A 10-Year Wait for Autonomous Vehicles to Impact Insurers, Says Fitch

Fitch Ratings said it does not expect autonomous vehicles (AVs) to “have any meaningful impact” on insurers in the next decade. Therefore, impacts to credit ratings will be modest.

However, over time, the technology “will indelibly alter” the landscapes of both insurance and legal industries, said Senior Director Gerry Glombicki.

“While AVs have moved beyond proof of concept, widespread adoption will take considerable time due to high costs, regulatory fragmentation, and consumer preferences,” said Senior Director Gerry Glombicki. The current average U.S. vehicle age is almost 13 years, so it takes time for the fleet to turn over.”

Only a small fraction of vehicles on the road have high- or full-driving automation capabilities. Those that are on the pavement have proven to reduce the frequency of accidents and the severity of bodily injuries. However, when repairs are needed after an incident, costs are significantly more expensive.

Fitch says AVs also introduce coverage confusion. Claims become more complex, with product liability additionally impacting manufacturers, designers, suppliers. Vehicle owners may also share liability.

“The absence of established legal precedent heightens risk, leaving liability and coverage decisions vulnerable to volatility,” Fitch said.

In addition, AVs introduce cybersecurity concerns and other operational disruptions highlighted by Waymo’s recent shutdown during a power outage in San Francisco.

On the regulatory front, there are no federal statutes but lawmakers are discussing the issue—complicated by data privacy and the states’ control over vehicle operation within their confines.

Related: Safety, State Involvement Should Be Central to AV Regulation, Says Trades

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