As the number of registered vehicles in Kazakhstan continues to grow, so does the number of traffic accidents. Freedom Insurance has shared data with Kursiv.media, revealing that city buses, China’s Changan and Chery crossovers and budget-friendly Chevrolet sedans are among the most accident-prone vehicles. Experts attribute this trend to high traffic density, driving habits and the operational characteristics of these vehicles.
Most accident-prone vehicles
According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Kazakhstan recorded 31,600 traffic accidents in 2024, almost twice as many as in 2023. The country’s vehicle fleet is expanding, with 5.74 million registered cars as of early 2025. Certain vehicle models are at heightened risk of accidents due to increasing pressure on transportation infrastructure.
Vehicles with the highest accident rates:
- SAZ LE60 buses – 43.62%.
- Yutong buses – 17.65%.
- Hyundai H350 vans – 29.25%.
- Changan CS55 Plus – 7.0%.
- Chery Tiggo 8 Pro – 6.84%.
- Chevrolet Cobalt – 4.53%.
- Chevrolet Nexia – 4.45%.
City buses and vehicles registered to legal entities are more likely to be involved in accidents due to the high intensity of operation. Both driver fatigue and urban traffic congestion contribute to a higher risk of accidents.
The Changan CS55 Plus and Chery Tiggo 8 Pro are among the vehicles with the highest accident rates. Both are marketed as affordable models with powerful engines and sporty handling. Freedom Insurance analysts suggest this may encourage aggressive driving.
The Chevrolet Cobalt and Chevrolet Nexia are popular budget-friendly sedans, often chosen by novice drivers and taxi services. The high number of inexperienced drivers and the intensive use of these vehicles may contribute to their frequent involvement in accidents.
Where are accidents more frequent in Kazakhstan?
The highest accident index was recorded in Astana (4.16%), followed by the Kostanay (3.87%) and Abay regions (3.26%). In these regions, the density of the car fleet is higher, which increases the likelihood of collisions.
The Mangystau region (1.37%) and the city of Shymkent (1.51%) are the least accident-prone. Almaty’s rate is close to the national average of 2.66%.
Why do expensive cars have fewer accidents?
According to Freedom Insurance, premium brands such as BMW and Lexus have a low share of accidents (2.27%), while Toyota models, popular in Kazakhstan, have an average of 2.41%. One exception is the Toyota Carina (3.87%), which experts attribute to the vehicle’s age and the driving habits of its owners.
Analysts note that owners of premium vehicles tend to drive more cautiously and violate traffic laws less frequently, reducing their likelihood of collisions. In contrast, budget-friendly models are more commonly used for commercial transportation or purchased by less experienced drivers, increasing their accident risk.
The insurer’s findings
Insurance data shows that buses, vans and low-cost vehicles are more frequently involved in accidents. However, Freedom Insurance emphasizes that a car’s brand alone does not determine its accident rate; factors such as driving style, driver experience and operating conditions play a significant role.
