Document Type

Dissertation

First Faculty Advisor

Bishop, James

Keywords

Self-Driving Cars, Auto Insurance, Barriers, Benefits, Energy, Mobility, Safety

Publisher

Bryant University

Abstract

Self-driving cars, also known as autonomous vehicles, are being researched and tested by automakers, technology industry leaders, and other institutions. Lawmakers and politicians are discussing the legislation that will affect the fate of such technology. Primary benefits include safety, mobility, free time, less traffic, and green effects. However, there are also obstacles to the implementation of self-driving vehicles including consumer acceptance, legal liability, and cost. With the potential shift in responsibility from driver to automaker, rating factors for insurance may change, weighing more heavily on the model of the car as a factor. The fate of auto insurance is in the demand for autonomous vehicles by consumers, as business leaders react on data, not ideas. This project measures demand for self-driving cars and applies the results to how auto insurance will change. A survey was distributed in order to determine students’ experience with car insurance and their attitudes on self-driving technology. The survey group is divided between general students and those with some insurance knowledge. By using the demand findings from the survey as well as existing data for older driver populations, we are better able to predict the demand and liability of self-driving cars and how auto insurance will be priced.

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