On Aon — Episode 97

Risk and Resilience in the Age of Autonomous Vehicles

Autonomous vehicles and self-driving technology are no longer futuristic — they’re transforming how we move today. As adoption accelerates worldwide, insurers face a new set of risks and opportunities. Jillian Slyfield, Aon’s global chief innovation officer and global technology and digital economy leader, joins David Carlson, global industrials and manufacturing leader, to discuss key industry partnerships and the regulatory challenges shaping ride technology.

Key Takeaways:

1. Autonomous vehicles are moving from testing phases to everyday use, creating new considerations for transportation and risk management.
2. Insurers now face the challenge of balancing multiple forms of liability — including product, auto and cyber — as technology reshapes mobility.
3. Data is important as both a risk and an asset. Who collects it, who owns it and how it can be used will all be key, as will balancing the privacy issues around it.

Experts in this episode:

• Jillian Slyfield — Global Chief Innovation Officer and Global Technology and Digital Economy Leader, Aon
• David Carlson — Global Industrials and Manufacturing Leader, Aon

Key moments:

0:45 The autonomous vehicles (AV) sector is expanding quickly — the industry is projected to grow from just over $100 billion in 2021 to more than $2 trillion by 2030, impacting how we think about mobility, risk and insurance.

10:40 The collection of data from autonomous vehicles will lead the way to better underwriting and faster claims adjudication in insurance. However, a big unresolved issue is who owns and can access this data.

15:00 Collaboration among insurers, brokers, fleet operators, OEMs and AV tech creators is at an all-time high and is critical to managing emerging risks.

Additional Resources:

Article: Navigating Risk in Transportation and Logistics: Gearing Up for Big Transitions | Aon

Report: Findings from Aon's Global Risk Management Survey | Tenth Edition

Soundbites: 

Jillian Slyfield:

“But coverage is changing. I wouldn't say that we need new forms of coverage, but we do need to think differently about the coverage that's in place and how to put it together in the best possible way. Sometimes we say it's like a jigsaw puzzle. Let's make sure the pieces are in the right places.”

David Carlson:

“The reality is people are still car enthusiasts. People love to drive cars still. That's just a reality. And so, I think in time, these things will evolve and we'll see more adoption.”