In the age of a tech-fueled automotive transformation in which vehicle usage is at an all-time high, the public perception of uncertainty around driverless cars remains.

As of 2025, only 13% of U.S. Consumers would trust riding in an autonomous vehicle. Many consumers still remain concerned with the lack of human control, and the unpredictability of how autonomous vehicles might respond in complex situations. Through tracking automotive claims, it has been found that, to the contrary, autonomous vehicles result in minimal claims compared to human error, which is the cause of 90% of accidents. The statistics speak for themselves.

Understanding automotive solutions means staying agile in the face of rapid industry changes, analyzing claims cycle times, addressing emerging issues and keeping pace with the evolving technology that’s steering the future.

As autonomous vehicles take over the roads, they bring both promises and uncertainty into the automotive industry. Consumer trust will continue to catch up as the data reveals more about the future of this technology, as well as fewer claims and safer roads. It will be important to monitor advancements on liability, claims processes and risk strategies as everyday drivers, businesses and more navigate the evolving landscape and ensure that they are prepared for today’s challenges and the future’s changes.

Safer Roads, Fewer Collisions And Less Claims

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems are playing a large role in reducing crashes and fatalities on the road. New technologies such as spot collision detection, lane assistance and automatic emergency braking have proven to be more reliable than many were quick to assume. For example, autonomous cars have seen rear-end crashes drop by 50%, and lead to a 30-40% reduction in insurance claims.

As roads become safer through the adoption of ADAS and emerging autonomous technologies, the auto claims landscape is shifting in powerful ways. From the insurer’s perspective, the steady decline in accident frequency means fewer claims are rolling in—giving companies and claims administrators the opportunity to focus more on the quality, speed and innovation in the claims process itself.

This shift is helping to raise the bar across the industry. With fewer claims to process, companies can invest in smarter claims handling, faster resolutions and enhanced digital tools—setting a new standard for the future of auto insurance and autonomous mobility. Lower loss ratios allow insurers to redirect resources toward improving customer experience and developing more flexible, tech-driven coverage models. In turn, claims adjusters are able to devote more time to strategic and complex tasks.

At the same time, drivers’ experiences on all fronts can improve. With fewer accidents and smarter vehicles, drivers gain the peace of mind that their car is looking out for them and helping avoid incidents before they happen. And if something does go wrong, today’s claims experience is faster, more transparent and more supportive than ever. Drivers get the relief of safer roads combined with the confidence that their claims provider is ready to assist quickly and fairly.

In the long run, these advancements are creating a win-win dynamic: insurers gain efficiency and insight, while drivers enjoy improved safety, convenience and potentially lower costs. It’s a new era of insurance claims, one driven by technology, focused on trust, and dedicated to making the road safer and smarter for everyone.

Autonomous Takes the Future

As vehicles become more autonomous and software-driven, the nature of automotive claims is shifting, with liability moving away from individual drivers and toward manufacturers, software developers, and third-party providers. In accidents involving these advanced systems, fault may stem from AI malfunctions, sensor failures, or software issues, introducing a more complex claims landscape. Handling these claims will require in-depth analysis of vehicle data and technical expertise to determine liability accurately. Insurance models are also evolving, becoming more vehicle-centric and tech-focused, with options like usage-based or manufacturer-backed coverage. As this shift continues, claims professionals and regulators must work together to create clear frameworks that ensure fair, efficient claims resolution in a world where the “driver” may no longer be human.

As vehicles become more connected, they face new cyber risks as well that traditional cars have never encountered. Threats like hacking, software manipulation, and data breaches can compromise safety, disable critical systems, or expose sensitive information. These risks introduce new challenges for insurers and manufacturers, requiring a shift in strategy to include cybersecurity assessments, breach detection and real-time threat mitigation to ensure vehicles are both physically and digitally secure.

As the automotive industry accelerates toward a more autonomous and connected future, the way we think about safety, liability and claims must evolve just as rapidly. While there are many challenges ahead, it also brings significant opportunities to reduce accidents, enhance efficiency and redefine the claims experience. By embracing innovation and delivering forward-thinking solutions, claims professionals can not only keep up with the transformation, but lead the way into a smarter, safer future of mobility and claims.

Bakes is managing director of auto solutions at Sedgwick.