Latvia: Young drivers cause most accidents involving uninsured vehicles, LTAB data shows
According to the Latvian Motor Insurers' Bureau, road accidents involving uninsured vehicles are most often caused by drivers aged 18–29 and least often by drivers aged 50–59, while the overall share of such accidents has declined.
The Latvian Motor Insurers' Bureau (LTAB) has published statistics covering road accidents involving uninsured vehicles over the 12-month period from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026. The data show that drivers aged 18–29 were responsible for the largest share of such accidents, while drivers aged 50–59 accounted for the smallest share.
During the latest period, accidents involving vehicles without valid compulsory third-party liability insurance (OCTA) made up only 0.54% of all reported road accidents. By comparison, in 2022 this share stood at 1.16%, indicating a continuing downward trend.
According to LTAB, 27.22% of accidents caused by uninsured vehicles were the fault of drivers aged 18–29. The lowest proportion, 9.44%, was recorded among drivers aged 50–59. In addition, 2.22% of such accidents were caused by persons under the age of 18.
LTAB board chairman Jānis Abāšins said that if an accident is caused by an uninsured vehicle, compensation for victims is paid from the Guarantee Fund, but the amount is later recovered from the at-fault owner or driver through recourse. He stressed that such damages can run into tens or even hundreds of thousands of euros.
The bureau's data also show that such accidents are often caused by motorists who deliberately and repeatedly break the law, driving not only without OCTA but also without a valid technical inspection and under the influence of intoxicating substances. Abāšins expressed concern about repeat offenders, noting that accidents caused by intoxicated drivers are often very serious and frequently end tragically. Such drivers also tend to flee the scene, causing additional damage to themselves and others.
