Europeans are optimistic about the safety and comfort benefits of autonomous vehicles, yet remain cautious and insist on retaining control over the vehicle. These are the findings of a major study commissioned by Allianz across seven European countries.
Allianz experts forecast that road accidents in Europe could fall by 20% by 2035, and by more than 50% from 2060 onward.
Their analysis also confirms that some types of crashes can already be reduced by up to 66% thanks to autonomous emergency braking systems.
Allianz is calling for harmonised EU-wide testing standards for autonomous vehicles — as well as a new European “driving licence” for autonomous mobility users.
Allianz Motor Day: Public perception and strategic challenges
At the 13th Allianz Motor Day, organised by the Allianz Center for Technology (AZT), the company presented new research on consumer expectations and concerns regarding autonomous mobility. Experts explored both the opportunities and upcoming challenges in the field — including safety, legal liability, data governance and the role of AVs in improving mobility access for young people, senior citizens and individuals with disabilities.
Despite the clear technological potential, European drivers do not yet see autonomous systems as fully proven — even though they expect safety and convenience benefits.
The findings are summarised in Allianz’s latest report, “Hands off – the safety promise of autonomous mobility”, which highlights the transformative safety impact autonomous systems could have on European roads — and the long-term implications for the insurance industry.
In parallel, AZT analysis of real insurance claims shows that current advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) already significantly reduce liability claims in road traffic accidents.
Trust and caution: What European consumers think
The Allianz survey, conducted in Austria, Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland, Czech Republic and the United Kingdom, reveals a nuanced mindset:
- 56% of respondents believe autonomous vehicles will be safer or at least as safe as human-driven cars
- 50% see value in reclaiming travel time for other activities
- 40% expect improved personal mobility
- 65% see major benefits for seniors and people with disabilities
However, there are strong reservations:
- 69% are not convinced the systems can handle unexpected situations reliably
- 72% say autonomous tech is “too new and insufficiently tested”
- 64% would only feel comfortable if they can take over control at any moment
Trust varies sharply across countries:
Italians show the highest confidence (65%), the British are the most sceptical (44%), while Germany sits in the middle (57%).
Accident reduction: 30% to 66% fewer crashes already achieved
AZT analysis concludes that automation could drastically reduce accidents caused by human error — such as fatigue, distraction or misjudgment.
Projected accident reduction in Europe (Allianz AZT forecasts):
- –20% by 2035
- –50% or more from 2060 onwards
Data from more than 20,000 insurance claims confirms:
- Standard autonomous emergency braking (AEB) reduces rear-end collisions by 30%
- More advanced systems cut parking and reversing crashes by up to 66%
However, the Allianz report notes an important shift:
Fewer accidents overall — but much higher repair costs due to advanced onboard technology.
New risk categories — such as software failure and cyberattacks — will require entirely new insurance products.
Allianz proposes a European “Autonomous Driving Licence”
As a leading mobility insurer, Allianz advocates for a European-level certification system for autonomous vehicles — effectively a digital driving licence for autonomy.
The company argues that EU Regulation 2022/1426 does not yet offer a complete testing framework. Allianz proposes a three-phase validation process:
- virtual driving simulations,
- controlled environment testing (e.g. braking, evasive manoeuvres),
- real-world testing (e.g. at night or on highways).
To better understand failure causes and near-misses, Allianz recommends building a pan-European AV data platform, managed jointly by manufacturers, regulators and insurers.
Polish expert perspective
Krzysztof Michałek, Motor Insurance Manager at Allianz Poland, comments:
“Poland still ranks among the worst EU countries for road accident rates — mainly due to driver errors such as speeding, fatigue and inattention. Introducing ADAS now, and autonomous vehicles in the future, could significantly improve road safety in Poland.”
He emphasises that Poland currently has no comprehensive legal framework for AV testing or approval. A European ‘AV driving licence’, as proposed by Allianz, would be critical to ensure unified standards and simplify market introduction.
He also notes that while owner-based liability aligns with Poland’s existing motor insurance system, new risks such as software failure and cyberattacks will require new insurance models and regulatory updates.
“Autonomous mobility is a huge opportunity for Poland — both for road safety and inclusive access to mobility,” Michałek says.
“Success will depend on regulation, education, and innovation, and Allianz Poland intends to be a leader in this transformation.”
