Autonomous vehicles will happen soon enough – insurers must change their game too

The advancement in AI is set to revolutionize the way we navigate our roads, thanks to the fully automated vehicles on the horizon. While the prospect of completely autonomous vehicles seamlessly cruising our highways may still be some years away, the foundation is being laid.

Daily breakthroughs in AI and machine-learning bring us closer to a reality where human drivers may no longer be required behind the wheel.

Dubai aims to have 25% of transportation autonomous by 2030, reducing accidents and losses, and increasing productivity saving millions of hours. As the city transforms its infrastructure and policies, it’s essential to consider the broader implications of this technology, especially in terms of automotive insurance.

AI-powered autonomous vehicles hold the potential to dramatically enhance road safety by minimizing the human errors that cause the majority of traffic accidents with research suggesting an 80% reduction in traffic accidents by 2040, potentially saving countless lives and billions in healthcare costs. However, while fewer accidents may seem like an insurance dream, the reality is more complex.

The advanced technologies that make autonomous vehicles possible—sophisticated sensors, AI-driven software, and networked infrastructure—come with significantly higher costs. Consequently, even though the number of claims may decrease, the cost per claim is likely to rise.

The scope of claims will likely expand as autonomous vehicles become more integrated and used for various purposes. Insurance will need to cover not only traditional property damage and personal injury but also new risks such as travel interruptions due to AI malfunctions or network failures, business disruptions, or even onboard emergencies.

Setting the liability parameter

What’s needed is a more comprehensive approach to coverage, reflecting the multifaceted risks associated with autonomous driving.

Perhaps, most challenging will be determining liability in the case of an accident. There are three primary parties that could potentially be held liable the car owner, the manufacturer or the infrastructure provider, with each case requiring careful consideration.

This field of liability is still evolving. Laws and policies are being drafted and refined, but many frameworks are yet to be finalized. Moreover, liability could vary significantly across different countries, regulatory environments, and specific scenarios.

As autonomous vehicles become more prevalent, legal and regulatory landscapes must evolve rapidly to ensure that responsibility is fairly and clearly attributed when accidents occur.

Data usage will also play a pivotal role in determining liability. Advanced technologies within autonomous vehicles, such as sensors and onboard systems, collect vast amounts of data that can provide insurers with critical insights into how an accident occurred. This data can lead to more accurate incident reporting, aiding insurance companies in reconstructing accidents with precision and streamlining the claims process.

However, while accessing precise data could enhance the transparency of the claims process, the integration of data collection raises concerns about privacy and data protection.

Will data seeking be seen as intrusive?

Many drivers may perceive the constant monitoring of their behavior as intrusive, fearing that the collected data could be used against them or sold without consent. It is crucial for insurers and automakers to reassure drivers that their data will be handled responsibly, with strict safeguards in place to protect privacy.

New legislation may also be needed to outline rules for sharing automobile data, balancing the need for comprehensive accident analysis with the protection of individual privacy rights.

As this technology becomes more widespread, the Middle East, with its rapidly growing urban centers and infrastructure investments, is uniquely positioned to be at the forefront of this transformation.

The region’s proactive adoption of ‘smart city’ initiatives and cutting-edge technologies provides an ideal environment for the integration of autonomous vehicles. The regulatory frameworks and insurance models must evolve in tandem to address the challenges and opportunities presented by these advancements, ensuring that the transition to autonomous driving is safe and efficient.