Summer Traffic Surge: July and August See the Highest Number of Accidents Involving Foreign Drivers on Slovenian Roads

In Slovenia, drivers of vehicles with foreign licence plates – most commonly from Croatia, Austria and Germany – cause up to approximately 3,000 traffic accidents each year.  According to data from Zavarovalnica Triglav, the number of accidents involving foreign drivers is particularly high during the summer months.  Statistics show that July and August record the highest number of such accidents over the year, which is why Slovenia’s largest insurance company points to the importance of thorough preparation and adequate protection before travelling.  At the same time, this is also the period when Slovenian drivers report the highest number of claims abroad.  Last year alone, Zavarovalnica Triglav policyholders suffered approximately 4,500 loss events abroad, with the highest numbers recorded in three of Slovenia’s neighbouring countries (with Hungary being the exception) and in Germany.

Croatia stands out in particular during the summer months in terms of the number of claims, which is linked to increased mobility among Slovenians and the tourist season.  As one of the most popular holiday destinations for Slovenians, Croatia sees a significant rise in car journeys during this period, which also increases the likelihood of traffic accidents, vehicle breakdowns and other unforeseen events.  The same applies to Italy and Austria, which are also among the countries with the highest number of reported claims by Slovenian policyholders abroad.

Assistance: most calls are due to breakdowns, not accidents

Data from Zavarovalnica Triglav show that the number of assistance cases abroad also rises significantly in the summer, particularly in July and August, but already from June onwards.  Although many people associate roadside assistance primarily with traffic accidents, the statistics paint a different picture. The majority of interventions are related to vehicle breakdowns, followed by tyre and battery problems, while traffic accidents are only the fourth most common reason for requesting roadside assistance.

“Summer means more traffic, longer journeys and often driving abroad, where conditions can be different and often more demanding for drivers. Based on our data, most interventions are not caused by traffic accidents, but by technical problems with vehicles. This confirms how important it is to prepare properly before setting off – check your vehicle, make sure you have appropriate insurance coverage and above all remain focused while driving. By doing so, we can significantly reduce risks and ensure a more carefree holiday,” emphasises Eva Škrinjar, Director of Motor Vehicle Insurance Department at Zavarovalnica Triglav.

Do you have the right coverage for your journey?

The costs of assistance abroad can quickly exceed EUR 1,000, and in more complex cases come close to or even exceed insurance limits. This is why having appropriate coverage is essential for a worry-free journey. “When organising assistance, it’s often necessary to coordinate the work of local repair services, towing companies, replacement transport providers, hotels and other service providers. Additional challenges may arise due to language barriers, increased traffic volume and longer response times in tourist areas. This is why, especially during the peak tourist season, it’s even more important for drivers to have adequate assistance coverage that can help them resolve unexpected situations quickly and efficiently,” adds Eva Škrinjar.

In Slovenia, assistance arrives at the scene on average within 35 minutes of receiving a call. Across Europe, the average response time for Triglav Assistance is 45 minutes.  Policyholders can request assistance in just a few clicks through the i.triglav digital branch or the DRAJV mobile application, both of which also allow them to track the assistance vehicle’s location on a map in real time.    

The most common mistakes after an accident

Traffic accidents, especially those occurring abroad or involving foreign drivers, are often accompanied by additional complications.  This extra stress means that people frequently fail to complete the European Accident Statement correctly, or do not collect all the necessary documentation.

Zavarovalnica Triglav therefore recommends that anyone involved in an accident always:

• takes photographs of the accident scene and any damage,
• records the details of all the parties involved,
• completes the European Accident Statement accurately and in full.

Carefree driving starts with good preparation

Summer is a time for holidays and discovering new destinations, but also one when roads become more congested. Timely vehicle preparation, being well informed and having appropriate insurance coverage are therefore key elements for a safe and worry-free journey.

Important phone numbers to remember:

112 – the European emergency number, operating in all 27 European Union member states as well as in most other European countries.

01 2864 000 or +386 2222 2864 (for calls from abroad) – Zavarovalnica Triglav’s Assistance Centre. Assistance can also be requested without making a phone call by sending a message via the Viber or WhatsApp applications.

Zavarovalnica Triglav has recently introduced a single contact telephone number for its customers: 01 2864 000. The new number has replaced the previous numbers 080 555 555 and 080 2864 in public communications, which will remain active until further notice or at least until the end of this year. The purpose of the change is to establish a single, clearer and more user-friendly point of contact for customers.

Would you like to learn more about how to act in the event of a traffic accident involving a foreign driver, either in Slovenia or abroad, or find out what you should consider before travelling abroad?