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Self-Driving Car Insurance: Who is Responsible?
Reading time 4 minutes
Categories Insurance & Finance »
We are hiring! Are you an experienced technician? Join our outstanding team »
Self-Driving Car Insurance: Who is Responsible?
Reading time 4 minutes
Categories Insurance & Finance »
It might seem like science-fiction, but autonomous vehicles are not too far away in terms of technology. Self-driving cars are predicted to be how we’ll use transportation in the future and there are plenty of benefits, with less traffic and fewer accidents part of the allure for those involved. It’s this pursuit of driverless cars which has prompted the industry and the UK government to draw up proposals when it comes to insurance for such vehicles. Keeping this in mind, we turn to some of the key questions involving self-driving car insurance and the future of vehicle insurance.
It’s in everyone’s best interest to keep things as simple as possible, making the transition to driverless cars easier and avoiding any legal obfuscation. That’s why the government have said that drivers will be covered in the same manner as they are now. However, if the vehicle is in self-driving mode, the insurer will be responsible for death, injury and damages which occur. Whilst being driven manually by a human operative, the normal rules will apply.
While the insurers pay out for autonomous vehicle faults, it’s been proposed that the insurers would then seek to recoup this from manufacturer’s since the blame would lie with the vehicle itself and not either of the innocent parties.
A good indicator that insurers and the government are considering these matters seriously is the exemptions listed for insuring driverless cars. The first thing which would void any insurance is if owners of the vehicle make unauthorised alterations to the actual vehicle and software. While the owner failing to update the software where required can also cause the insurance policy to be voided.
As far as driverless cars go, the insurance will not be impacted by damage or repairs to the windscreen or ADAS. This is assuming that the software and capabilities of the vehicle have not been adjusted in this process, and that the driverless function of the vehicle is unaffected. Fully comprehensive coverage should still cover windscreen and ADAS damage.
Upon reflection, the introduction of driverless cars seems like a litany of legal entanglements to have to battle. The simple introduction of the two exemptions makes things easy to understand – everything else regarding your insurance is as it should be.
In the unlikely event that two driverless cars should collide, it might seem that the insurance companies would be on the hook to pay out to both parties. If the cars have up to date software and no modifications, the manufacturer will reimburse insurers due to the technology being at fault.
In the long run, we could see very few accidents where drivers are at fault fall, this is great news in terms of accidents (presumably the only accidents will be caused by software faults). This should see premiums fall – after what might be an initial hike while the technology becomes more mainstream. That could leave insurers making less money from car and vehicle insurance, something they will no doubt offset elsewhere.
Here at The Windscreen Company, we provide windscreen repairs and replacements and can bill your insurance company if you’ve got fully comprehensive coverage, making the whole process simple and easy.
Contact us today for more details or to enquire about any of our services – our professional team are always happy to help.
Information presented in this article was taken from independent resources and was correct on the date of publishing.
The Windscreen Company, has over 20 years of experience in windscreen repair and replacement. Since 1998, they have been at the forefront of industry innovation, leveraging the latest technology to ensure customer safety and satisfaction.
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