Previous HLDI studies have shown that collision claim frequencies are highest for young drivers. The purpose of this analysis is to explore the extent to which collision claim frequencies vary by vehicle size and type for 15—17-year-old drivers relative to 35—50-yearold drivers. Thirty-two different vehicle size and type groups were examined and, in all but one, claim frequencies were higher for young teens than for prime-age drivers. Midsize sports cars had the highest claim frequency ratio of 2.6, indicating that claim rates for young teens are 2.6 times as high as prime-age drivers. Twenty-one of the 32 vehicle size and type groups had claim frequency ratios that were at least 1.5. Ten of the vehicle size and type groups had claim frequency ratios that were 2.0 or higher. Drivers age 15 to 17 are over-represented in the exposure of small two- and four-door passenger cars; these two vehicle size/classes have claim frequency ratios of at least 2.0, meaning teens are twice as likely as older drivers to have a crash driving these vehicles. (Author/publisher)
Abstract