Dec. 21, 2010—Parking lots account for 1.3 of 6.3 million car accidents in the United States annually, and during the holidays that number increases by 20 percent, according to the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers Association.

Due to the volume of shoppers and traffic at the malls for last minute shopping, parking lot accidents increase during the holidays.

"Thousands of accident victims sustaining $2,500 or more in damages while driving a newer model car are eligible to reclaim the diminished value that insurance companies often choose not to inform the victims about,” said Tom Coletta, Advocate Auto Consultants CEO.

For more information on Diminished Value, go to advocateautoconsultants.com.