Autonomous vehicle operating status assessment

US10431018B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company · US

Inventors

• Brian Mark Fields · Phoenix, US
• Chien Che Huang · Normal, US
• Mohamed A. Wazeer · Normal, US
• Shawn C. Bennett · Le Roy, US
• Steven C. Cielocha · Bloomington, US
• Ronny S. Bryant · Bloomington, US
• Stephen Kohaus · Normal, US
• Terry Quakenbush · Bloomington, US
• Richard A. Novak · Bloomington, US
• Aaron Scott Chan · San Jose, US
• Craig M. Main · Allen, US
• Weixin Wu · Seattle, US
• Torri Wollenschlager · Bloomington, US
• Carol Marie Csanda · Hudson, US
• Stacey Gorsuch · Bloomington, US
• Todd Binion · Bloomington, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 6, 2015
• Grant date: Oct 1, 2019
• Expiry date: May 3, 2037

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60W2900/00
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Methods and systems for monitoring use, determining risk, and pricing insurance policies for a vehicle having one or more autonomous or semi-autonomous operation features are provided. According to certain aspects, the operating status and/or configuration of autonomous operation features of an autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle may be determined, such as via an on-board computer system or mobile device, and/or then directly or indirectly wirelessly communicated via data transmission from the vehicle computer system or mobile device to a remote server. An adjustment to one or more risk levels associated with operation of the autonomous or semi-autonomous vehicle may also be determined, and an auto insurance policy, premium, or discount may be adjusted based upon the adjustment to the risk levels and presented to the customer for their review and approval. As a result, insurance cost savings may be passed onto risk averse customers that opt into to a rewards program.