Dynamic Insurance Policy Adjustment for Autonomous Vehicles

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems lack an efficient method to determine insurance policy properties for semi-autonomous vehicles based on dynamic changes in autonomy levels and environmental conditions, which affects premium calculations and driver training effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

A computing device system that analyzes vehicle data to adjust insurance policy properties such as premium, deductible, and coverage based on changes in autonomy levels and environmental conditions, using sensors like cameras, proximity sensors, and communication devices to assess vehicle density and driver responses to autonomous feature switches.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If insurance policy properties are determined based on traditional driver-dependent variables only, then the insurance system maintains simplicity in calculation, but it fails to account for dynamic changes in autonomy levels and environmental conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to autonomy level changesVSAvoidcomplexity of insurance calculation system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic insurance policy determination by continuously monitoring autonomy level changes and environmental conditions, adjusting policy properties in real-time rather than using static traditional variables. The system dynamically recalculates premiums and coverage based on current driving conditions and autonomy status.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The computing device system performs multiple functions: it determines insurance policy properties, monitors autonomy levels, tracks environmental conditions, and provides driver training feedback. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into a unified platform.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If the system continuously monitors autonomy level changes and environmental conditions to adjust insurance policies, then the accuracy and relevance of premium calculations improve, but the computational resources and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of insurance property determinationVSAvoidcomputational energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system focuses computational resources on specific critical parameters such as autonomy level changes and key environmental conditions rather than processing all possible data continuously. It selectively monitors and weighs important factors for insurance determination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs periodic recalculations of insurance properties based on triggered events such as autonomy level changes or significant environmental condition shifts, rather than continuous real-time computation. This event-driven approach reduces overall computational load while maintaining accuracy when changes occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If driver-dependent variables like age and location are heavily weighted in insurance calculations, then the system maintains traditional risk assessment accuracy, but it fails to provide appropriate incentives for safe autonomous driving practices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of risk assessmentVSAvoideffectiveness of driver training

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides feedback to drivers through the user interface, showing how their autonomous driving performance affects insurance policy properties. This feedback loop incentivizes safe driving practices by making the connection between driver behavior and insurance costs visible and actionable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes the weighting of variables in insurance calculations based on autonomy level. As autonomy increases, driver-dependent variables like age are reduced in weight while driver-independent variables and autonomous system performance metrics gain importance, allowing the assessment to adapt to the changing nature of vehicle operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10796369B1Determining a property of an insurance policy based on the level of autonomy of a vehicle

Publication Date: 2020.10.06 ALLSTATE INSURANCE COMPANY

AI summary

Systems and methods are disclosed for generating vehicle insurance rates based on driver-independent variables and/or driver-dependent variables. Vehicle insurance rates may additionally or alternatively be based on changes in the level of autonomy of vehicles. In some embodiments, a density of vehicles near a target vehicle may be tracked. Vehicle insurance rates may be determined based on the vehicle density. Furthermore, systems and methods are disclosed for analyzing a driver's use of autonomous vehicle features and/or the driver's maintenance of the autonomous vehicle. The driver may also be taught certain driving skills by enabling vehicle teaching features. The driver's response to these teaching features may be monitored, and a reward or recommendation may be generated and provided to the driver based on the driver's response.