In the spring, a driver assistance system error in an expensive SUV caused the car to skid off the road, causing damages of more than €75,000. In the first half of this year, it was one of the most expensive cases under the comprehensive insurance for PZU Kindlustus. The accident occurred when the lane keeping system of the SUV, traveling at 110–120 km/h, detected that the main road was turning right and automatically steered the car onto the highway exit at the moment when the driver turned away for a moment. Feeling that the car was skidding off the road, the driver abruptly turned the steering wheel to the left, causing the car to lose control and crash into a guardrail. No one was injured in the accident, but the SUV, which was less than two years old, had to be written off. Teeta Järva, Head of the Vehicle Damage Control Team at PZU Kindlustus, recommends that drivers of vehicles equipped with new driver assistance systems always remain vigilant: “Driver assistance systems are useful, but the additional sense of security they provide may lead to the driver being distracted, which, if the system fails, could result in an accident.” Järva emphasized that, despite all assistance systems, the driver’s responsibility is to concentrate on driving, keep an eye on the road, keep both hands on the steering wheel, and refrain from doing anything else: “This significantly reduces the likelihood that an error in the assistance system will frighten the driver and lead to an accident.” In an accident involving only one vehicle, only comprehensive insurance will help. Although comprehensive insurance is mandatory for leased vehicles, all vehicle owners should consider it. "Casco insurance helps in accidents where compulsory motor insurance does not cover the damage: whether it is driving off the road, colliding with a wild animal or even damage caused by natural phenomena, such as a tree falling on a car during a storm or dents from heavy hail," said Järv. Contrary to popular belief, casco insurance can also be taken out for a car whose lease term has expired, a car purchased without a lease or even an old car. "PZU Kindlustus allows you to insure cars up to 20 years old with casco insurance, so this type of insurance can be purchased for almost all cars in everyday use," added Järv. In the first half of this year, the amount of damage in casco insurance cases in PZU Kindlustus amounted to approximately 10.7 million euros. Read RusDelfi wherever it is convenient for you. Follow us on Facebook, Telegram, Instagram and even TikTok.
