There is a growing demand for automation within the trucking industry. As a business owner, you may one day find yourself setting up truck platooning. Platooning is a rather new technology. Some states are allowing testing for it.
Many larger trucking companies see it as an opportunity to reduce costs. It could speed deliveries. It may improve efficiency in the supply chain. But, what is the impact on commercial auto insurance?
How Does Truck Platooning Work?
In its current models, truck platooning is a form of autonomous technology. The lead truck maintains the necessary technology. There is a truck driver in this vehicle. Behind this vehicle are numerous additional trucks. Those trucks are autonomous. That means there is no truck driver present. Rather, technology links these vehicles to the lead truck. It sounds complex, but it may not be that unique for long.
Autonomous driving as a whole is a new technology. Few rules exist to govern it right now. However, with more manufacturers developing this technology, more companies will begin using it.
Defining Autonomous Driving Liability
As noted, truck platooning is new technology. Various companies and states are testing how it may work. This means that business insurance has yet to develop coverage options just yet. As autonomous vehicles become more readily available, these laws are likely to change. We may see more laws governing not only when companies can use these trucks, but also how they can do so.
It is important to know that commercial auto liability is likely to be a big part of operations here. With or without a driver, the vehicle belongs to a company. The vehicle can damage another vehicle, hurt a person, or damage property. As a result, there is a level of liability present here. Who holds that liability is in question? Some believe the makers of the autonomous software are responsible. Others believe the main driver is. This is still very much unclear.
Moving into this technology, companies will need to focus more on building business insurance that reflects new risks. Stay up to date with your insurance agent. Discuss your use of this type of technology. Commercial auto insurance policies should reflect the way you operate your vehicles. Autonomous or not, you need coverage that keeps your assets safe and your risks lower.
If you're ready to get Exton commercial auto insurance, call Miller's Insurance Agency, Inc. at (610) 269-4500. We can offer you a free quote on an affordable policy in minutes.