Autonomous Cars: Navigating the New Claims Terrain

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

Howden Re’s "Shaping the Future of Risk" report highlights that the surge in autonomous vehicle (AV) adoption is likely to lead to more intricate litigation scenarios. The expected litigation will ensnare vehicle manufacturers, software developers, hardware suppliers, and mapping service providers in various legal battles.

The report underscores that the growing prevalence of AVs might influence losses within motor liability insurance segments. AV technology could shift liability from individuals operating vehicles to the technology powering these autonomous systems, necessitating a shift towards product liability insurance over traditional motor insurance.

“Identifying the faulty component in a vehicle involved in an incident will be a challenging task,” Howden Re states. “Court outcomes in these cases could significantly sway motor liability insurance strategies. Depending on verdicts, this arena might demand stronger reserving strategies to accommodate potential claim variances.”

Motor liability currently constitutes as much as 40% of global property and casualty premiums, and projections suggest that by 2030, around 50% of new vehicles will be electric. Additionally, most new vehicles are expected to possess considerable technological connectivity, with some touting self-driving capabilities.

As AI-driven systems aim to replace human drivers in an effort to reduce accidents caused by human oversight, this will introduce a tentative period where both human-driven and autonomous vehicles coexist. This coexistence will inevitably complicate accident causality assessments and claims filing procedures.

“The artificial intelligence governing AVs operates on assumptions that might occasionally be flawed. Therefore, AVs complicate the accident and claims landscape by introducing new challenges in assigning fault,” Howden Re elaborates. “In mixed environments where human-driven and autonomous vehicles share the road, discerning whether a crash results from technological failure or human error becomes intricate.”

Both passengers in AVs and drivers of other involved vehicles might seek compensation from AV manufacturers in the event of an accident, potentially heightening overall claim costs.

Published:Tuesday, 10th Sep 2024
Author: Paige Estritori

Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Clear

What the Latest Truck Crash Findings Mean for Your Cover

30 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

Fresh heavy vehicle crash research from transport insurer NTI has again put a spotlight on the practical causes of serious truck incidents, with speed for the conditions, fatigue, distraction, equipment issues and vehicle fires all remaining central risk themes for Australian operators. For truck owners, fleet managers and owner-drivers, the findings are more than a safety update. They are a reminder that risk management and insurance outcomes are closely connected. - read more

Why truck fire risk deserves a closer insurance review

29 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

A fresh round of transport safety coverage has put truck fires back on the risk agenda for Australian operators. While major crashes often attract the most attention, a vehicle fire can be just as disruptive for a business: the truck may be written off, the load may be damaged, a route may be blocked and the operator may lose income while replacement equipment is sourced. - read more

Insurance Complaint Trends Put Claims Preparation Back in Focus

29 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

Fresh industry attention on Australian Financial Complaints Authority complaint trends is a timely reminder that insurance value is not only tested when a policy is bought. For trade businesses, the real test often comes when a damaged tool trailer, public liability allegation, stolen equipment claim or storm-affected worksite needs to be resolved quickly so the next job can proceed. - read more

What a More Stable Income Protection Market Means for Your Pay Packet

29 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

Recent APRA life insurance performance data has given the income protection sector a cautiously positive signal: the market appears to be moving through a more stable phase after several years of product redesign, pricing pressure and closer regulatory attention. For consumers, the important point is not that cover has suddenly become simple, but that insurer sustainability and claim reliability remain central to the value of any policy. - read more

New APRA Data Reinforces the Need to Review Income Protection Cover

29 Jul 2026: Paige Estritori

APRA’s latest life insurance performance data has put income protection back under the spotlight, with disability income products continuing to be one of the more closely watched areas of the sector. While the broader life insurance industry has been showing signs of improved stability, the update reinforces that policies designed to replace income after illness or injury remain sensitive to claims experience, pricing, and changing work and health trends. - read more

Click for more Insurance News