First, the performance of the safety technology fitted on the vehicle: different generations of the same ADAS feature can deliver varying results even within a specific car brand. Figure 1 illustrates the reported difference we’ve observed in the impact that two generations of the same ADAS feature have had on the insurance risk premium. They were sold by the same manufacturer, under the same commercial name, and priced in the same way by the insurer in a European country. The ADAS feature assessed was an AEB system that recognises pedestrians, including stationary ones, and automatically triggers the vehicle’s brakes to prevent or reduce impact. The first generation of this ADAS feature correlated with a 10% reduction to the technical risk premium, while the second generation proved to be much more effective, correlated with nearly a 40% reduction of the technical risk premium. This improvement stems from the fact that the newer version of the AEB is based on a more advanced camera technology and activation logic. Active in a wider speed range, it combines an internal logic leading to sharper braking and faster speed reduction in an emergency. Such granular assessment is only possible thanks to the sharing of knowledge within the scope of Swiss Re’s strategic partnerships with key players in the automotive industry.”

Figure 1: Impact of different ADAS generations of the same car brand
on insurance risk premiums (MTPL cover).

“Second, the traffic dynamics to which the technology and its functions are exposed: despite some slight differences across markets, on average we have observed that ADAS features have a consistent impact on safety and generally lead to fewer claims. Figure 2 indicates the reduction in claims reported as a result of three different categories of ADAS features in the United Kingdom and Germany. In addition to claims being reported less frequently in each country, we also observed a slight variation of the features’ impact within each country (not represented in the figure), depending on the client’s insurance portfolio exposure and location. For instance, a parking system will have a bigger impact on reducing claims in highly concentrated urban areas than in rural areas. Swiss Re therefore typically recommends ADAS Risks Scores to be calibrated to the specific portfolio exposure for optimal results.”

Figure 2: Claims frequency impact of three different ADAS categories
across two large European markets (United Kingdom and Germany).

Roger: In addition to its impact on claims, the ADAS Risk Score is also designed to enhance insurers’ risk models. Could you please elaborate on how the score improves the models and share some successful examples?
Luigi: “Absolutely. Traditional insurance risk models tend to overestimate the frequency of claims for vehicles that are less prone to accidents and underestimate the frequency for vehicles that are more prone to accidents.

The Swiss Re ADAS Risk Score can correct this bias. Analyses of European insurers’ portfolios indicate that the predictive power of the motor risk model can be significantly boosted when using the ADAS Risk Score on top of the traditional base model. For MTPL (Motor Third Party Liability) coverage, such improvements include changing the technical rates by up to 30% for certain risk segments of the insurers’ portfolios, for about 60% of the policyholders in each portfolio tested. The predictive power of the ADAS Risk Score in terms of MOD (Motor Own Damage) is equivalent to that of MTPL, with an increase of up to 30% compared to traditional technical rating models for over 50% of the policyholders. Contrary to widespread assumption in the industry, the portfolios tested so far indicate that the impact of ADAS on MOD cover does not cancel out the positive effect of ADAS on MPTL cover.

This shows that reflecting the impact of ADAS in insurance terms can be a remarkable predictor of risk for the motor insurance industry, which in turn can be used to develop strategies to allow for increased policy volumes and reductions in loss ratio.”

Roger: Can you elaborate on how the ADAS Risk Score identifies each vehicle and return its score to the insurer?
Luigi: “Sure. Generally speaking, we have two options: the most accurate way of identifying a vehicle is through its VIN, a 17-digit code that is unique to the vehicle. ADAS Risk Score uses the vehicle’s VIN to connect to granular vehicle build data, namely very detailed information regarding the vehicle equipment, including the technical specifications for the wide range of features and options installed.

However, we know that VINs are not always collected during the insurance quoting process – even when they are, insurers rely on car registration numbers to find the VIN, which incurs costs. For this reason, Swiss Re uses also a different, more flexible approach to vehicle identification based on a combination of distinctive car attributes, like the make, model, version etc. We help clients during the intricate pairing process that matches the vehicle attributes to our internal vehicle knowledge. The downside is that, without a vehicle’s VIN, it can be difficult to take all of the optional equipment bought by a customer into account, which might lead to lower predictive power compared to VIN-based ADAS Risk Scores. However, as mentioned above, a vehicle identification process not based on the VIN may be the only option for some insurers. At Swiss Re, we believe the two approaches are complementary.

Figure 3 indicates that some car brands include most ADAS features as standard across their models, especially those relating to safety. Other brands have a different marketing approach. They offer customers a wide range of optional ADAS features that can be installed in their vehicles.”

Figure 3: ADAS penetration and standardisation: a question for brands and production year

About Swiss Re
The Swiss Re Group is one of the world’s leading providers of reinsurance, insurance and other forms of insurance-based risk transfer, working to make the world more resilient. It anticipates and manages risk – from natural catastrophes to climate change, from ageing populations to cybercrime. The aim of the Swiss Re Group is to enable society to thrive and progress, creating new opportunities and solutions for its clients. Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, where it was founded in 1863, the Swiss Re Group operates through a network of around 80 offices globally.

The Automotive and Mobility Solutions (AMS) team at Swiss Re leverages its expertise in data analytics and its strong network of strategic partners to design and create innovative products addressing the key challenges of primary insurers. The AMS product suite includes tailored insurance cover for specific electric vehicle features, including end-to-end, modular telematics that enable the assessment of driver behaviour. It provides a complete claims settlement platform and vehicle underwriting platform, which allow accurate assessment of vehicle safety features (ADAS Risk Score).  

Click here to learn more about Swiss Re