Development of an insurance policy for testing autonomous cars

Japanese insurers Mitsui Sumimoto (MS) and Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance (AD) have jointly developed an insurance scheme designed for the coverage of tests for driverless cars. It is the first appearance of this kind of product in Japan. Several car manufacturers including Toyota Motors are striving to market driverless cars by 2020.

MS and AD are hoping to sell this insurance policy to car makers, research centers, and automotive component suppliers as well as to IT companies. Numerous questions are on the minds of potential users of these innovative cars, the most important of which pertains to liability in the event of a claim. Who will be held accountable? The car owner, the manufacturer, one of the component suppliers, etc.