Largest CASCO claim due to black ice – EUR 74,000
Data compiled by the insurance company BTA Baltic Insurance Company (hereinafter – BTA) shows that in recent years, black ice has remained one of the most dangerous winter risks on the roads. The largest insurance claim paid out so far – EUR 74,000 – is related to an accident in Limbaži County, where a vehicle skidded off the road and into a ditch due to sudden icing, sustaining significant damage. According to Ivo Danče, Director of the BTA Insurance Claims Department, when the air temperature increasingly reaches 0 degrees, roads freeze over in a matter of minutes, so drivers need to make sure they change to winter tires in good time and adapt their driving habits to the weather conditions.
December and February – the "most expensive" months for black ice
According to data compiled by BTA, the average insurance claim amount for accidents related to black ice is EUR 11,500. Both the number of accidents and the amount of costs are closely related to weather conditions and air temperature fluctuations, especially in late autumn and winter months when roads become icy. The highest number of claims was recorded in December and February. In February 2024, almost EUR 86,000 was paid out resulting from two accidents. In December of the same year, more than EUR 65,000 was paid out in claims.
"Black ice is one of the most insidious and dangerous risks at the end of autumn and in winter – it is almost impossible to notice and often catches even experienced and skilled drivers by surprise. It is important to note that winters are getting warmer in our country, with wet snow and rain often observed during the day, but the air cools down at night, causing roads to freeze rapidly. In such conditions, a single mistake can be very costly, especially if the vehicle is not insured – repair costs, which will have to be covered out of pocket, can reach several thousand euros and even approach the total value of the car," notes Ivo Danče.
The road surface can freeze over in a matter of minutes; the highest insurance claim payments were made in Vidzeme
Unlike visible ice, black ice forms a thin, transparent layer of ice that visually blends in with the asphalt surface. This invisible trap most often forms on bridges, overpasses, and road sections near bodies of water, where frost sets in faster than elsewhere. When the temperature fluctuates around 0 degrees, the road surface can freeze over in a matter of minutes.
BTA paid out the largest CASCO insurance claim for damage to a car in the amount of EUR 74,000 for an accident in Limbaži County, where a vehicle skidded off the road due to black ice and ended up in a ditch, sustaining significant damage. In Valmiera County, where a car unexpectedly skidded on black ice and ended up in a roadside ditch, the compensation paid exceeded EUR 45,000.
As I. Danče explains, accidents caused by black ice are often much more serious than simple skidding. "Often, cars crash into oncoming vehicles, roadside objects, curbs, lighting poles, barriers, or even buildings, causing significant damage. If there are no victims, these cases are covered by CASCO insurance, which covers the damage caused to the car. Although accidents are most often recorded in rural areas, drivers in cities also need to remain vigilant, especially at roundabouts, in supermarket parking lots, and in places where tram tracks cross the road. Driving habits must always be adapted to the prevailing weather conditions, both in cities and on highways in Latvia's regions," says I. Danče.
Winter tires and adapting your driving style – the most important safety aspects on the road
Traffic regulations stipulate that from the 1st of December to the 1st of March, vehicles must be equipped with winter tires. The rubber compound of winter tires remains flexible in cold weather, and the tread provides good grip on ice and snow, shortening braking distances and ensuring better drivability on icy roads. This can be crucial, especially on sudden patches of black ice. At the same time, it should be noted that black ice has extremely low grip. Even with good winter tires, the braking distance can be very long if the speed is too high or the distance too short.
"Unfortunately, we still see that many drivers hope for a late start to winter and put off changing to winter tires until the last minute. However, weather conditions are unpredictable, and even a slight frost or minimal temperature fluctuations can cause icy roads. If a car does not have tires suitable for the season, the likelihood of skidding increases significantly. It is important to remember that winter tires are the first layer of safety, and driving habits are also important – observing speed limits and adapting to the current situation on the road, maintaining an appropriate distance, etc.," emphasizes I. Danče.
