> the owner of the self-driving car is liable for any damages just as if the person was driving the car
Surely correct. I was always told, “one insures the car, not the driver.” And that is why you shouldn’t let non-family drive your car, because you, the owner, are liable. It is why some recommend not to have the car in joint husband/wife ownership, because if your wife incurs a huge liability driving a car solely in her name, then that can’t sue you for your jointly owned house.
“I was always told, “one insures the car, not the driver.””
well, you were told wrong. Liability insurance (the most important kind) attaches to the driver; only comprehensive and collision insurance attaches to the vehicle.
https://www.claimsjournal.com/news/national/2014/06/05/249762.htm
Yep. A chain reaction of lawsuits which would ultimately be reflected in the prices of the self driving cars. I think the whole concept of self driving cars will be a bloody mess. But the young generation types will probably love it and probably rent them rather than buy them. Just like they “rent” iphones by paying per mth. The American dream with a house, backyard and car you can drive yourself will float away.