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Autonomous driving and advanced driver-assistance systems continue to face scrutiny from regulators and consumers, particularly around questions of responsibility when accidents occur. The issue has often centered on whether liability falls on the driver, the manufacturer, or another party.
BYD’s latest move directly addresses that concern. The company has introduced what it describes as a double guarantee for its advanced driving systems, a policy that removes liability from customers under specific conditions when the technology is being used.
A New Coverage Policy Centered on God’s Eye
According to Car News China, BYD’s new policy provides comprehensive coverage for vehicles equipped with its proprietary God’s Eye technology. New owners receive the coverage from the time of purchase, while existing customers can access it after updating their vehicles to God’s Eye version 5.0.
The policy currently applies only in China. Under the arrangement, BYD will pay for damages incurred while the God’s Eye system is engaged. The coverage remains valid for one year.
The announcement marks the first policy by a major automaker that effectively removes liability from the customer or driver when the system is operating under the stated conditions.
What BYD Says It Will Cover
BYD states that the coverage extends beyond damage to the vehicle itself. The company says it will also cover damages involving third parties as well as injuries resulting from an incident.
The automaker notes that the system must be used in accordance with applicable regulations and traffic rules. The coverage therefore applies only when the technology is being operated within those requirements.
Questions surrounding responsibility after crashes involving advanced driving systems have often led to lengthy legal processes. BYD’s policy is intended to address that issue directly through manufacturer-backed coverage.
A Broader Investment in Advanced Driving Technology
The God’s Eye driving package is priced at approximately $1,800 as a one-time payment when converted into U.S. dollars. Other automakers typically require customers to purchase additional insurance coverage afterward.
BYD’s approach is compared to Tesla’s willingness to stand behind its autonomous driving features. Autoblog notes that during a visit to BYD’s headquarters in China, company representatives outlined the scale of the automaker’s commitment to the God’s Eye program.
BYD has pledged $148 million toward research and development of advanced driving systems in the coming years, reflecting the company’s ongoing investment in the technology.
