David Williams, technical director at AXA Insurance UK, explained that British rules set out a clear structure for liability, with car owners still required to purchase an insurance policy that complies with road traffic rules.

Many automated cars will be able to switch modes, from automated to driver-controlled, but having two distinct insurance policies to cover each scenario is “too complicated,” according to Williams.
Instead, car owners will buy one insurance policy that covers both driving modes. Insurers will continue to pay out for claims, but could recoup some costs from carmakers when their technology causes an accident.

Williams expects the number of road accidents to decline, which means insurers will likely face fewer motor claims. “And a proportion of these claims will be passed on to the manufacturers,” he said.
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