New Government funding keeps driverless cars projects on track

The announcement of a further £20 million in funding for projects developing driverless cars is a timely boost to schemes which should revolutionise transport, insurers said today.

The fresh investment, announced by Business Secretary Sajid Javid, includes funding for one trial which will examine how data can best be collected and used in the event of accidents, something which will be crucial to the car insurance of the future.

Ben Howarth, Policy Adviser for Motor and Liability at the Association of British Insurers (ABI), said: “Driverless cars have huge implications for improving road safety and could revolutionise transport for people who currently have difficulty getting around. Insurers are committed to helping get these vehicles onto UK roads, and investment of the kind being announced by Government today is also essential in making that happen.

“We are particularly pleased one project will focus on how data about accidents should be collected and used. Working out the best approach for this will be a key part of establishing a simple and straightforward insurance system which can get help to those affected as quickly as possible.”

A group of 13 UK motor insurers, led by the Association of British Insurers (ABI) and Thatcham Research, has recently been formed to consider key issues relating to automated driving on UK roads, particularly concerning insurance and liability.