Autonomous Cars: Navigating the New Claims Terrain

9

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
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Clear

Global Insurtech Investments Halve as AI Adoption Rises

01 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

The global insurtech sector experienced a significant downturn in funding during the fourth quarter of 2024, with total investments plummeting by 50% to US$688.24 million compared to the previous quarter. This decline marks the lowest annual funding level since 2018, with the total for 2024 reaching US$4.25 billion, a 6% decrease from the prior year. - read more

Australia's Insurance Market Set to Surpass $144 Billion by 2029

01 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian general insurance industry is on a trajectory of significant growth, with direct written premiums (DWP) projected to exceed $144 billion by 2029. This forecast, provided by data and analytics firm GlobalData, indicates a substantial increase from the $94.7 billion recorded in 2024, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 8.8% over the five-year period. - read more

Australian Insurers Report $1.11 Billion Profit Amid Lower Catastrophe Claims

01 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

The Australian general insurance industry has reported a net profit after tax of $1.11 billion for the March quarter, marking a significant financial upswing attributed primarily to a reduction in catastrophe-related losses. This performance underscores the industry's resilience and its ability to adapt to fluctuating risk environments. - read more

Australian Insurers Falling Behind in Risk Preparedness

24 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

Recent findings from the PwC Insurance Banana Skins Survey reveal that Australian insurers are lagging behind their global counterparts in risk preparedness. The survey, which gathered insights from 698 insurance executives across 42 territories, indicates that Australian insurers scored 6.6% lower on the Preparedness Index compared to the global average. - read more

Rising Home Insurance Premiums in Australia

24 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori

Australian homeowners are facing significant increases in home insurance premiums, with average rates rising by 16% over the past year. This surge is largely attributed to the escalating frequency and severity of extreme weather events, which have led to higher claims and increased rebuilding costs. - read more

Click for more Insurance News