The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.
Male drivers lead in the unfortunate statistics, being responsible for 54% of vehicle accidents according to an extensive analysis of 4.3 million claims in the AAMI Decade of Driving Report.
The Suncorp-owned insurer's study, covering a period from 2014 to the previous year, unveils some startling insights. Surprisingly, drivers aged 65 and above emerge as the primary offenders in crashes, making up 26% of total incidents, the most by any age group.
When it comes to timing, Fridays tops the list, making it the most accident-prone day, accounting for 16% of weekly crashes. In contrast, weekends are relatively safer. The dangerous hours fall between 1pm and 4pm, highlighting a critical window for caution.
Crash types also exhibit notable patterns. The infamous "nose-to-tail" collisions dominate, responsible for 26% of significant accidents. Following closely are situations where drivers fail to give way, accounting for 19%, and incidents involving parked cars at 17%.
Geographically, Plenty Road in Bundoora, a northeast suburb of Melbourne, is infamously notable for vehicular mishaps, making it Australia's modt notorious road in terms of crash frequency.
Leah James, AAMI’s motor claims manager, pointed out, “The top crash spots in each state and territory are notoriously known for accidents. They are mostly busy roads or key thoroughfares crossing industrial areas, educational hubs, shopping districts, or central business districts."
“In all states, except Tasmania, the leading hotspot has retained its hazardous reputation for more than half of the past decade,” she adds.
The study’s primary goal, according to James, is to elevate awareness and educate Australians on safe driving practices by identifying the most common times, places, and causes of crashes. “While we've seen myriad changes and technological advancements in vehicle design since the start of our Crash Index in 1994, the Decade of Driving Report unfortunately shows that our driving behaviors have not evolved significantly,” James concludes.
The data underscores the importance of continuous education and adaptation to modern-day driving challenges, amplifying the necessity for vigilance even with advanced vehicle technologies. By addressing the highlighted hotspots and times, drivers can potentially mitigate risks and enhance road safety.
For the complete findings, more details are available in the AAMI's decade-spanning investigation published in their Decade of Driving Report.
Recent research has unveiled a concerning trend: 14% of Australian travellers embark on international journeys without any form of travel insurance. This statistic is even more alarming among younger travellers under 30, with nearly one in four opting to travel uninsured. Such decisions expose individuals to significant financial risks, especially when unforeseen events occur abroad. - read more
Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has reported a significant 91% increase in net profit for the first half of the 2025 financial year, reaching $778 million. This surge is largely attributed to favourable weather conditions and a reduction in claims. Despite this positive financial performance, IAG's CEO, Nick Hawkins, has indicated that insurance premiums are expected to continue rising, albeit at a slower pace than in previous years. - read more
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has released a comprehensive report titled 'Motor Insurance Policy Paper - A Roadmap for Reducing Rising Premiums,' calling for urgent and coordinated action to address the systemic cost drivers behind escalating motor insurance premiums. The report highlights that comprehensive motor insurance premiums have increased by 42% since 2019, reaching an average of $1,052 per year in 2024. - read more
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has released its latest bi-annual report on intermediated general insurance, providing insights into market activity for the six months ending June 2025. The data indicates a stable performance among general insurance intermediaries, with total premiums invoiced through intermediaries reaching $21.5 billion. Of this, $17.6 billion was placed with APRA-authorized general insurers, $2.6 billion with Lloyd’s underwriters, and $1.3 billion with unauthorized foreign insurers. - read more
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has recently released a white paper highlighting the urgent need for reforms to state and territory civil liability laws, which have remained largely unchanged for nearly 25 years. These outdated laws are contributing to significant increases in public liability insurance premiums, affecting a wide range of businesses across the nation. - read more
When it comes to financial planning, life insurance often takes a backseat. Many married couples in Australia overlook its importance, thinking that it's not immediately necessary or that they can simply put it off for later. However, life insurance should be regarded as a cornerstone of a solid financial strategy. - read more
Life insurance is an essential financial protection that provides peace of mind to policyholders and their loved ones. The premiums you pay are determined by various factors, including age, health, lifestyle, and occupation. - read more
Trauma insurance, also known as critical illness insurance, is a type of coverage that provides a lump sum payment in the event that the insured suffers from a critical illness or injury. Unlike health insurance, which covers medical expenses, trauma insurance is designed to provide financial protection by helping to cover the additional costs associated with recovery from a severe illness or injury. - read more
Single parenting brings with it a mosaic of responsibilities and challenges, not least of which is securing a stable financial future for your child. The rollercoaster of raising a child alone often means that planning for the future can take a back seat to the day-to-day demands of parenting. Unexpected illnesses and injuries can compound these challenges, causing stress to multiply and plans to go awry. - read more
Life insurance is a financial product that provides a lump sum payment to your beneficiaries in the event of your death. It is designed to offer financial security by covering debts, daily living expenses, and future financial obligations. - read more
Knowledgebase
Replacement Cost: The amount it would cost to replace or rebuild an insured asset with one of similar kind and quality, without depreciation.
