Allianz SE has urged the European Union to implement a continent-wide “driving license” for autonomous vehicles (AVs), aiming to harmonize safety testing and oversight, while projecting a 50% reduction in road accidents by 2060 due to automation. The recommendations were presented in Allianz’s report, HANDS OFF – The Safety Promise of Autonomous Mobility, unveiled at the 13th Allianz Motor Day 2025 in Munich.
Research by the Allianz Center for Technology (AZT) indicates that automation could reduce traffic accidents by 20% by 2035, with potential savings exceeding 50% by 2060 as Level 3–4 automated systems become more widespread. Analysis of 20,000 motor liability claims showed that vehicles equipped with automated emergency braking (AEB) already cut rear-end collisions by 30% and reversing accidents by 66%.
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“All effective driver assistance systems, when standardized, yield immediate safety gains,” said Dr. Christian Sahr, Head of AZT. “Broader implementation is key to achieving these results at scale.”
To ensure consistent safety validation, Allianz proposes a Europe-wide certification for AVs that combines digital simulation, controlled testing, and real-world trials. “All autonomous systems must prove they can safely navigate all driving situations,” said Dr. Klaus-Peter Röhler, Member of the Allianz SE Board. “Uniform EU testing will reinforce public trust and accountability.”
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The insurer also advocates for open access to accident and safety-related vehicle data, enabling regulators, insurers, and manufacturers to collaborate on incident analysis. A joint European database would record all autonomous-mode accidents and near-misses, helping refine both safety algorithms and legal frameworks.
Allianz emphasizes that liability should remain with vehicle owners, with insurers acting as the primary contact for victims to ensure prompt and fair compensation.
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A recent consumer survey across seven European countries revealed cautious optimism: 56% expect AVs to be as safe or safer than human drivers, while 69% worry about reliability in unexpected situations, and 72% consider the technology “too new.” Confidence was highest among Italian respondents (65%) and lowest in the UK (44%).
The report outlines three strategic priorities for safe autonomous mobility:
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EU-wide “driving license” for AVs — to establish uniform certification and testing standards across member states.
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Standardized access to accident-related vehicle data — with privacy safeguards under the EU Data Act (Regulation 2023/2854).
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European database for critical traffic scenarios — to record AV accidents and near misses, enabling shared learning and regulatory improvements.
“Allianz views autonomous driving not merely as innovation, but as a social responsibility,” Röhler added. “Safety, accountability, and transparency must evolve together.”