For example, there have been cases where autonomous systems have failed to obey traffic lights and have malfunctioned in situations such as poor visibility, ambiguous traffic signs, temporary closures, or road works. Experts emphasize that FSD software should only be used under constant driver supervision and within clearly defined limitations.
Fewer accidents with FSD
As part of the collaboration, Tesla is providing Lemonade with access to vehicle telemetry data that will be used to distinguish between miles driven with FSD—which requires human driver supervision—and miles driven behind the wheel, the New York-based insurer said.
"Tesla vehicles with FSD are involved in far fewer accidents," insurance company co-founder Shai Wininger said in a statement. "By connecting to Tesla's onboard computer, our models are able to receive incredibly detailed data from sensors, which allows us to set insurance prices with greater accuracy."
Tesla already offers its own insurance plan in the United States with a monthly discount of up to 10% for drivers who use FSD for more than half of their mileage.
How to insure autonomous vehicles
Lemonade's new offering—called autonomous vehicle insurance—comes at a time when traditional insurers are struggling to set prices for coverage for the use of different levels of autonomous driving features, which carmakers are racing to develop.
The commercialization of autonomous vehicles has been more challenging and much more expensive than expected. Most automakers offer a certain level of autonomy for passenger vehicles designed for highway driving, which requires the driver to constantly monitor the road and remain in control of the vehicle.
Tesla FSD is capable of driving autonomously on city streets as well as highways.
However, Tesla's technology—which relies primarily on cameras and artificial intelligence instead of the redundant sensors that most other manufacturers rely on—raises concerns about its limitations, especially in adverse weather conditions.
The US automotive safety regulator has investigated several accidents involving Tesla cars with FSD and is also investigating claims that vehicles using this technology have committed traffic violations.
Lemonade said the 50 percent rate reduction reflects "what the data shows as a significantly reduced risk during autonomous operation." It is not yet clear what data the insurer has at its disposal.
Wininger said the insurer is also considering further rate reductions if Tesla releases FSD software updates that further improve safety.
"Traditional insurers treat Tesla like any other car and artificial intelligence like any other driver," said the insurance company's co-founder. "But a 'driver' that sees 360 degrees, never feels drowsy, and reacts in milliseconds cannot be compared to any other driver."
(reuters, im)
