Car travel - number of accidents abroad increased by 34%

Data compiled by BTA Baltic Insurance Company AAS (hereinafter - BTA) shows that over the past three years, the number of CASCO insurance claims filed for cars damaged abroad has increased by 34%. Most accidents occurred in Lithuania, Poland, Germany, Estonia, and Italy. Meanwhile, the largest claim was paid out for an accident in Poland, where a camper cut off a passenger car and took off, having caused damages amounting to 32,000 euros. As Oskars Zvejnieks, Director of BTA’s Underwriting Department, explains, as the weather gets even warmer, people are increasingly taking to the roads to travel to destinations near and far, so it is important to remember that every country has its own traffic and road conditions, which can lead to a range of unforeseen situations. 

Over the past three years, BTA has paid out more than 667,000 euros in CASCO insurance claims for vehicles damaged abroad. The average payout per insurance claim abroad last year reached 1,755 euros. 

After hail in Italy – 16,000 euros in damages for a car damaged in a parking lot 

Looking at CASCO claims for vehicles involved in accidents last year, the most common cause was vehicle damage due to various circumstances - accounting for 18% of all claims. In second place are collisions with other vehicles, accounting for 13%, while hitting an obstacle accounts for 12% of all insurance claims. Technical damage is also relatively common - 15% - and windshield damage - 11%. Meanwhile, damage occurring in parking lots accounts for 9% of reported claims. 

For example, in Estonia, a car pulling out of a parking space collided with a vehicle traveling down the street, and the impact damaged the entire side of the car, for which BTA paid compensation of 18,300 euros. In contrast, in Poland, a driver lost control of the vehicle while driving on a highway; the car struck the road barrier and ended up in a ditch—the entire front end and roof of the car were damaged, for which more than €10,500 in compensation was paid. 

“A road trip is often planned as a convenient and carefree adventure, but in reality, it also involves exposure to various, often unpredictable risks. Namely, an accident during the trip can turn a pleasant journey into a difficult situation in an instant. Moreover, our data shows that accidents can occur not only on the road but also in parking lots. For example, in Italy, hail damaged the windows, sunroof, and body of a car parked in a hotel parking lot, causing nearly 16,000 euros in damage. “And this is just one of the cases that clearly highlights how important it is to be aware of the risks and ensure adequate protection, including insurance, before setting out on a journey,” says Oskars Zvejnieks. 

Wild animals pose a threat to cars even outside Latvia 

When traveling outside Latvia, it is especially important to exercise extra caution not only on busy sections of high-speed roads but also on less-travelled roads along forests and fields, where collisions with wild animals are not uncommon. These collisions most often occur on roads running alongside forests and fields, as well as during twilight or in the dark, when animals suddenly run out onto the roadway and drivers are no longer able to react in time. 

For example, in Lithuania, following a collision with a wild animal on a road section that even had a metal guardrail, the front and left side of the car were damaged, and the losses exceeded 14,500 euros. Meanwhile, one of the most expensive claims filed abroad was recorded after a collision with a moose, with the compensation paid for the damaged car exceeding 32,000 euros. 

Car troubles occur most frequently while traveling in Lithuania, Poland, and Germany 

Over the past three years, the highest number 24% of all BTA KASKO claims for damaged cars abroad - were received for accidents that occurred while visiting Lithuania. This is followed by Poland with 12% and Germany with 11%. Estonia is also a popular travel destination, and 10% of all claims involved vehicle damage in that country, while 9% of all insurance claims occurred in Italy. 

“Lithuania, Poland, and Germany are the most frequent destinations for Latvian drivers, both for short trips and in transit, which is why we most often record accidents in these countries. At the same time, we see that even a single unexpected manoeuvre can have very serious consequences, for example, in Poland, where a camper cut off a car, causing the passenger car to crash into a guardrail and overturn, resulting in damages exceeding 30,000 euros,” reveals Oskars Zvejnieks. 

He adds that when traveling abroad in your own car, it is essential not only to ensure the vehicle’s technical condition by checking the tires, brakes, fluids, and battery beforehand, but also to carefully plan the route, taking into account road quality, roadwork, and alternatives to the planned route. 

You should also consider safe parking by choosing well-lit, guarded parking lots with video surveillance, and avoid parking under trees or in narrow spaces. When driving in unfamiliar surroundings, you should be especially vigilant in heavy traffic, at intersections, and when passing other vehicles, as well as when driving near large vehicles. 

It is equally important to ensure you have valid documents and insurance, as well as to prepare for unexpected situations by carrying a first-aid kit, a reflective vest, and the necessary contacts for assistance.