge a space or make a last-minute mistake. And from an insurance standpoint, fewer accidents can mean a better driving record—and possibly lower premiums.

Check with your insurance company to see if they offer discounts for safe driving or defensive driving courses. That way, you can turn good habits behind the wheel into real savings on your premium.

Conclusion

Whether you’re navigating a busy city street or squeezing into a tight neighborhood spot, learning how to parallel park can save you time and help you avoid unnecessary mishaps.

Good parking habits can also protect your driving record and reduce the chance of filing a Mercury Insurance claim. And the fewer claims you make, the better your chances of qualifying for cheap car insurance through safe driver discounts and lower premiums.

Want to learn more about how safe habits can save you money? Check out our safe driving resources for tips, tools, and expert advice to help you stay confident on the road.

Kevin Quinn

VP, Claims at Mercury Insurance

Kevin Quinn is Vice President of Claims for Mercury Insurance, where he leads auto claims adjusting nationally. Quinn has been with Mercury since 2015 and has been in the industry – starting as a claims adjuster – for more than 20 years. Quinn received his undergraduate degree in Business Administration from New York Institute of Technology and also holds a Juris Doctor degree from California Western School of Law.