Automobile producers are implementing a big variety of expertise options in fashionable automobiles, that are supposed to make the driving expertise safer and extra handy. Uswitch automobile insurance coverage lately performed a survey to determine the tech options automobile house owners suppose are most helpful and which might affect them to pay extra for a automobile.
Hottest automobile tech options
| Automobile function | % respondents who suppose it’s helpful |
| Parking sensors | 62% |
| Parking cameras | 57% |
| Wing mirror defrosters | 40% |
| Heated seats | 36% |
| Lane departure warning | 34% |
The Uswitch survey discovered that parking sensors are the most well-liked automobile tech function, with the bulk (62%) of respondents believing they’re a helpful addition and over half (53%) utilizing them usually. Parking sensors audibly alert the driving force of any obstructions or obstacles when parking utilizing radar expertise. They’ve turn out to be a extensively valued add-on, with the market dimension projected to be value USD 14.6 billion by 2030, demonstrating the recognition of this function. The principle causes respondents suppose parking sensors are helpful are security (82%), comfort (50%) and effectivity (40%).
Nearly three in 5 (57%) automobile house owners additionally suppose parking cameras are helpful, with the principle causes being elevated security (82%), comfort (48%) and safety (40%).
Wing mirror defrosters are the third hottest function with two in 5 (40%) automobile house owners stating they’re helpful for security (59%), comfort (59%) and effectivity (38%). Some automobiles have a heating system constructed into the wing mirrors which allows fast and even defrosting, preserving the mirrors clear. Regardless of a big variety of respondents considering this function is helpful, the survey discovered that solely 22% have it of their automobile.
Automobile tech options affect buy choices
Amongst the drivers surveyed who’ve built-in tech options of their automobiles, nearly two-fifths (38%) reported that the options affect their buy choices.
Out of all respondents surveyed, under are the highest options that might affect them to spend extra on a automobile:
- Over a 3rd (35%) of drivers would pay extra for a automobile with parking cameras or parking sensors. Not solely do these options enhance security and comfort, however shopping for a automobile with them already built-in may save drivers cash. Shopping for and putting in a reversing digicam individually can price as much as £320, whereas parking sensors can price as much as £525.
- 1 / 4 (25%) of respondents would additionally pay extra for a automobile with heated seats. Whereas heated seats have been beforehand unique to luxurious automobiles, they now usually come as a default choice in lots of mid and higher-end autos. Nevertheless, with extra reasonably priced fashions you’ll have to pay further for them as an add-on. The price of retrofitting heated seats begins at round £350, so getting them pre-installed can save drivers cash.
Uswitch automobile insurance coverage knowledgeable, Leoni Moninska, shares recommendations on what to think about when selecting automobile tech options:
- Take into consideration the affect on insurance coverage: When insuring a automobile, you can be requested what security options and modifications the automobile has. Modifications that enhance security could cut back insurance coverage premiums. Options like parking sensors cut back the chance of accidents and subsequently the chance of insurance coverage claims, so they might make premiums cheaper. Nevertheless, high-tech options that might be expensive to restore, or have little sensible profit apart from consolation and comfort could enhance prices.
- Prioritise security: Security ought to all the time be the highest precedence when choosing automobile add-ons. Technological developments within the automotive business have elevated security for drivers in numerous methods. A number of options cut back the chance of collision both by alerting the driving force of obstructions and potential points with the automobile or enhancing visibility.
- Keep away from distractions: Tech options that enhance connectivity have the potential to trigger distractions. For instance, social media integration, which one in ten (10%) survey respondents had of their automobile, may divert the driving force’s consideration. Distracted driving is without doubt one of the predominant contributors to deadly highway accidents within the UK. 44% of highway fatalities in 2022 have been brought on by drivers both failing to look correctly or being careless, reckless and in a rush. When selecting and working automobile tech add-ons, make sure you use them responsibly and will not be susceptible to being distracted whereas driving.
