Car accidents in countries abroad are on the rise, according to data revealed by
Admiral on Friday. The firm said overseas claims have more than doubled (160%) over the past five years for the car insurance specialist.
"Driving abroad is a great way to have the freedom to explore new places, without to cost of flights. There’s no reason it shouldn’t be a really enjoyable experience, but just as accidents can happen at home, they can happen abroad too, and different laws and languages can cause additional stress,” said Lorna Connelly, head of claims at Admiral.
Londoners aged 30-39 and driving a Volkswagen Golf in France as the most likely group to experience an accident, according to the study of Admiral insured drivers. Findings were drawn from an analysis of 10 years’ worth of data.
Admiral said France was the country where an accident was most likely to occur, as it accounted for an overwhelming majority of claims:
- France: 46%
- Spain: 9%
- Germany: 7%
- Republic of Ireland: 7%
- Belgium: 5%
August was found to be the most accident-prone month, while BMWs were the cars most likely caught up in a claim:
- BMW 11%
- Volkswagen 9%
- Audi 9%
- Ford 8%
- Mercedes 7%
Interestingly, drivers aged 20-29 accounted for a lower proportion of incidents (19%) compared to their older counterparts especially those between the ages of 30-39 (30%), and those aged 40-49 (24%).
"To ensure an accident doesn’t ruin your holiday we’re calling on all drivers to make sure they’re well informed, so if the worst should happen, they are properly prepared,” said Connelly.
Among other things, she suggested that drivers carry the right documentation with them and be aware of the rules on the road in the countries they’re visiting.
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