Insurance for self-driving cars
While fully self-driving vehicles are likely a long way off for U.S. drivers, some autonomous features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance have become common. Regardless of how advanced autonomous vehicle features become, having your state's required minimum car insurance remains essential — some level of liability coverage is legally required in nearly all states. At Progressive, we monitor changing insurance regulations so we can continue providing our drivers with the right coverage and great customer service.
Explore Progressive Answers' auto editorial guidelines to find out why you can trust the car insurance information you find here.
How could autonomous cars affect insurance?
It's still very early to predict how driverless cars may ultimately impact the car insurance industry. For now, vehicles with automation are still subject to the same state minimum car insurance requirements as other vehicles.
There is hope is that autonomous vehicles may help reduce crash rates, especially those caused by distracted driving. In 2023 alone, distracted driving led to 3,275 deaths and 324,819 injuries, according to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) April 2025 report on distracted driving.
What is a self-driving car?
According to the Society of Automotive Engineers, there are six levels of self-driving vehicle technology, ranging from Level 0 (no automation) to Level 5 (full automation). Level 1 includes the cruise control feature found on most vehicles, while levels 2-5 included more advanced automation:
Level 2: Partial Driving Automation
The vehicle can assist with steering and speed, but still requires "the full engagement and undivided attention of the driver." According to Car and Driver and Kelley Blue Book (KBB), examples of brands that offer this level include:
- BMW Highway Assistant
- Ford/Lincoln BlueCruise
- GM Super Cruise
- Jeep/Ram Hands-Free Active Driving Assist
- Mercedes-Benz Distronic Plus with Steering Assist
- Nissan/Infiniti ProPilot Assist
- Subaru Eyesight
- Tesla Autopilot and Full Self Driving (Supervised)
- Toyota/Lexus Teammate
- Volvo Pilot Assist
Level 3: Conditional Driving Automation
Automated driving features can drive the vehicle under limited conditions, and a human driver must be ready to drive when the feature requests. Mercedes-Benz Drive Pilot is an example, available in California and Nevada as of 2025.
Levels 4-5: High and Full Driving Automation
Fully self-driving vehicles are not yet available for consumer purchase. Google's Waymo service is Level 4, which only operates commercially as a robotaxi in certain cities as of 2025.
If you're in the market for a vehicle with autonomous driving features, check out Consumer Report's review of active driver assistance systems.
Are autonomous vehicles actually safer?
NHTSA states that current automated technologies and future automated driving systems "have the potential to reduce crashes, prevent injuries, and save lives." NHTSA's early estimates show that 2024 vehicle traffic fatalities declined 3.8%, with decreases across nearly all types of traffic, continuing an overall trend toward safer roadways.
In addition, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) notes that automated safety technology like crash avoidance systems have notably improved in the last year. However, no system can prevent every accident.
As autonomous vehicle technology advances, NHTSA is monitoring the safety of vehicle automation in the U.S. by requiring certain manufacturers and operators testing autonomous vehicles to report crashes.
Liability nuances for autonomous vehicles
Today, drivers are generally responsible for safe vehicle operations, even when using automated features. That could evolve as autonomous tech continues to advance and new laws emerge.
For example, autonomous vehicle regulations have been put in place in California and Nevada, where Level 3 automation is available to consumers.
Progressive keeps a close eye on all regulation changes and makes sure our customers have the liability coverage required in their state.
Repairing vehicles with automation technology
As car tech safety features, including automation, have become more advanced, so have the parts and skills required to repair these new features. PBS News notes that through a shortage of car mechanics, technicians must also acquire the new skills and knowledge needed to repair technology like automation features and EVs.
Example:If your Level 2 vehicle's windshield is cracked, a repair or replacement might be more complex than a standard one. The car's adaptive cruise control and automatic braking might require a special windshield that's compatible with the vehicle's sensors and calibration once the windshield is repaired or installed.
As trends evolve, Progressive will continue to partner with a wide range of equipped repair shops, so customers can feel confident that all cars are fixed safely and correctly.
How Progressive prepares for technology advances
Progressive has focused on innovating insurance protection since we were founded in 1937:
- Our industry-leading Snapshot program personalizes your car insurance rate based on your driving.
- Progressive Vehicle Protection plan offers coverage for your car's major systems plus more so you don't need an extended warranty.
- Our best-in-class mobile app and handy virtual assistant let you manage your policies and get the help you need 24/7.
We're committed to anticipating our customers' coverage needs and technology advancements. We'll be keeping a close eye as trends evolve to ensure our drivers are protected with the right coverage and great customer service.
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