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.
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:
- Front radar sensors used with automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control systems: $900–$1,300
- Rear radar sensors used with blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert systems: $850–$2,050
- Front camera sensors used with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and lane keeping systems (does not include the cost of a replacement windshield): $850–$1,900
- Front, side mirror or rear camera sensors used with around-view systems: $500–$1,100
- Front or rear ultrasonic sensors used with parking assist systems: $500–1,300
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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.
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