Claims records from New Zealand insurer AA Insurance reveal uninsured motorists are responsible for more than a third of all accidents caused by a third party.

“The sad and inescapable truth is that uninsured drivers are responsible for a disproportionately high number of accidents and damage to other people’s cars and property,” AA Insurance Deputy GM Martin Fox said.

NZ Ministry of Transport figures indicate about 7% of private vehicles in the country are not insured.

AA insurance, a joint venture between Suncorp and the NZ Automobile Association, has dealt with a number of young uninsured drivers “who are now paying off significant five-figure debts”, Mr Fox says.

Figures from the company show third-party insurance claims average $NZ2385 ($1951), with the highest third-party claim costing $NZ65,035 ($53,224).