As vehicle damage experts at Laird, we’ve long welcomed advancements that make roads safer. From autonomous emergency braking to lane-keep assist, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are designed to reduce accidents, and in most cases, work well.
However, as we assess more vehicles and work closely with insurers, bodyshops, and CMCs across the UK, a new concern is becoming clear: If cars are safer than ever, why are motor insurance premiums still rising?
The ADAS Paradox
ADAS technology is undoubtedly reducing some types of collisions, low-speed bumps, lane drift, pedestrian strikes, but it’s also introducing new cost and complexity into the repair and assessment process.
What used to be, say a straightforward bumper replacement now requires:
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Sensor recalibration using manufacturer-approved tooling
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Highly trained technicians with specific ADAS knowledge
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Extended repair timelines due to parts availability and diagnostics
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Increased liability risk if repairs or calibrations are done incorrectly
All of this adds up and it’s driving premiums up, not down.
Assessing the Damage: It’s Not Just About Dents Anymore
From our vantage point, we’re not just looking at what’s visibly damaged. We’re asking:
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Has the radar been knocked off alignment?
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Does the camera need factory recalibration?
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Is the vehicle safe to return to the road without advanced diagnostics?
And crucially, has the repair quote taken ADAS systems into account correctly?
The reality is that many vehicles returned to the road post-repair haven’t had all their ADAS systems properly restored, not due to neglect, but because not every assessor or repairer is up to date with the technology or its critical role in vehicle safety.
Independent Insight Matters
This is where we believe independent, expert vehicle assessors play a vital role. At Laird, our team is trained in the latest vehicle technologies, including ADAS, EVs and hybrid systems. We don’t just assess the visible, we look beneath the surface to ensure every aspect of a vehicle’s safety and functionality is considered.
In a world where a cracked badge could hide a disabled radar sensor, or a misaligned camera could mean an unsafe car, contemporaneous expertise isn’t a nice-to-have, it’s non-negotiable.
Conclusion: A New Kind of Risk
ADAS is changing the face of vehicle safety, but it’s also redefining what “damage” means. While insurers weigh the data, the role of expert assessors becomes more important than ever.
Because when repairs get more complex, accuracy, independence, and technical know-how aren’t just valuable, they’re essential.
Need an assessment team that understands the technology behind today’s cars?
Get in touch with us here.