Rear damage accounts for 30% of motor claims

A new study has found that damage to the rear of cars accounted for nearly a third of motor claims.

According to analysis carried out by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), just under 30% of claims in 2022 were for contact to the rear of vehicles, for example when reversing, with average repair costs at £3,100.

It said that as more ADAS features become mainstream, the frequency of these repairs could fall dramatically.

David Aylor, vice president of Active Safety for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, said:

“Reversing crashes happen frequently and can result in significant damage, which is often expensive. Our research has shown that these types of systems can reduce backing crashes by 80%.”

ADAS

This figure was based on tests to eight small SUVs, with ratings of superior, advanced or basic attributed to each according to how their safety features performed in either preventing a collision or reducing speed significantly before contact.

Superior ratings were awarded to the Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Mitsubishi Outlander and Subaru Forester, with advanced ratings given to the Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4 and Volkswagen Taos. The Hyundai Tucson received a basic rating.

Aylor said:

“Rear crash prevention systems use ultrasonic systems mounted at the back of the vehicle. They first warn the driver if there is an obstacle behind them and in some cases can automatically apply the brakes to avoid a collision. Many vehicles also use radar units as a part of a rear cross-traffic alert system to warn if there’s a vehicle crossing their path as they back up.”

The IIHS is now urging all manufacturers to fit rear ADAS features as standard to reduce collisions and improve passenger safety.