A recent survey has found that nearly three quarters of drivers believe that insurers should cover those affected by hacked driverless cars.
The road safety charity IAM RoadSmart surveyed 1,200 motorists, who were asked their thoughts about driverless cars and how they would affect them. 74 per cent of the respondents said insurers should provide cover for damage caused by hackers who could potentially access the control systems in driverless cars.
Driverless cover wanted, but at no extra cost
When asked if insurers should be obliged to include cover for driverless cars in their future policies, 46 per cent said this was a good or very good idea.
But this view changed significantly when the motorists were asked if they’d still agree to this proposal if it meant adding to the cost of insurance for all drivers. In this case, 68 per cent disagreed with the proposal and only 23 per cent said they approved.
Distrust surrounds driverless features
Most of those surveyed were evidently not in favour of driver assistance systems being able to take over from the driver. When the survey asked participants whether they agreed with amending Highway Code rule 150, ‘do not rely on driver assistance systems’, 55 per cent said no. This compared to 35 per cent who said yes.
When asked if the Highway Code should be amended so it becomes legal for cars to park themselves, just six per cent of respondents supported this proposal strongly. While 13 per cent approved to some extent, 69 per cent of respondents did not support this prospect at all.
The director of policy and research for IAM RoadSmart, Neil Greig, said: “In our view it is logical that hacking electronic systems in autonomous vehicles is treated the same way as a traditionally stolen vehicle, with the insurer bearing the cost.
“Previous research we have carried out shows that road users are excited about their development. But they still have concerns about responsibility, especially when it comes down to liability.”
