by Driver assistance systems increase insurance costs
Modern driver assistance systems, such as automatic braking or adaptive cruise control, are designed to improve road safety. However, they also significantly increase insurance costs due to expensive repairs. The sensors and cameras required for these systems need specialized maintenance and calibration, making their replacement very costly.
“It’s becoming too expensive to repair a car,” noted Hami Ebrahimi, commercial director of Caliber Collision.
Why are costs rising?
Even if driver assistance systems reduce the number of accidents by 25%, the cost of each insurance claim has increased by 60% over the past five years. This is because sensor calibration requires specialized equipment and conditions, such as a perfectly level floor and precise lighting. The cost of such equipment can reach a million dollars, limiting the number of workshops capable of performing repairs.
Additionally, many drivers simply disable these systems due to their excessive activity or inconvenience in use. As a result, insurance companies are forced to pay for expensive equipment that is not always utilized. Consequently, the average cost of auto insurance in the U.S. can reach $2,101 per year, a record high.
Overall, the implementation of advanced technologies in cars significantly impacts their operating costs. AAA research found that the average annual cost of maintaining a new car is $12,297, which is $115 more than the previous year. This indicates that safety-focused innovations may have unforeseen financial consequences for car owners.
