THE automotive industry is constantly being pushed forward by new technology which claims to save drivers money in the long-run, but that may not actually be the case.
While modern safety features can reduce crash risks, they can never fully eliminate them, and may prove more costly in the long run as a result of what’s needed to repair them.
Automotive technology advancements still aren’t affordable in the long run (stock image)[/caption]
Insurance companies don’t yet have the proper data to dole out discounts (stock image)[/caption]
ADAS features can cause post-accident repair prices to skyrocket (stock image)[/caption]
Known collectively as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), these technologies vary in name and function, but all seek to make driving a safer experience.
While they do reduce crash risks and make roads safer, it’s not accurate to say drivers are saving money due to increased costs of ownership associated with these features.
Already increasing monthly insurance premiums are further ballooned by these features due to the higher repair costs associated with them.
This is due to the myriad sensors, cameras, radar, and control units that most ADAS-equipped vehicles have and need to fully utilize these features.
This equipment is also incredibly costly to calibrate, with even a one-degree misalignment resulting in significant enough error at long distances.
Playing a role in this lack of foresight when purchasing ADAS-equipped vehicles is the discrepancy of their repair costs to what a dealer charges to add the features onto a vehicle.
Whereas systems like AEB are options typically costing from $100 to $300, they can cost thousands to repair after an accident for the above reasons.
Headlights equipped with ADAS features especially highlight how high repair costs can climb. Whereas a non-ADAS vehicle headlight replacement typically costs $200, replacing one with safety features like adaptive lighting can cost $2,000.
With more and more ADAS features becoming standard on entry-level vehicles each year, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to obtain a brand-new car that doesn’t have them.
This standardization is also being pushed for by the federal government, with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration forcing manufacturers to include AEB as a standard feature on all mass market vehicles by 2029.
While this clearly aims to make roads safer, it also comes with the consequence of effectively forcing drivers to foot additional costs with no way out.
This could also lead to a standardization of parts, repair, and insurance pricing by nature of how ubiquitous the feature will be, resulting in lower overall ownership costs for ADAS vehicles.
Technological advancements such as modular sensors which are easier to replace and self-calibrating systems which would decrease labor time should eventually save drivers money.
These costs should also decrease in the coming years as insurance companies collect more telematics data on how ADAS features are used and the impact they have.
Car insurance tips
Here are some ways to lower monthly car insurance rates:
- Increase the deductible – this may increase the amount drivers must pay in an accident
- Ask insurance carriers for discounts
- Slow down on the road
- Keep off the cell phone behind the wheel
- Improve credit scores (in some states)
- Bundle insurance policies
Source: Liberty Mutual
The eventual collection of long-term claims data on ADAS-equipped vehicles in accidents should also slash prices and result in deeper discounts being offered by insurance companies.
CUTTING COSTS NOW
The most immediate steps drivers can take to reduce ownership costs on vehicles with these features starts with doing the necessary research before buying an ADAS-equipped car.
This includes getting insurance quotes specifically for vehicles with these features, asking if the insurance company provides discounts for these features, and factoring in long-term repair costs and the repair networks available.
For those who already own an ADAS-equipped vehicle, steps such as regularly comparing insurance rates for new deals and discounts, and keeping cameras and sensors cleaned and aligned are the best ways to save.
When repairs are needed, comparing dealership and private shop prices can also help with costs. However, this also requires finding a certified repair shop which specializes in ADAS features.
Prospective purchasers can also try their hands at the used or certified pre-owned car markets, where a non-ADAS vehicle that is cheaper to maintain will be much easier to find.
