Sure, cars that get you over 30 mpg are impressive — but a car that can actually drive you to your destination? That’s in a whole other ballpark.
It’s funny to think that just 20 years ago, we were amazed that people didn’t have to stay home to use the phone anymore as cellphones began to hit mainstream culture. Now, in 2017, self-driving cars are not only a thing, but they’re also increasing in popularity. Back in the 1960s, a teenager watching “The Jetsons” probably scoffed at the idea of flying cars. Modern-day cars might not be able to fly, but having a car that acts as your own personal concierge might be even cooler.
As the popularity and desirability for self-driving cars becomes stronger over time, some questions still remain for drivers wondering where car insurance stands in the midst of these new technological advances.
Who’s at Fault During an Accident?
When two cars get into an accident, it’s essential to find out who was responsible for initiating the crash. Once the individual accountable is identified, the legal process of liability and insurance paperwork can ensue properly. What happens when you’re no longer the driver — the car is?
Issues surrounding driverless cars and insurance can be tricky, but in most instances, it is the automaker who assumes responsibility. Because the driverless car phenomena is still in its earlier stages and not yet the norm, many questions remain as to what happens in regards to liability.
Driverless Car Insurance
How will driverless cars affect insurance? Whenever you turn on the television, you’re likely to see a commercial or two from car insurance companies professing rewards and benefits for safe drivers who go accident-free for so many months. With drivers taking a backseat, however, responsibility shifts entirely from the car owner to the car maker.
Luckily, accidents are projected to be even less of an issue than they currently are. The majority of accidents that occur on the road are the result of human error. Whether drivers take their eyes off the road for a few seconds while answering the phone or merge into a lane where a driver is in their blind spot, accidents are likely to happen. We’re not perfect, and at times, neither is our driving. A robot car driving for us completely changes the game for the better, reducing the likelihood of accidents where human error is possible.
Insurance is still necessary nevertheless. Risk premiums would plummet, as the potential for collisions goes down. Since the driver assumes considerably less responsibility when entering the car, the burden of liability shifts to the manufacturers. The government is unlikely to mediate the issue, leaving insurance companies with the obligation to sort out the specifics before driverless cars become the new norm. With such a drastic change in technology and our everyday lives, it may be best to wait until the product is perfected for optimal use.
