UPDATED: 10/25/18 15:32 ET – adds details
New advanced safety systems are slowly becoming more and more ubiquitous in the automotive industry, but new AAA research indicates that the benefits can even lead to a price even in the case of small incidents.
A study by the organization estimates that it can cost twice as much to repair these systems, such as automatic emergency braking, warning when leaving the lane and guarding dead corners, after a minor collision.
Small crashes can take up to $ 3,000 extra repair costs, driven mainly by expensive sensors and reconditioning needs, according to AAA.
Factors such as the sensor type and location and vehicle brands and models can reduce the cost of repair costs, according to AAA. The study evaluated a 2018 Nissan Rogue, a 2018 Toyota Camry and a 2018 Ford F-150.
A small collision at the front or rear with a vehicle equipped with safety systems can amount to $ 5,300, the study showed, more than double the cost for a car without advanced driver assistance systems.
The study found that typical repair costs for rear radar sensors combined with blind spot monitoring and reverse traffic warning systems can vary between $ 850 and $ 2,050, while the cost of radar sensors can be between $ 900 and $ 1,300 at the front.
Meanwhile, the repair costs for minor damage to the front or rear ultrasonic sensors used with parking assistance systems can range from $ 500 to $ 1,300, according to the study.
All replacement parts are original parts of the device that are taxed at their list prices, according to AAA, and the replacement costs for windscreen are stated with "both aftermarket and OEM replacement glass".
The labor costs were determined on the basis of data from the National Auto Body Research and AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities.
Costs for replacing windscreens with a camera behind the glass can be up to three times more than a vehicle that is not equipped with a comparable camera, or $ 1,500, says the study. This is partly due to calibration requirements for the camera and the need for factory glass to comply with safety standards for "optical clarity", according to AAA.
"Advanced safety systems are much more common nowadays, with a lot of standard equipment, even on basic models," said Nancy Cain, AAA Michigan spokeswoman, in a statement. "It is crucial that drivers understand what technology their vehicle has, how it performs and how much it can cost to fix it if something happens."