Less is more: Tiny cars have highest car insurance injury claims

Two mini models – the Toyota Yaris and Hyundai Accent – took the checkered flag for the highest rates of injury claims, according to a Highway Loss Data Institute report analyzing car insurance losses by make and model.

The report assessed cars from model years 2009 to 2011 for six different types of auto insurance coverage claims. Results for collision, property damage liability and comprehensive claims represent overall losses, which reflect both the frequency of claims and the average loss payment per claim. Results for three types of injury coverage -- personal injury protection, medical payments and bodily injury liability -- represent claim frequency only.  (See: "Auto insurance basics: comparisons, coverages and rates.")

Here are the vehicles that racked up the most personal injury claims – which cover injuries to you and your passengers regardless of fault:

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• Toyota Yaris

• Suzuki SX4

• Chevrolet Aveo

• Mitsubishi Galant

• Kia Rio

• Hyundai Accent

• Nissan Versa

• Dodge Avenger

• Nissan Sentra

• Chevrolet Aveo

Here are the vehicles with the lowest frequency of personal injury claims:

• Porsche 911

• Chevrolet Corvette

• Chevrolet Silverado 2500 crew 4WD

• Mercedes Benz SL class convertible

• Jeep Grand Cherokee

• Lexus LX 570 4WD

• Land Rover Range Rover 4WD

• Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD

• Ford F-150 4WD

• Cadillac Escalade ESV 4WD

For bodily injury liability claims, which pay for injuries you cause to occupants of another car, the cars with the highest claim rates are:

• Hyundai Accent
• Mitsubishi Eclipse
• Chevrolet Aveo
• Mitsubishi Galant
• Dodge Avenger
• Kia Rio
• Mitsubishi Lancer
• Hyundai Accent
• Nissan Versa
• Ford Focus

Cars with the fewest bodily injury liability claims are:

• Chevrolet Corvette
• Toyota 4Runner  4WD
• Mini Cooper Clubman
• Smart ForTwo
• Toyota 4Runner
• Acura RDX 4WD
• Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD
• Subaru Outback 4WD
• Volkswagen Jetta
• Mercedes Benz E class 4dr 4WD

For medical payments claims, which cover injuries to you and your passengers if you're at fault, the autos with the most claims are:

• Hyundai Accent

• Chevrolet Aveo

• Kia Rio

• Mitsubishi Eclipse

• Nissan Versa

• Mitsubishi Galant

• Toyota Yaris

• Mitsubishi Lancer

• Dodge Avenger

• Kia Forte

The cars with the lowest rate of medical payment claims filings are:

• Chevrolet Corvette

• GMC Yukon 4WD

• Toyota Tacoma xtra 4WD

• Dodge Challenger SRT-8

• Volvo XC60 4WD

• Ford F-250 crew 4WD

• Dodge Ram 2500 quad 4WD

• GMC Acadia 4WD

• Cadillac Escalade 4WD

• Ford F-150 supercrew 4D

Insurance losses for collision, comp, property damage liability

Sports cars, luxury cars and budget-priced models with big engines have higher-than-average collision claims, according to the report.

The Jeep Wrangler 2dr 4WD had the lowest overall losses for collision, while the $200,000 Ferrari California convertible topped the list for the highest collision losses.

The leader for lowest overall losses due to comprehensive insurance claims is the Chevrolet Colorado, a small pickup. The large, luxury BMW 7 series has the highest overall losses due to comprehensive coverage claims, which cover damage from theft and vandalism.

On the property damage liability front, the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 ranked No. 1 for having the lowest overall losses due to claims, while the Dodge Ram 2500 mega 4WD had the highest overall losses.

Why car insurance claims data is important

Many factors go into setting your car insurance rates. Among them are your age, your marital status, your place of residency, your driving record and, in many states, your credit history.  (See: "Got a ticket? You could be paying for it for years.")

The type of car you drive is also considered by insurers when setting your car insurance rate. That's where the HDLI data come into play. Many insurers use the overall loss data to help determine rates. (See: "Auto insurance: 8 things you should know about.")

In addition to the likelihood of a crash, other factors that go into setting car insurance premiums include the cost to repair or replace a vehicle.