RAA Insurance has reported a notable rise in claims stemming from kangaroo-related vehicle incidents.
Over 2,100 such claims were processed in the past year alone – a 44% increase compared to the same reporting period two years earlier.
RAA’s analysis suggested that drier-than-usual weather conditions may be contributing to increased roadside activity by kangaroos, as animals move closer to populated and trafficked areas in search of food and water.
An RAA analysis of claim volumes from May 2022 through April 2025 identified the regional town of Mount Gambier as the location with the highest frequency of kangaroo collision claims (64).
Other notable locations included:
Several towns – including McLaren Vale, Naracoorte, and Williamstown – each saw over 40 reported incidents during the same timeframe.
Approximately 77% of kangaroo-related claims were lodged from regional locations, although the insurer noted that outer-metropolitan areas are also increasingly affected.
The data reinforced the broader risk exposure across both regional and peri-urban road networks.
RAA’s senior manager of safety and infrastructure, Charles Mountain, noted the growing prevalence of wildlife encounters.
“There is a clear trend that kangaroo collisions are increasing across the state as more animals come towards busy roads in search of food,” he said.
Mountain advised drivers not to swerve to avoid animals, which could lead to more severe incidents.
“If you do happen to encounter one on the road, brake safely and sound your horn if it’s safe to do so,” he said. “But do not swerve as that could cause a more serious crash and put yourself and other road users at even greater risk.”
Separately, new research from ROLLiN’ Insurance has highlighted significant variations in driver safety performance across Australian jurisdictions.
Data compiled from 18 million kilometres of telematics-monitored driving under the insurer's Safe’n’Save programme indicated that South Australia led the nation with a safety score of 90.3 out of 100. Queensland (89.6) and Western Australia (88.9) followed closely behind.
Among cities, Geelong recorded the highest driving safety score (92), while Adelaide and the Sunshine Coast each posted 90.5.
Despite these high performers, Australia’s national road toll remained high, with annual figures exceeding 1,200 fatalities and over 40,000 serious injuries.
