Collision-related insurance claims are falling as more New Zealanders adopt vehicles equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), according to AMI’s inaugural Motor Report.
The insurer received more than 235,000 vehicle claims over the past year, with collisions accounting for nearly 60% of all claims. AMI says its data — drawn from the largest general insurance pool in the country — shows collision claims have decreased 7% each year since 2023, coinciding with growth in policies for vehicles 15 years old or newer.
AMI hub services executive general manager Dean MacGregor says customers are increasingly choosing modern vehicles with improved safety technology.
“This uptake highlights our customers’ preference for modern vehicles and safety features. Our customers also recognise the benefits of ADAS with over half telling us they use these systems in their vehicles,” he says.
A recent customer survey found 70% of drivers with ADAS-equipped vehicles believed the main benefit was improved safety, compared with 55% of those without such systems.
“While ADAS can help prevent accidents, our claims data is an important reminder that ADAS is the co-pilot and not the driver. ADAS can’t replace our attention and judgment – and ultimately, it’s our hands on the wheel,” MacGregor says.
Drivers still crash most in low-speed areas
Many of the most frequent crash sites are slow-speed environments such as car parks and urban streets. AMI has published its top 10 collision hotspots, with Auckland dominating the list. Great South Road, Ti Rakau Drive and Great North Road rank as the three busiest collision locations nationwide.
Christchurch’s Moorhouse Avenue is the only South Island location to make the list.
“We’re seeing drivers hit concrete walls, detach wing mirrors by swiping poles or even hitting objects they didn’t see in blind spots,” MacGregor says.
Some of the costliest parking mishaps involved incorrect gear selection, missed handbrakes and footwear caught between pedals, causing vehicles to roll into buildings or, in rare cases, into the sea.
“Road safety ultimately comes down to the choices we make behind the wheel. ADAS is making a difference, but drivers must stay alert and aware of their surroundings — checking blind spots, using mirrors and being courteous road users,” he says.
Younger drivers face highest collision risk
Millennials show the lowest collision frequency, with 11% of their policies involving a collision claim. Gen Z drivers are at the highest risk, with 35.6% of their policies resulting in collision claims, regardless of fault.
Generational collision frequency (lowest to highest risk):
- Millennials: 11%
- Gen X: 14%
- Baby Boomers: 14.4%
- Silent Generation: 16%
- Gen Z: 35.5%
AMI says many young drivers operate older vehicles — typically 16 to 20 years old — which lack ADAS and carry lower safety ratings.
“Safe driving habits form as we learn to drive, so we’ve partnered with Road Safety Education (RSE) to support the delivery of its nationwide Ryda programme,” MacGregor says.
“Driving remains a deeply human task and we are committed to helping the next generation become responsible and confident road users for life.”
*Click here to read the full report.
