Advanced driver assistance technologies (ADAS) aim to save lives and prevent injuries. Depending on your vehicle, some technology warns you of an impending crash, while others take action to avoid one.
As more car manufacturers expand the use of ADAS, it’s essential to understand what each feature does and how it can protect you while on the road.
Because each car is different, owners are urged to read their vehicle’s manual for specific information on its technology and safety features. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) explains the main features of newer vehicles:
Collision Warning System
A Collision Warning System is designed to prevent a driver from colliding with another vehicle or a stationary object in their path. It uses various technologies such as cameras, sensors, radar, lasers, GPS, and artificial intelligence.
Forward Collision Warning
Rear Cross Traffic Warning
Lane Departure Warning
Blind Spot Warning
Collision Avoidance System
A Collision Avoidance System, or Collision Intervention System, is a warning system that monitors a vehicle’s speed and the speed of the vehicle in front of it to prevent or reduce the severity of a collision. This system also uses technology like cameras, sensors, and lasers to detect an imminent crash.
Automatic Emergency Braking
Pedestrian Automatic Emergency Braking
Rear Automatic Braking
Blind Spot Intervention
Driver Control Assistance System
The Driver Control Assistance system automatically controls a vehicle’s movement and adjusts features of the vehicle from surrounding vehicles using sensor information.
Adaptive Cruise Control
Lane Departure Warning
Lane Centering Assistance
Lane Keeping Assistance
Other technology in vehicles can include automatic high beams, a backup camera, automatic crash notification, drowsiness detection, and parking assist.
How Advanced Driver Assistance Systems Impact Car Insurance
While advanced driver assistance technologies in newer vehicles have made it easier to drive, they’ve also made vehicles more expensive due to their complex technology.
If you need to make a claim on your vehicle that has driver assistance technology, it will likely increase your auto insurance rates.
For example, if a driver’s side mirror in a 20-year-old car was sideswiped, it wouldn’t be that expensive of a repair comparatively. But because many new mirrors have blind spot intervention built in, that mirror is now pricey to replace due to both the actual mirror, the technology built in and the labor cost.
If a vehicle with a plain windshield needs a replacement, it can cost a driver a few hundred dollars. However, a 2023 study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety-affiliated Highway Loss Data Institute found that vehicles equipped with front crash prevention were more likely to have glass claims of $1000 or more. This is likely related to the calibration of newer windshield’s safety features. In many cases with newer vehicles, if it is just a minor chip or crack you could get your windshield repaired and not have to get it fully replaced saving you money.
If you’re thinking of purchasing a new vehicle and have questions about how it will impact your auto insurance policy, your independent agent can always help you review your information to make sure you have the right coverage to suit your individualized needs. If you are not a MAPFRE customer yet, you can always get a fast, free car insurance quote in Massachusetts to get outstanding coverage at a great price.
