Who is at fault when both reverse?

When both reverse and there’s a crash in a tight parking lot or driveway, it is often perceived as "no one's fault". In practice, however, insurance companies must still consider liability distribution – and they particularly look at the duty of care when reversing, give way, visibility, and who had the opportunity to avert the incident. Here’s a clear overview of what typically applies in 2026, and how you can ensure the best possible documentation.

What do the rules say about reversing?

The basic principle in traffic is that reversing is a maneuver that requires extra caution. You must ensure that it can be done safely and stop if the situation becomes unclear. This follows from the general duties of attention and cautious conduct in traffic. The Norwegian Public Roads Administration explains traffic rules and driver responsibility on their website: Norwegian Public Roads Administration.

The consequence is that in a "both reverse" collision, the insurance company will often ask: Who entered someone else's lane/reverse area? and who had actual awareness?

Typical scenarios – and how fault is often assessed

1) Both reverse from their own parking spaces

This is the "classic" in shopping center parking. When two cars reverse at the same time and meet behind, it often ends with shared responsibility (for example 50/50). The reasoning is that both performed a risky maneuver simultaneously and should have stopped or secured themselves better.

2) One car reverses out, the other reverses along the "driving lane" in the area

If car A reverses out of a parking space and car B is already moving in the "driving lane" (even if B is also reversing), car A may bear a larger portion of the responsibility. Here it is important to clarify where the collision occurred and who "entered" whose path.

3) Reversing out of a private driveway

When reversing from a driveway/gate, the threshold is high for reversing if you do not have good visibility. If you reverse into a road/area where others may come, you will often be assessed as the one who took the greatest risk. At the same time, the other party may also bear responsibility if they reversed quickly, inattentively, or without reacting.

4) One is stationary – the other reverses in

If you can document that your car was stationary (for example via dashcam, witness, or that you had just stopped), the one who reversed will typically bear primary responsibility. Therefore, it's wise to note in the accident report whether you were stationary, and if so, for how long.

Why is responsibility often shared?

In many reversing accidents, there is little "hard evidence". Damage to the rear of both cars can appear symmetrical, and the explanations often become word against word. When it is not possible to determine who acted most negligently, shared responsibility is a practical solution.

Important: Shared responsibility does not necessarily mean you "receive half compensation". Each company normally covers damage to your own car according to your comprehensive coverage (if you have it), but the liability distribution can affect recovery and in some cases deductibles/bonuses according to the company’s terms. Conditions vary between companies, so check your policy.

What you should do at the scene (checklist)

• Secure the area and move the cars if it is safe and does not obstruct traffic.
• Take pictures of the cars in position (before you move them), damage points, parking markings, signs, and visibility lines.
• Note the direction: Which way did each car reverse, and where were you heading?
• Sketch: Draw a simple sketch with arrows and the point of impact.
• Witnesses: Ask for names and phone numbers if anyone saw the incident.

When should the police be contacted?

In pure parking accidents without personal injury, it is usually not necessary to contact the police, but there are situations where you should do so: personal injury, suspicion of intoxication, threatening behavior, or if one party refuses to provide identification/leave the scene. The police have information on when you should reach out and how to proceed: The Police.

Damage report: how to do it the easiest (and most organized)

The insurance company relies on a clear and agreed description. What often creates trouble in "both reverse" cases is that the parties submit their own versions with different drawings and timelines.

On Skademeldinger.no, you can fill out the accident report form together, where both see the same information during the process, and you can sign digitally on the spot. Then you get a common version that is easy to share further – ready for the insurance company. This reduces misunderstandings and makes it easier to document what you actually agreed on immediately after the incident.

Documentation that may decide the case

If you both reversed, small details are often decisive. This is documentation that can strengthen the assessment:

• Dashcam (also rearward-facing, if you have one).
• Video/images showing visibility, parked cars, snowbanks, poor lighting, and obstacles.
• Damage height and point of impact on both cars (can indicate angle and movement).
• Timeline: Who started reversing first, and did anyone stop?
• witness statement from a neutral third party.

What about deductibles, bonuses, and rental cars?

This depends on your coverage (liability, partial coverage, full coverage) and the company’s terms. Generally:

• If you have full coverage, damage to your own car can normally be repaired there, but a deductible may apply.
• Bonus loss may be relevant if the damage is covered by your full coverage and the company cannot place full liability on the opposing party.
• Rental car may be included in full coverage/rental car supplement, but varies between companies.

The point is: The better you document the incident, the greater the chance for correct liability division – and thus a more accurate financial outcome.

Summary

When both reverse, there is rarely an automatic answer. Often, responsibility is shared, but with good pictures, a clear sketch, and a common signed damage report, the insurance company can more easily assess who could (and should) have stopped. Take a few extra minutes at the scene – it often saves time and frustration later on.

Sources

• Norwegian Public Roads Administration
• The Police
• NAF