Busy streets are certainly a recipe for more accidents, with Auckland Central, Christchurch Central and Henderson in west Auckland logging the most vehicle collisions over a two-year period, according to a study by State Insurance.
State examined motor insurance claims data between June 1, 2019, and May 31, 2021, and identified the top 10 most collision-prone areas and the number of incidents. These are:
More than 42% of collisions took place from 1pm to 6pm on weekdays, when most vehicles are out and about, with many Kiwis returning home from school and work or heading out for afternoon or evening activities.
“Our claims data shows that most of the collisions are happening in busy centres at busy times of the day, and while it’s tempting to multi-task while sitting in slow-moving traffic or speed through an intersection as the lights are turning red – it’s not worth it,” said Wayne Tippet, executive general manager, claims at State Insurance. “While we will always be here to help our customers if a collision happens, the data is a good reminder to stay extra alert at busy accident spots like major intersections, when vehicles merge lanes, as well as during the busy hours of the day.”
The insurer is calling for Kiwi drivers to be more mindful of safety, after a recent survey by State and Ipsos found that only 44% of the 899 respondent drivers have considered the value of their vehicle in the past 12 months. Fewer than half (48%) knew how much it would cost to replace their car through a car dealership if it was written off in an accident or stolen and unrecovered.
The survey also found that 64% of car owners are confident their vehicle replacement cover matches their vehicle’s current market value.
Tippet said that the findings are relevant due to the rising price of second-hand vehicles amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“A global shortage of computer chips used in car production has led to fewer new vehicles being manufactured,” Tippet said. “This, coupled with other factors – such as New Zealand’s position in the global automotive pecking order due to our size – has disrupted the supply chain and contributed to demand outstripping supply, which has meant more buyers are turning to the used car market. Given these trends, we’re calling on all car owners to check their vehicle insurance details to ensure there is enough cover in place to replace their vehicle against its current market value, in the event of a total loss.”
