A Report by Munich Re
Munich, Germany (May 8, 2015) – As analysts attempt to quantify the social and economic benefits of Autonomous Vehicle (AV) technology, the insurance industry is contemplating the impact, particularly as it applies to liability exposures.
Who will be liable when an AV is involved in an accident? Will liability shift from driver to manufacturer as vehicle control shifts from human operator to autonomous systems? Will accident – related liability exposure all but disappear? How will we manage cyber liability exposures that may arise?
Since the early 1960s, the insurance industry has been a major force behind the most significant advances in highway and vehicle safety including electronic stability control requirements, seat belt use and automobile crash worthiness. Now, autonomous vehicle (AV) technologies offer an opportunity for us to advance another milestone in vehicle safety, going beyond keeping people safe in a crash to avoiding the crash altogether.
“Autonomous Vehicles: Considerations for Personal and Commercial Lines Insurers” (PDF) examines some possible exposures and their potential implications to the industry and society as AV technology develops.
About Munich Re
Munich Re stands for exceptional solution-based expertise, consistent risk management, financial stability and client proximity. This is how Munich Re creates value for clients, shareholders and staff. In the financial year 2013, the Group – which combines primary insurance and reinsurance under one roof – achieved a profit of €3.3bn on premium income of over €51bn. It operates in all lines of insurance, with almost 45,000 employees throughout the world. With premium income of around €28bn from reinsurance alone, it is one of the world’s leading reinsurers. Especially when clients require solutions for complex risks, Munich Re is a much sought-after risk carrier. Its primary insurance operations are concentrated mainly in the ERGO Insurance Group, one of the major insurance groups in Germany and Europe. ERGO is represented in over 30 countries worldwide and offers a comprehensive range of insurances, provision products and services. In 2013, ERGO posted premium income of €18bn. In international healthcare business, Munich Re pools its insurance and reinsurance operations, as well as related services, under the Munich Health brand. Munich Re’s global investments amounting to €209bn are managed by MEAG, which also makes its competence available to private and institutional investors outside the Group. For more information, visit www.munichre.com.
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