Polish Drivers Cause Over 2 Billion Zloty in Damages Abroad Annually

Polish drivers are increasingly involved in traffic incidents across Europe, with an average of nearly 200 incidents daily on foreign roads in 2025. Data from the Polish Association of Motor Insurers (PBUK) reveals that Polish-registered vehicles were responsible for 71,700 collisions and accidents outside Poland last year. This figure marks a 1.3% rise compared to 2024, continuing a trend that began after a dip during the pandemic.

"The number of incidents caused abroad by drivers of vehicles with Polish license plates remains at a very high level. Another consecutive increase, this time by 1.3% compared to the previous year, confirms that we are dealing with a persistent and worrying phenomenon," stated Mariusz Wichtowski, CEO of PBUK. He added that while Polish drivers travel more frequently in Europe, this increased mobility is not always matched by greater responsibility or awareness of the consequences of road incidents abroad.

The escalating number of accidents translates into significant financial strain on the Polish insurance market. In 2025, this burden exceeded 2 billion Polish zloty. The majority of these incidents occur in countries popular for work, family visits, and holidays, as well as on major transport routes. Germany accounts for the largest share, with 47.1% of all incidents involving Polish-plated vehicles abroad.

Italy follows with 16% of incidents, then France with 6.3%, the Netherlands with 5.5%, and Belgium with 4.0%. Collectively, these five countries represent nearly 79% of all collisions and accidents caused by Polish drivers outside their home country. PBUK views this concentration as confirmation of the highest claims frequency in these specific European destinations.

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The number of incidents caused abroad by drivers of vehicles with Polish license plates remains at a very high level. Another consecutive increase, this time by 1.3% compared to the previous year, confirms that we are dealing with a persistent and worrying phenomenon. Our drivers travel more frequently in Europe, but this is not always accompanied by greater responsibility, prudence, and awareness of the consequences that a road incident abroad can have. The scale of damages translates into real financial burdens for the Polish insurance market, and indirectly also for insurance customers.