New vehicle technologies result in costlier collisions, AAA finds

Many variables such as the type and location of the sensor and where the work is performed can affect ADAs repair costs.

For this study, AAA evaluated three top-selling models in popular categories. The vehicle models were selected from AAA’s 2018 Your Driving Costs study and include a small sport utility vehicle, a medium sedan and a full-size pickup truck. To establish repair part types and costs, all replacement parts discussed are original equipment manufacturer (OEM) components charged at their suggested list prices. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Vehicles equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAs) such as automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring and others can cost twice as much to repair following due to expensive sensors and their calibration requirements, according to new research from AAA.

Even minor incidents that cause damage to this technology found behind windshields, bumpers and door mirrors can add up to $3,000 in extra repair accosts.

Related: Drivers rely too heavily on new vehicle safety tech, AAA research finds

Damage report

Windshield damage is especially common with more than 14.5 million replacements annually, AAA reports. Many safety systems rely on cameras positioned behind the windshield that require recalibration when the place is replaced.

Vehicles with ADAs may also have radar, camera and ultrasonic sensors located in or behind the front and rear bumpers or bodywork, as well as built into the side mirrors. While most drivers may never find themselves in a collision, these parts can easily be damaged when pulling out of a garage, hitting a mailbox or bumping into other objects.

Related: ADAS is driving smarter windshields, but roadblocks loom

Cost breakdown

Many variables such as the vehicle make and model, the type and location of the sensor and where the work is performed can affect ADAs repair costs. AAA’s research determined a range of repair costs for typical ADAs:

Related: 22 auto insurers ranked highest for claims satisfaction by J.D. Power

Methodology

For this study, AAA evaluated three top-selling models in popular categories. The vehicle models were selected from AAA’s 2018 Your Driving Costs study and include a small sport utility vehicle, a medium sedan and a full-size pickup truck. To establish repair part types and costs, all replacement parts discussed are original equipment manufacturer (OEM) components charged at their suggested list prices.

Related: Telematics, analytics, and the growth in autonomous vehicles