ICMIF member HUK-COBURG (Germany) has reaffirmed its commitment to helping shape the future of mobility by hosting the inaugural HUK Mobility Panel in Berlin last month, bringing together policymakers, transport leaders, academics and insurance experts to discuss the opportunities and challenges presented by autonomous driving.
The event explored how Germany can accelerate the development and adoption of autonomous vehicles while ensuring the right regulatory, technological and insurance frameworks are in place to support their safe deployment.
Opening the event, Klaus-Jürgen Heitmann, Spokesman of the Board of HUK-COBURG and member of ICMIF’s Board of Directors, highlighted the need for Germany to strengthen its position in autonomous driving, describing it as a transformative technology with the potential to make transport safer, more sustainable and more efficient. He said the new Mobility Panel aims to stimulate discussion on how Europe and Germany can develop their own approach to autonomous mobility.
The panel featured representatives from government, public transport and academia, who discussed the legislative changes, approval processes and infrastructure needed to enable the widespread rollout of autonomous vehicles. Speakers also emphasised the importance of integrating autonomous mobility into public transport systems and creating a consistent regulatory framework that supports innovation while maintaining public confidence.
The event also included the presentation of a new report by the University of St.Gallen, Robotaxis – Idea, Snapshot, Perspectives and Lessons for Autonomous Driving, which examines the current state of autonomous mobility and outlines recommendations to support its future development in Europe.
For the insurance industry, the transition to increasingly autonomous vehicles represents a significant shift in risk. As advanced driver assistance systems continue to evolve, insurers will play an important role in understanding emerging risks, adapting insurance products and ensuring that accident victims continue to receive fast and effective compensation regardless of whether an incident is caused by human error or technology failure.
By convening experts from across government, academia and industry, HUK-COBURG is helping to foster dialogue on one of the most significant developments shaping the future of mobility and motor insurance.
