AMI insurance claims data shows that drivers under the age of 25 are 26% more likely to have an accident, when compared to all other drivers.
The AMI claims data shows that Northland is the riskiest region for young drivers. The average rate of claims for drivers under 25 in Northland (at 25%) is 6% higher than the nationwide average for under 25-year-olds (at 19%).
The East Coast was second at 22%, followed by the Hawkes Bay, Waikato and Bay of Plenty (all at 21%). Auckland, Canterbury (both 18%) and Wellington (17%) were near the average, while Nelson’s young drivers had the lowest rate of claims at 15%.
A former serious crash unit police officer, AMI fleet risk manager Hamish Piercy says he is not surprised the company received such a high number of claims for drivers under 25.
“These statistics show that we can’t be complacent when it comes to driver safety. It’s an unavoidable fact that to gain experience, you have to drive, so as a society we need to look at how we can enable that in safe ways,” he says.
Piercy says that young drivers should gain experience driving in all conditions and situations.
“It can be tempting to take the wheel back from a young driver if the conditions are hazardous, but it’s far better that they navigate the challenge next to an experienced supervisor rather than on their own, later down the track.
“Driving when it’s wet, in high winds, on a windy road, on a busy motorway, in urban areas and in rural areas – you need to experience all of these conditions in order to become a confident and safe driver,” he says.
AMI has partnered with Fleetcoach to offer an online driver education course that eligible AMI young driver customers can complete to qualify for $250 off their vehicle policy excess.
“Online training is a great way to gain experience, because it’s a safe environment,” Piercy says.
“It’s affordable and accessible, and you get consistent messaging during the course. I think we need to acknowledge that sometimes older drivers can pass on bad habits, so it’s good to get the consistent teaching that an online course offers.”
The course focuses on three key areas: core skills, distraction and inattention, and speed.
“The course is about finding new ways to encourage our young drivers to get out there and get experience but also to be as safe as possible while doing so,” Piercy says.
Regional claim rates for drivers under the age of 25:
- Northland – 25%
- East Coast – 22%
- Waikato – 21%
- Bay of Plenty – 21%
- Hawkes Bay – 21%
- Taranaki – 20%
- Manawatu – 20%
- Marlborough – 19%
- Auckland – 18%
- Canterbury –18%
- Southland – 18%
- Wairarapa – 17%
- Wellington – 17%
- West Coast – 17%
- Otago – 16%
- Nelson – 15%
