Latvia: Wildlife collisions drive up insurance claims in autumn

Insurance company BTA Baltic Insurance Company reports that approximately 10% of CASCO insurance claims during the autumn months are related to vehicle collisions with wildlife. Over the last three autumn seasons, the insurer has paid out nearly 1.9 million euros for damages caused by such incidents.

Data from September shows a 17% increase in claims compared to the same period last year. About two-thirds of these collisions involve large animals such as moose, deer, and roe deer, while less frequent incidents involve wild boar, foxes, badgers, raccoons, and rabbits.

Driving instructors note that collisions can result from direct impact or from maneuvers intended to avoid the animal, which may lead to vehicles running off the road or crashing into other cars. Common damages include hoods, headlights, windshields, fenders, and doors, though more severe cases can damage radiators, expensive smart sensors, and interior components.