Self-driving vehicles on public roads change insurance risk

Direct Line is partnering in advanced commuter research trials in self-driving vehicles, as it looks to better understand the conditions needed to insure software, rather than human, drivers.

The research is being co-ordinated by StreetWise, a consortium initiative funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) through the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund and part of a programme managed by the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (CCAV).

The invite-only research trials are taking place on public roads on a fixed route in two London boroughs, Croydon and Bromley, throughout October and November 2019. FiveAI is providing the software for the project.

As part of the StreetWise project, which researches the technology, safety validation methods, insurance and service models required to deliver a viable, shared self-driving service, these trials aim to gather insights into self-driving vehicle services from the research participants.

Neil Ingram, head of motor Product at Direct Line Group (DLG), said: “As technological advances continue at pace and self-driving cars become a reality, insurers need to understand how that changes risk; cars will increasingly be controlled by software rather than humans. Working closely with our StreetWise partners, including FiveAI, provides DLG with unique insight that will help to develop innovative insurance solutions for new tech enabled mobility services.”

UK Secretary of State for Transport Grant Shapps said: "The untapped potential of self-driving vehicle technology is huge — it could enhance road safety, tackle isolation, and create economic opportunities. The Government’s Future of Mobility: Urban Strategy sets out how it is planning for the introduction of self-driving vehicles, and StreetWise’s successful trial will be a major step to rolling out the next phase of the UK’s transport revolution."

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