When you’re next behind the wheel and spot a BMW driver – beware.

For they, along with Mercedes owners, are more likely to rack up motoring offences and to make claims on their insurance than other drivers, figures show.

Top of the list are those behind the wheel of the BMW 420D, with around one in six (17 per cent) having been convicted of speeding, jumping a red light or other motoring offences.

Top of the list are those behind the wheel of the BMW 420D, with around one in six (17 per cent) having been convicted of speeding, jumping a red light or other motoring offences [File photo]

And 21 per cent of BMW 420D drivers have claimed on their insurance for an accident that was their fault, according to lists compiled by GoCompare Car Insurance.

But there are also five different Mercedes models in the top ten for convictions and four in the top ten for ‘at fault’ claims. Audi models also feature in lists dominated by German cars.

At the other end of the scale, the drivers with the fewest motoring convictions, as well as at fault claims, are more likely to own less expensive cars.

Drivers of the Vauxhall Agila, above, have the lowest rate of convictions (4.1 per cent). Drivers with the fewest motoring convictions, as well as at fault claims, are more likely to own less expensive cars [File photo]

When you’re next behind the wheel and spot a BMW driver – beware. For they, along with Mercedes owners, are more likely to rack up motoring offences and to make claims on their insurance than other drivers, figures show

Drivers of the Vauxhall Agila have the lowest rate of convictions (4.1 per cent) while drivers of the Peugeot 206 have the lowest rate of at fault insurance claims (8.5 per cent).

Matt Oliver, of GoCompare Car Insurance, said: ‘While it may be no surprise that higher-powered, luxury cars are the marques of choice for some of the more dangerous drivers on the road, it’s not true of all owners of these makes.

‘What is more worrying is the large number of these cars on the road right now. According to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, BMW, Mercedes and Audi all feature among the top ten most popular cars of 2018.’

But he added: ‘Typically, many of the cars in our top ten lists will be driven by those commuting or driving for longer periods on the motorway, at peak times in built-up areas, increasing the risk of an accident or conviction.’