Autonomous vehicles (AVs) could help reduce traffic accidents and expand mobility options, according to the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (NAMIC). However, the organization emphasized that strong safety regulations are necessary as AVs become more common on U.S. roads.
NAMIC presented its perspective in testimony submitted to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. The group outlined key principles for regulating AVs from the viewpoint of property and casualty insurers. These principles focus on ensuring proven safety standards to build consumer trust while supporting innovation among manufacturers.
“We applaud the committee for holding today’s hearing on autonomous vehicles, which present an extraordinary opportunity to reduce both crash frequency and severity,” said Jimi Grande, senior vice president of federal and political affairs for NAMIC. “But, for many Americans, AVs need to prove they’re safe before we’ll take our hands off the wheel. As Congress sets the rules of the road for AVs, rigorous oversight and proper validation of safety and data are needed to instill confidence in autonomous vehicles, enabling faster, better, and more affordable transit options that improve the lives of many citizens who currently struggle with mobility.”
NAMIC’s testimony stated that as evidence supporting safer AV technology grows over time, regulators should review existing rules and consider removing those that do not fit new technologies. However, Grande cautioned against overriding state authority in certain areas.
“There will still be crashes, especially in the immediate future where AVs share the road with human drivers,” Grande said. “A crash between any combination of AVs and humans will likely involve multiple insurance policies, raising complicated, difficult, and fact specific liability questions. And when that happens, states and localities know best what works for their roads, driving populations, and state courts, and must retain the authority to define and address AV liability issues.”
