New research from GoCompare Car Insurance has revealed that BMW drivers in the UK are statistically more prone to risky driving behaviors, leading to a higher incidence of convictions and at-fault insurance claims. The study highlights a significant trend linking certain luxury car brands with a greater likelihood of road offences and collisions. For drivers looking for car insurance, GoCompare’s findings offer valuable insights into potential risk factors associated with different vehicle makes and models.
According to the comprehensive study conducted by GoCompare Car Insurance, BMW drivers, particularly those of the BMW 4 Series, exhibit a notably higher rate of driving convictions. An alarming 17.1% of BMW 4 Series drivers have accumulated at least one driving conviction. This figure is more than double the average conviction rate across all car models surveyed, which stands at 8.5%. Furthermore, the research indicates that BMW 4 Series drivers are also more claim-prone, with 21.3% having made an at-fault claim. These statistics suggest a potential correlation between driving a BMW, especially the 4 Series model, and increased risk on UK roads.
The GoCompare Car Insurance study further reveals that the trend extends beyond just BMW, with drivers of other luxury car brands also featuring prominently in the statistics for both convictions and at-fault claims. The data suggests that luxury car ownership, in general, may be associated with a higher propensity for driving offences and collisions. Alongside BMW, brands like Audi and Mercedes-Benz are heavily represented in the top ten lists of car models with drivers most likely to have convictions. Specifically, models such as the Audi A5 (15.5%), Mercedes-Benz C220 and E220 (both at 14.8%), Jaguar XF (14.3%), Mercedes-Benz CLA and GLC (both at 14.3% and 14.0% respectively) all rank within the top ten for driver convictions.
| Rank | Make and model | With convictions |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | BMW 420D | 17.1% |
| 2 | AUDI A5 | 15.5% |
| 3 | MERCEDES-BENZ C220 | 14.8% |
| 4 | MERCEDES-BENZ E220 | 14.8% |
| 5 | JAGUAR XF | 14.3% |
| 6 | MERCEDES-BENZ CLA | 14.3% |
| 7 | MERCEDES-BENZ GLC | 14.0% |
| 8 | AUDI Q7 | 13.8% |
| 9 | LANDROVER RANGE | 13.8% |
| 10 | MERCEDES-BENZ CLS | 13.5% |
Interestingly, at the opposite end of the spectrum, the GoCompare Car Insurance data identifies car models whose drivers are least likely to incur convictions. These include more budget-friendly and typically smaller vehicles such as the Vauxhall Agila (4.1%), Hyundai i10 (4.3%), and Nissan Micra (4.4%). This suggests a potential link between vehicle type and driver behavior, with drivers of smaller, more economical cars exhibiting lower rates of driving offences.
While BMW drivers topped the list for convictions, the GoCompare study also analyzed at-fault insurance claims, revealing a similar pattern. Mercedes-Benz models appeared frequently in the top ten for claims, alongside BMW and Audi. The Mercedes-Benz E220 and GLC models both showed a 19.3% rate of at-fault claims, closely followed by the Audi A5 (19.1%) and Audi Q5 (18.7%). Jaguar XF (18.2%) and Audi A1 (18.2%) drivers also featured prominently in the list of those most likely to make an at-fault claim. This reinforces the trend of luxury car drivers being statistically more likely to be involved in incidents leading to insurance claims.
Conversely, drivers of models such as the Peugeot 206 (8.5%), Hyundai Getz (9.0%), and Citroen C2 (9.0%) were found to be least likely to make at-fault claims, further highlighting the disparity across different car models.
| Rank | Make and model | With claims |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | BMW 420D | 21.3% |
| 2 | MERCEDES-BENZ E220 | 19.3% |
| 3 | MERCEDES-BENZ GLC | 19.3% |
| 4 | AUDI A5 | 19.1% |
| 5 | AUDI Q5 | 18.7% |
| 6 | MERCEDES-BENZ C220 | 18.6% |
| 7 | MERCEDES-BENZ GLA | 18.3% |
| 8 | JAGUAR XF | 18.2% |
| 9 | AUDI A1 | 18.2% |
| 10 | SKODA SUPERB | 18.1% |
Matt Oliver, spokesperson for GoCompare Car Insurance, offered insights into the study’s findings: “While it may be no surprise that higher-powered, luxury cars are the marques of choice for some of the more dangerous drivers on the road, it’s not true of all owners of these makes. What is more worrying is the large number of these cars on the road right now.” He further noted the popularity of BMW, Mercedes, and Audi in the UK car market, suggesting that a significant number of drivers may be unknowingly associated with higher risk profiles based on their vehicle choice.
Oliver also pointed out that the types of journeys typically undertaken in these vehicles might contribute to the higher statistics. “Typically, many of the cars listed in our top ten lists will be driven by those commuting or driving for longer periods on the motorway, at peak times in highly built-up areas, increasing the risk of an accident or motoring conviction.”
For consumers, these findings from GoCompare Car Insurance emphasize the importance of considering various factors when choosing car insurance. Drivers of certain car models, particularly within the luxury segment, might face higher premiums due to the statistical data associating these vehicles with increased risk. As Oliver concludes, “Claiming on insurance when you’re at-fault is likely to result in the cost of your car insurance rocketing, more so than other claims, as you will be deemed a higher-risk driver.”
For those seeking to compare car insurance options and potentially mitigate costs, especially drivers of vehicles highlighted in this study, GoCompare Car Insurance provides a valuable service. By comparing various providers and policies, drivers can make informed decisions and find car insurance that best suits their needs and risk profile. This research serves as a helpful reminder that vehicle choice can be a contributing factor to insurance costs and driving risk, insights readily available through resources like GoCompare.
