Most Accident-Prone Car Brands and Models: A Global and Latvian Perspective (2026)

Insurance claim frequency has risen approximately 15% compared to the previous year, prompting insurers to analyze vehicle accident data. While the most common cars are frequently involved in accidents due to sheer volume, certain makes and models consistently appear in accident reports. This article examines global trends and provides a specific look at the situation in Latvia as of early 2026.

Global Accident Trends

Insurers attribute the increase in accident claims to a combination of seasonal factors, portfolio expansion, and, in some cases, a lack of anomalous growth suggesting a genuine rise in incidents. Identifying the most accident-prone vehicles is complex, as frequency is often linked to the number of vehicles on the road.

Most Frequent Makes and Models (Global)

Data from various insurance companies reveals differing results, but some brands consistently appear in accident reports:

• Toyota: Frequently cited as being involved in 10.3% of accidents, according to “Ingosstrah” data.
• Kia: Appearing in 8.5% of insurance cases (“Ingosstrah”).
• Hyundai: Representing 7.7% of accidents (“Ingosstrah”).
• Nissan: Involved in 5.1% of accidents (“Ingosstrah”).
• Hyundai Solaris & Kia Rio: Ranked highly in anti-ratings for individual models (3.6% and 3.5% respectively).
• Chinese Brands (Haval, Geely, Chery): Increased accident involvement in 2026, alongside Kia, Hyundai, Volkswagen, and Škoda (“RESO-Garantija”).
• Chery Arrizo 8, Belgee X70, Kia K5, Hyundai Porter, Belgee X50, Volvo S60, Lifan Solano, Kia Optima, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter: Identified by one insurance company as frequently involved in accidents, often within commercial fleets.

Factors Influencing Accident Rates

Several factors contribute to a vehicle’s appearance on accident lists:

• Fleet Size: Popular brands like Toyota, Kia, and Hyundai are statistically more likely to be involved in accidents simply due to their prevalence on the road.
• Commercial Employ: Vehicles used in commercial fleets (e.g., Hyundai Porter, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter) experience higher usage and, a greater risk of accidents.
• Vehicle Age: Over 25% of insurance cases involve older models.
• Economic Factors: The likelihood of a vehicle being “written off” (total loss) is influenced by repair costs relative to the vehicle’s market value. Budget vehicles are more likely to be declared a total loss after an accident.

Latvian Accident Statistics (2024 & 2025)

While global trends provide insight, the Latvian car market exhibits unique characteristics. European brands dominate, and the most accident-prone vehicles often align with the most popular brands on Latvian roads.

Most Accident-Prone Brands in Latvia

Based on data from insurers, the VP (Road Traffic Safety Directorate), the CSDD (Road Transport Administration), the LTAB (Latvian Motor Insurers’ Bureau), and insurance companies:

1. BMW: Consistently ranks first in both theft and accident statistics.
2. Volkswagen (VW): Models like the Passat and Golf are frequently involved in insurance claims.
3. Volvo: Increasing in popularity on the used car market, leading to a rise in accident statistics (particularly V70 and XC60).
4. Audi: A traditionally popular brand (A4, A6) often appears in insurance claim applications.
5. Toyota: Dominates the new car segment in Latvia and is a frequent recipient of KASKO (comprehensive insurance) compensation.

Key Latvian Statistics (2024 & 2025)

• Total Accidents (2024): 17,479 road traffic accidents were registered, a decrease from 18,899 in 2023.
• Total Losses: Cars are more frequently “written off” due to age, with repair costs exceeding the vehicle’s market value (often around €2,000-€3,000 for older cars).
• Commercial Transport: Accidents involving shared vehicles (CityBee, Bolt Drive) and courier services are common in Riga due to intensive operation.
• Accidents (Jan-Oct 2025): More than 14,000 accidents were registered, 65 more than in the same period in 2024.
• KASKO Compensation (Q1 2025): €20.93 million paid out.
• OCTA Compensation (Q1 2025): €19.66 million paid out.

Regional Specifics (Latvia)

• Riga & Pieriga: Account for over 50% of all accidents due to high traffic density.
• Regional & National Highways: More serious accidents with fatalities occur on these roads due to higher speeds.
• Latgale Region: Highest proportion of accidents involving vehicles without valid OCTA (1.18%).

The Latvian market is seeing a rise in Škoda accident claims, and the introduction of mandatory OCTA for electric scooters in July 2025 has already resulted in 30 reported accidents as of November 2025.