Līgas and Jāņi have become less careful while driving

Driving a car requires responsibility and concentration. It often takes only a distraction for a second to get into a dangerous situation. And while drivers become more experienced behind the steering wheel every year and should be better at anticipating situations on the road, this is not true. This has been confirmed by the driving experience of Līgas and Jāņi: both ladies and gentlemen were involved in more road accidents in 2022, compared to 2021, and the consequences were more costly than before, according to data compiled by the insurance company “BTA Baltic Insurance Company” (hereinafter — BTA).

In 2022, the number of voluntary or CASCO claims submitted by Līgas experienced a significant jump of 19%. Most of the cases are the classic situation on the Latvian roads in recent years — a stone thrown into the windscreen or hitting a pothole. But more serious accidents were also recorded, such as collisions with wild animals or a car rolling into an obstacle without its handbrake on. In 2022, BTA paid on average 1,100 euros to repair damages of Līgas’ cars, which is an increase by 11% than before.
The number of accidents experienced by Jāņi increased by 6%, but they were more severe. The average amount of a single CASCO claim was 1,600 euros or by 38% more than in 2021.

The statistics are slightly different in the compulsory third party insurance or OCTA segment. These are car accidents of varying severity, as well as hitting cyclists or pedestrians. But there are also more surprising cases. For example, one Jānis drove away from a petrol station with the entire filling gun still in the tank, ripping off the pipe. On the positive side, Līgas managed to reduce the damages caused to other road users. Although the number of OCTA claims increased by 46%, the average claim amount decreased by 6% to 700 euros. Jāņi, however, were less careful with other people’s property. Although the number of OCTA claims increased by only 8%, the average claim amount was by 2,000 euros higher than for the Līgas, amounting 2,700 euros. It is by 28% more than a year before.

Responsible driving is an important condition for overall road safety. Although statistics show that some accidents occur for reasons beyond the driver’s control, every year statistics record several hundred accidents that could have been avoided if drivers had kept their distance and speed on the road or had not made a reckless overtaking manoeuvre. And, of course, if they had not been drunk or used drugs. We wish everyone a safe journey to the celebration sites and a happy festivities,” said Kārlis Liepiņš, Director of the Insurance Claims Department at BTA. 

About BTA
Insurance Joint Stock Company “BTA Baltic Insurance Company” is the largest insurance company in the Baltics, offering the widest range of non-life insurance services in Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia. BTA’s largest shareholder is “Vienna Insurance Group AG”, with 190 years of experience in the insurance industry. The Group includes more than 50 insurance companies in 25 countries and employs 24,000 people. “Vienna Insurance Group AG” is the leader in its European markets, with a high rating of financial stability A+ (stable outlook) by Standard & Poor’s, listed on the Vienna and Prague stock exchanges.

Additional information:
Elīna Zvejniece
Director of the Marketing and Public Relations Department 
AAS „BTA Baltic Insurance Company”
E-mail: elina.zvejniece@bta.lv 
Tel.: 66936074, mobile: 29374827