California might soon become the second state to allow the use of self-driving automobiles on the roads. The California state Senate of authorizing legislation has unanimously approved of legislation for it. I don’t think the legislation specifically tackles issues about autonomous cars and auto insurance, though.
Not too long ago, Google made some self-driving vehicles. The cars have gone through a series of safety tests. Google’s research showed that their autonomous vehicles are safer than the typical vehicles that are driven manually by humans. The fleet of Google’s self-driving Priuses drove over 2,000 miles and only had a total of two minor fender benders. One occurred when the car was being driven manually.
Nevada became the first state to issue a license for a self-driving car. It requires two people to be inside the car. One must be in the driver’s seat, prepared to take the wheel or hit the break as needed. The other person must be in the passenger seat and must monitor a computer screen that shows the car’s planned route, traffic lights, and potential road hazards.
California may become the second state to allow autonomous cars to be on the road. The California state Senate of authorizing legislation has unanimously approved a bill called SB 1298. Next, the Assembly needs to endorse it, and after that it must be signed by the governor. It that happens, then we may see some self-driving vehicles out on the roads in California.
The bill was by Senator Alex Padilla, who believes that autonomous vehicles have the potential to significantly reduce traffic fatalities and injuries. The bill is also supported by the Automobile Club of Southern California, the California Foundation for Independent Living Centers, TechNet, TechAmerica, and, of course, Google, Inc..
How will this affect auto insurance? That part hasn’t been specifically spelled out yet. It is my understanding that insurance companies are going to have to figure out how to insure self-driving cars.
Will a person who drives an autonomous vehicle have a higher premium or a lower premium than a driver of a regular car? Will some insurers refuse to provide coverage for these new types of vehicles? California is a state that requires all driver to carry auto insurance coverage. The answers to these questions are going to need to be worked out very soon.
Image by Steve Jurvetson on Flickr