Google’s Autonomous Vehicles: Slow Speeds, Adapting to Emergency Situations, and a Minor Accident
Posted on Dec 9, 2015
As the development of Google’s driverless car progresses, the company recently reported on topics such as its slow speed, it’s reaction to emergency signals, and accident updates. First, one of the vehicles was stopped by police last month for driving too slowly (24 mph in a 35 mph zone). Google explained that although the self-driving car can go faster, slower speeds both assist the development process and are generally safer. Second, Google reported that the car has a variety of responses to emergency vehicles, including driving more cautiously when its software library identifies an...
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“Quiet Car” Regulation Delayed
Posted on Dec 4, 2015
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is delaying a safety regulation that would require hybrid and electric vehicles to add audio alerts when driving at low speeds. The NHTSA claims that hybrid vehicles, which are known as “quiet cars” because they can be driven at low speeds without an internal combustion engine running, are involved in nearly 20% more pedestrian crashes than traditional vehicles. The NHTSA is forecasting that the finalized rule will be ready in March 2016. Automakers will receive a minimum of eighteen months to ensure their hybrid and electrical...
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Connecticut Issues Bulletin Banning Price Optimization
Posted on Dec 4, 2015
In a recent bulletin, Connecticut became the 16th jurisdiction to ban price optimization in insurance pricing. Connecticut Insurance Commissioner Katherine L. Wade stated that the Department “views price optimization as a discriminatory practice and therefore a violation of state insurance law.” Wade specifically cited factors such as a customer’s “propensity to shop for insurance or to complain about rates” as impermissible in determining rates. The bulletin applies to all property and casualty insurers in Connecticut and requires any such insurer using price optimization to resubmit...
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Pennsylvania State Senate Votes to Legalize Ridesharing
Posted on Nov 30, 2015
The Pennsylvania State Senate has voted to approve a bill that would legalize ridesharing services, such as Uber and Lyft. The bill contains several safeguards, including mandatory auto insurance coverage and background checks on drivers. Now that the Senate has passed the bill, it must next receive approval from the House and Governor Tom Wolf.
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Auto Body Shop Choice Bill Enacted in Wisconsin
Posted on Nov 20, 2015
Wisconsin has enacted a law establishing that “a consumer has the right to select the motor vehicle repair facility of his or her choice.” The new law prohibits auto insurers from requiring that a particular auto shop make repairs to a vehicle or from delaying the investigation of a claim simply because repairs were made by a particular shop. For existing policies, the provisions of the act will apply only after renewal.
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Hearing on Vehicle Cybersecurity Standards
Posted on Nov 20, 2015
The House subcommittees on Information Technology and Transportation and Public Assets have recently addressed vehicle security. In a November 18 hearing, members of Congress questioned a regulator from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration about progress on developing cybersecurity standards for connected vehicles, and noted that NHTSA had not created such standards despite “explicit directives” from Congress to do so. Industry witnesses said that there were no cybersecurity standards in place for the automobile industry. Representatives also heard from witnesses who raised...
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Skepticism Over Autonomous Vehicles
Posted on Nov 19, 2015
Participants on a recent panel regarding autonomous vehicle technology have taken a skeptical view of whether autonomous vehicles are ready for the road. The panelists, who are each involved in the development of autonomous vehicles, noted some of the challenges that must be overcome before the technology can be adopted. These challenges—which are relatively simple for human drivers—included police officers giving instructions, wild animals on the road, and determining when and how to transfer control back to a driver.
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Electronic Identification Cards to be Used in New York
Posted on Nov 19, 2015
GEICO has become the first insurance company to issue electronic insurance identification cards in the State of New York. These e-cards are now available to GEICO’s New York customers on its app. Under new regulations that went into effect in April, motorists may provide proof of auto insurance coverage in paper or electronic format. GEICO was the first company to complete the certification testing process required by the New York Department of Motor Vehicles.
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Minnesota the Latest State to Join the Price Optimization Bandwagon
Posted on Nov 16, 2015
The Minnesota Department of Commerce has issued Administrative Bulletin 2015-3, barring the use of price optimization in ratemaking by property and casualty insurers. The Bulletin states that “[p]rice optimization is not an actuarial estimate based on expected losses, expenses, and the degree of risk,” and it therefore concludes that the use of price optimization is unfairly discriminatory and violates Minnesota law. The Bulletin directs insurers using price optimization in Minnesota to cease the practice and submit revised filings along with a corrective action plan. In the future, property...
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Tax Cut Propels Auto Sales in China
Posted on Nov 11, 2015
Sales of passenger vehicles have surged to a ten-month high in China following the cut of a car-purchasing tax. Following a summer slowdown, auto sales climbed 13 percent in October to 1.94 million vehicles. The rebound, coming ten months after the elimination of the tax benefiting auto manufacturers, also follows the trend of increased consumer spending in China. Total vehicle sales may increase 3 percent this year, with increased demand for cheaper sport utility vehicles observed. To view the full article, visit Bloomberg News.
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Hackers Set their Sights on Cars
Posted on Nov 11, 2015
Criminals using wireless accessibility to hack into vehicles will soon become a genuine threat, although the potential for the problem is unknown. Automobile owners can become informed as to how their vehicles can be hacked and limit who has access to their cars in order to minimize the threat. To view the full article, visit Law360 (subscription required).
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Areas for Compromise on House and Senate Transportation Bills
Posted on Nov 9, 2015
The House of Representatives and the Senate have passed transportation bills and now must negotiate a compromise bill that can be signed by the President. Some of these differences affect manufacturers. For example, the House bill provides some protection from liability for failure to follow National Highway Traffic Safety Administration guidelines; requires steps to ensure access to searchable public websites containing information on vehicle recalls; exempts dealers from the requirement that they repair safety recalls before renting, leasing, or selling vehicles subject to recall; and...
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Switzerland to Showcase Autonomous Buses in 2016
Posted on Nov 7, 2015
Swiss startup BestMile is developing a system in which vehicle operators can monitor and control public transportation fleets remotely. Autonomous buses carrying up to nine passengers will be introduced in the spring of 2016, at which time they will undergo two years of testing. To view the full article, visit Digital Trends.
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Toyota to Invest Heavily in Technology Research Institute
Posted on Nov 6, 2015
Automaker Toyota Motor Corp. is trying to gain an edge over its Japanese competitors in the autonomous vehicle field by spending $1 billion to create a research institute devoted to artificial intelligence and robotics. The Toyota Research Institute will begin operating in January 2016, and will eventually boast locations near Stanford University and M.I.T. To view the full article, visit Insurance Journal.
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