Study: Cars with driver assistance systems involved in more accidents, not fewer
Driver assistance systems are designed to enhance road safety, but new data from Univé suggests they may not be reducing accidents as expected. In fact, cars equipped with these systems report more damage claims than those without, and the associated repair costs are significantly higher.
According to Univé’s damage reports, the frequency of claims for cars with driver assistance systems was nearly 25 percent higher for third-party insured vehicles in the past year. For fully comprehensive (all-risk) insured vehicles, the difference was even greater, with claims rising by 44 percent in 2024.
“The damage burden is actually greater in vehicles with driver assistance systems,” said Marco Nanne, director of Univé Schade.
A major factor contributing to this trend is that drivers of cars without these systems often choose not to file claims for minor damages. “They prefer to cover minor repair costs themselves to maintain their no-claim discount,” Nanne explained. “In contrast, damages in vehicles with driver assistance systems tend to be more complex and expensive, making it rarely beneficial for policyholders to avoid filing a claim.”
Despite the expectation that driver assistance systems should reduce accident rates, the reality is more nuanced. Univé notes that the increasing complexity of modern vehicle technology has made repairs more costly and time-consuming.
“Insurance premiums for cars with driver assistance systems will not necessarily be lower,” said Nanne. “First, because these technologies make repairs more complicated and expensive. Second, vehicles equipped with these systems are often newer and more expensive to purchase. Additionally, modern and especially electric cars are often heavier than older models without these systems, increasing the impact of collisions.”
Another key issue is that drivers may overestimate the capabilities of their vehicles’ automated features. “Driver assistance systems have great potential to prevent accidents and damage,” Nanne said. “But they are not advanced enough to function without active driver involvement. We must understand that this technology supplements our driving skills—it does not replace them.”
To maximize the benefits of driver assistance systems, Nanne emphasized the importance of cooperation between drivers and their vehicles. “If we can achieve that, we will truly reap the benefits of this technology.”
The European Union has been making driver assistance systems mandatory in new cars to improve road safety. Since 2022, features such as emergency braking assistance, lane-keeping assistance, parking sensors, and rearview cameras have been required in all new vehicles.
In 2024, additional regulations will take effect, mandating that all cars come equipped with Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) and an Event Data Recorder (EDR)—a type of “black box” that records vehicle data in the event of an accident.
