Automobile producers are implementing a major variety of expertise options in trendy automobiles, that are meant to make the driving expertise safer and extra handy. Uswitch automotive insurance coverage just lately carried out a survey to establish the tech options automotive homeowners suppose are most helpful and which might affect them to pay extra for a automobile.
Hottest automotive tech options
| Automobile characteristic | % respondents who suppose it’s helpful |
| Parking sensors | 62% |
| Parking cameras | 57% |
| Wing mirror defrosters | 40% |
| Heated seats | 36% |
| Lane departure warning | 34% |
The Uswitch survey discovered that parking sensors are the preferred automotive tech characteristic, with the bulk (62%) of respondents believing they’re a helpful addition and over half (53%) utilizing them repeatedly. Parking sensors audibly alert the driving force of any obstructions or obstacles when parking utilizing radar expertise. They’ve turn out to be a broadly valued add-on, with the market measurement projected to be value USD 14.6 billion by 2030, demonstrating the recognition of this characteristic. The primary causes respondents suppose parking sensors are helpful are security (82%), comfort (50%) and effectivity (40%).
Nearly three in 5 (57%) automotive homeowners additionally suppose parking cameras are helpful, with the principle causes being elevated security (82%), comfort (48%) and safety (40%).
Wing mirror defrosters are the third hottest characteristic with two in 5 (40%) automotive homeowners stating they’re helpful for security (59%), comfort (59%) and effectivity (38%). Some automobiles have a heating system constructed into the wing mirrors which permits fast and even defrosting, retaining the mirrors clear. Regardless of a major variety of respondents pondering this characteristic is helpful, the survey discovered that solely 22% have it of their automotive.
Automobile tech options affect buy selections
Amongst the drivers surveyed who’ve built-in tech options of their automobiles, virtually two-fifths (38%) reported that the options affect their buy selections.
Out of all respondents surveyed, under are the highest options that may affect them to spend extra on a automobile:
- Over a 3rd (35%) of drivers would pay extra for a automotive with parking cameras or parking sensors. Not solely do these options improve security and comfort, however shopping for a automotive with them already built-in might save drivers cash. Shopping for and putting in a reversing digital camera individually can value as much as £320, whereas parking sensors can value as much as £525.
- 1 / 4 (25%) of respondents would additionally pay extra for a automobile with heated seats. Whereas heated seats had been beforehand unique to luxurious automobiles, they now typically come as a default choice in lots of mid and higher-end autos. Nevertheless, with extra reasonably priced fashions you’ll have to pay further for them as an add-on. The price of retrofitting heated seats begins at round £350, so getting them pre-installed can save drivers cash.
Uswitch automotive insurance coverage skilled, Leoni Moninska, shares recommendations on what to think about when selecting automotive tech options:
- Take into consideration the impression on insurance coverage: When insuring a automotive, you may be requested what security options and modifications the automobile has. Modifications that improve security might scale back insurance coverage premiums. Options like parking sensors scale back the chance of accidents and subsequently the chance of insurance coverage claims, so they may make premiums cheaper. Nevertheless, high-tech options that may be expensive to restore, or have little sensible profit aside from consolation and comfort might improve prices.
- Prioritise security: Security ought to at all times be the highest precedence when deciding on automotive add-ons. Technological developments within the automotive business have elevated security for drivers in numerous methods. A number of options scale back the chance of collision both by alerting the driving force of obstructions and potential points with the automobile or enhancing visibility.
- Keep away from distractions: Tech options that improve connectivity have the potential to trigger distractions. For instance, social media integration, which one in ten (10%) survey respondents had of their automotive, might divert the driving force’s consideration. Distracted driving is without doubt one of the most important contributors to deadly street accidents within the UK. 44% of street fatalities in 2022 had been brought on by drivers both failing to look correctly or being careless, reckless and in a rush. When selecting and working automotive tech add-ons, make sure you use them responsibly and are usually not liable to being distracted whereas driving.
