The National Transport Commission (NTC) is seeking feedback on insurance for automated vehicle trials, as developers seek to fine-tune the cars for Australian conditions.

States and territories are adopting various approaches to trials, creating uncertainty even as the Federal Government is encouraging testing.

“Developing a single and nationally agreed set of guidelines would help promote Australia as a test bed for automated vehicles by providing consistent conditions for trials, while at the same time encouraging innovation,” NTC Acting CEO Geoff Allan said.

The NTC outlines several options and says it favours a flexible guideline calling for “appropriate insurance as an essential criterion for any trial”.

Potential cover types include compulsory third party, comprehensive vehicle, public liability, product liability and self-insurance.

Submissions close on January 16, and the NTC will present guidelines to state and territory ministers at the Transport and Infrastructure Council meeting in May.

Meanwhile, the NTC says transport ministers have approved reforms related to executive officers and due diligence obligations under the Heavy Vehicle National Law.

Mr Allan says the changes make executive officer liability more consistent with workplace health and safety laws, making it easier for the industry to understand and meet its obligations.

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