New research from GoCompare Car Insurance has revealed some surprising insights into driver behavior on UK roads, pinpointing which car brands are most frequently associated with driving offenses and at-fault insurance claims. The study indicates that BMW drivers are statistically more prone to speeding, running red lights, and being involved in collisions where they are deemed responsible.
According to the comprehensive study conducted by GoCompare Car Insurance, drivers of BMW vehicles are the most likely to receive driving convictions and cause road accidents. The data analysis showed that over 17% of BMW 4 Series drivers have at least one driving conviction, which is more than double the average across all car models included in the research (8.5%). Furthermore, a concerning 21.3% of BMW 4 Series drivers have also been involved in accidents where they were at fault and subsequently made an insurance claim.
The research further indicates a trend linking luxury car brands to a higher likelihood of collisions and driving convictions. Alongside BMW, other luxury marques such as Audi and Mercedes-Benz feature prominently in the list of car models whose drivers are more likely to be convicted of traffic offenses. Specifically, models like 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.
While BMW drivers topped the lists for both motoring convictions and at-fault claims, Mercedes-Benz models also appeared frequently in the top ten for both categories. The Mercedes-Benz E220, GLC, and C220 models all demonstrated a higher than average incidence in these metrics, reinforcing the trend observed with luxury vehicle brands.
Drivers of other luxury vehicles also showed a higher propensity for at-fault claims, with approximately 19.3% of Mercedes-Benz E220 and GLC owners, as well as Audi A5 (19.1%), Audi Q5 (18.7%), Jaguar XF (18.2%), and Audi A1 (18.2%) drivers featuring prominently in this category.
Conversely, the study identified the car models least likely to be associated with driving offenses. Drivers of Vauxhall Agila (4.1%), Hyundai i10 (4.3%), and Nissan Micra (4.4%) were found to have the lowest rates of convictions. Similarly, those least likely to make at-fault claims included drivers of Peugeot 206 (8.5%), Hyundai Getz (9.0%), and Citroen C2 (9.0%).
Matt Oliver, spokesperson for GoCompare Car Insurance, offered his perspective on these findings: “It may not be entirely surprising that high-performance, luxury vehicles are favored by a segment of drivers who exhibit more risky behavior on the roads. However, it’s important to note that this is not representative of all owners of these brands. A more pressing concern is the significant number of these vehicles currently in use. Data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) indicates that BMW, Mercedes, and Audi are consistently among the top ten most popular car brands.”
Oliver further elaborated, “Many of the car models appearing in our top ten lists are typically used for commuting or longer motorway journeys, often during peak hours in densely populated areas. This increased exposure to potentially hazardous driving conditions naturally elevates the risk of accidents or motoring convictions. Making an at-fault insurance claim can substantially increase your car insurance premiums, far more so than other types of claims, as it categorizes you as a higher-risk driver.”
This research from GoCompare Car Insurance underscores the importance of considering various factors when assessing driving risk and, ultimately, when looking for the best car insurance. Comparing car insurance options with GoCompare can help drivers find suitable coverage that reflects their individual circumstances and driving profiles.
