An AA-Yonder Driver Poll of more than 12,000 motorists found that 63% correctly understood that five stars indicate strong performance in independent crash and safety assessments. However, 22% believed the rating guaranteed that occupants would be protected in every crash, and some were also unsure who a five-star rating is designed to protect. Some 15% thought it guaranteed the safety of people travelling in another vehicle during a collision, while 14% believed it guaranteed protection for pedestrians and cyclists struck by the vehicle. A further 21% underestimated the rating's significance, believing five stars simply meant a vehicle met the minimum legal safety requirements.
Euro NCAP assessments are designed to allow consumers to compare the safety performance of different vehicles. Since 2026, its testing programme has assessed cars across four areas: safe driving, crash avoidance, crash protection and post-crash safety. Vehicles need to achieve a high level of performance across these areas to receive five stars; however, the rating does not mean a vehicle is immune to collisions or that injuries can be prevented in every circumstance. Instead, the combination of vehicle structure, restraint systems and active safety technology is intended to give occupants a better chance of avoiding or surviving a crash.
The AA's research also found that understanding of crash-prevention technology is less widespread. Fewer than half of respondents (47%) associated a five-star rating with technology designed to help prevent collisions.
Despite continued improvements in vehicle safety, crashes remain a regular source of disruption for motorists. The AA's Accident Assist service supported more than 78,000 drivers following collisions during 2025, equivalent to more than 200 incidents a day. It has already assisted with more than 61,500 collisions this year.
Tim Rankin, Managing Director of AA Accident Assist, said: “A five-star Euro NCAP safety rating is an important indication of how well a vehicle performs when it comes to safety, but five stars doesn’t mean a car is crash-proof.
More than one in five people believe a five-star rating guarantees occupants will be protected in every crash. No vehicle can make that promise. The AA has supported Euro NCAP since its UK launch in 1997 and believes the tests resulting in safer vehicles have helped save thousands of lives but drivers, even in a 5-star car, need to be alert behind the wheel.
Modern cars have fantastic technology that can help prevent collisions while offering better protection of people both inside and outside the car when crashes happen. We’ve already helped in more than 61,700 incidents this year alone, showing just how many drivers can find themselves needing support after a collision.
When something does go wrong, the moments afterwards can be stressful and confusing. AA Accident Assist can help eligible members through that process, from arranging recovery and repairs to handling the insurance claim and arranging a replacement car.”