The Association of California Insurance Companies (ACIC), part of the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America, recently made a series of suggestions for California’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) as it builds the regulatory environment for autonomous vehicle operations in the state.
“Autonomous vehicles have the potential to improve mobility in society and reduce the number of accidents, injuries and deaths on our roads,” said ACIC Vice President Armand Feliciano. “Insurance is a key component of repairing cars and protecting drivers and passengers so it must be factored into the world of autonomous vehicles.”
To address potential issues arising in an era of autonomous vehicles, ACIC suggested that California’s DMV provide a clear standard to address data access after an accident involving autonomous vehicles, specifically because insurance companies require risk-based historical performance for their pricing plans.
The organization also noted that data related to vehicle speed, steering, braking, and objects detected will be an important facet in determining accident liability.
Additionally, ACIC said the state should clearly specify the type of insurance required to operate an autonomous vehicle.
“We are on the precipice of a new world with self-driving cars, but the access to the information necessary to assess risk and determine liability in accidents must continue to be available to insurers in order to protect drivers and passengers,” ACIC said.