Insurance Claims Reveal Most Dangerous Small Cars

A new study by the Highway Loss Data Institute has revealed some of the most dangerous vehicles on the road in terms of insurance claim frequency.

The study covered the number of personal injury claims taken out on different kinds of small sized vehicles and the costs of medical and personal injury protection claims to demonstrate which cars were the most dangerous and expensive in the real world.

The goal of the research is to demonstrate a more accurate representation of the dangers associated with a small car than crash test ratings, which HLDI says are misleading.

“Injury claims data show something that crash test results can’t, and that’s the role that vehicle size plays,” says Kim Hazelbaker, senior vice president for HLDI. “In most crash tests, the advantage of greater size and weight is masked by using a fixed barrier. As a result, crash test results are comparable only among smaller vehicles.”

“We know that in the real world, if all else is equal, a larger, heavier vehicle does a better job protecting occupants than a smaller, lighter one. These claim frequencies demonstrate that clearly.”

According to the results, the Toyota Yaris is the most dangerous small car on the road, carrying a claim frequency of 28.5 per 1,000 vehicles insured. Rounding out the top 5 are the Suzuki SX4 at 26.6, the Chevrolet Aveo at 26, the Mitsubishi Galant at 25.4, and the Kia Rio at 24.9. The full list can be found on their website.

The HLDI is hopeful that research like this can better inform prospective car buyers on the level of real world safety found in these small cars, and about potential insurance issues for cars with such a high accident frequency.

“For consumers concerned about insurance premiums, this information is key,” Hazelbaker adds. “A lot of things go into your premium – your age, place of residence, driving record, sometimes even your credit history. The kind of vehicle you buy is the one factor that a consumer can control in the short term.”

If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident in car like this and an insurance claim is needed, there is legal assistance available to you. Through the help of an experienced Los Angeles accident lawyer, you can recover the full amount that you are rightfully owed.

At AA Accident Attorneys, we can lead you through the complicated legal process and protect you from insurance providers eager to limit what you deserve. We understand the dangers you face and can fight for your rights confidently.

As always, we will not charge you anything for our services until your case has been won. Call our accident lawyers today for a free evaluation and to learn what we can do to help you recover.