Drivers warned after rise in claims

Road users are urged to take extra care in the holidays after Moreton Bay saw a sharp rise in motor insurance claims from crashes with bicycles and scooters.

Figures show from March 2024 to February 2025, RACQ Insurance received 27 motor claims for incidents involving bikes and scooters in this region.

That was 16 in Moreton Bay North and 11 in Moreton Bay South – collectively more than double Moreton Bay’s 11 claims in the previous 12 months.

It’s a similar story across Queensland. RACQ had 186 motor claims for crashes involving bikes and scooters, up from 153 in the previous year.

Brisbane North led the way in rankings using the number of RACQ motor claims divided by the number of RACQ motor insurance policies in each region.

Fifteen claims gave Brisbane North a claims frequency of 0.025 per cent, from Townsville (11 claims, 0.024 per cent frequency) and Gold Coast (28 claims, 0.022 per cent frequency).

Fourth was Moreton Bay North (16 claims, 0.021 per cent frequency), from Sunshine Coast (23 claims, 0.020 per cent frequency) and Brisbane West (8 claims, 0.018 per cent frequency).

Moreton Bay South was eighth (11 claims, 0.017 per cent frequency), below Toowoomba (8 claims, 0.018 per cent frequency).

“Whether you’re behind the wheel or on two wheels, everyone has a role to play to stay safe on our roads,” RACQ General Manager Advocacy Joshua Cooney said.

“We’re seeing a fairly even split between motorists and riders being at fault, highlighting the need for all road users to prioritise safety and be mindful of each other.”

According to the claims data, collisions peaked between 3pm and 5pm.

“The data highlights a real danger period in the busy afternoon commute with road users generally more tired and the sun setting which can impact visibility,” Mr Cooney said.

A recent RACQ survey found 75 per cent of the state’s drivers encountered cyclists regularly, but only 10 per cent said they knew all the rules for sharing the road with riders.

Concerningly, 12 per cent surveyed said they had a near-miss with a cyclist and 25 per cent admitted not knowing many, or in some cases, any road rules for cyclists.

Mr Cooney said when the speed limit was 60km/h or less, drivers must leave a gap of at least one metre between their car and riders.