Common crash claims
Vehicle damage while parked was the most common reason for making a car insurance claim in 2024-25, RAA Insurance data revealed. But what other reasons made the list?
Words: Jeremy Rochow
Parking prangs topped the list for the most car insurance claims in the last financial year, followed by windscreen damage and hitting fixed objects, according to RAA Insurance data.
Of the more than 55,000 claims received by RAA Insurance in 2024-25, almost one in five were for vehicles damaged while parked in places like car parks, along roads and in driveways.
RAA Insurance spokesperson Jess Lyons says parking prangs were the leading cause of car claims in four out of the past five financial years.
“There’s not much worse than returning to your car in a busy car park to find it’s been damaged by someone else,” Jess says.
“We’d all like to think our vehicle is safe once it’s stationary, but the reality is these incidents are occurring every day.”
To try and protect your car, consider leaving the vehicle parked in a quieter area of a car park or where there’s a bit more space.
At home, park in your driveway instead of on the road, if possible.
Most common car insurance claims 2024-25
Windscreen damage accounted for 17 per cent of claims RAA received in the 2024-25 financial year. A small scratch can turn into a big problem if it isn't repaired properly.
As temperatures change or you drive over bumps, glass can swell, expand and then contract. This may cause the crack and chip to spread, and you could potentially have to replace the whole windscreen instead of just repairing the minor damage.
Hitting animals was sixth on the list, accounting for six per cent of claims. However, RAA Insurance data revealed that animal collisions jumped by 54 per cent compared to two years ago, due to an increase in motorists hitting kangaroos.
RAA Senior Manager of Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain says drivers need to be vigilant and aware of the risk of kangaroo collisions.
“Kangaroos in particular are unpredictable creatures that can seemingly come out of nowhere and pose a significant safety risk,” Charles says.
“They can do a lot of damage, so make sure you’re aware of animals near the road.”
IMAGE: Getty.
Allianz South Australia Insurance Limited ABN 14 007 872 602 AFSL 232525 (Allianz SA) is the insurer and Royal Automobile Association of South Australia Limited ACN 677 371 274 (RAA) issues this under binder from Allianz SA. RAA do not provide any advice based on any consideration of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Policy terms, conditions, limits, exclusions, and underwriting criteria apply. Before making a decision about this insurance, please consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Supplementary PDS (if applicable) available with the Target Market Determination (TMD) at raa.com.au.
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