
In this episode of The Tensor Shift, we explore the evolving world of Level 4 autonomy and how the industry is rewriting the rulebook on insurance. We’re joined by Tom Quigley (US Technology Practice Leader at Marsh) and Hugo Fozzati (Chief Business Officer at Tensor) to discuss a fundamental shift in the fundamental calculus of risk.
Historically, 99.99% of accidents have been caused by driver error. As we move toward a Level 4 future, that equation changes. This episode dives into the "Liability Cliff"—the moment a human cedes control to an AI.
"When a Level 4 vehicle for personal ownership is being operated in Level 4 mode by its owner, the owner is not liable because they can't do anything... The responsibility and liability shift to the vehicle developer rather than the individual." — Tom Quigley, US Technology Practice Leader at Marsh
Tom explains that insurance isn't just a regulatory requirement; it’s a proxy for trust. By leveraging Tensor’s suite of over 100 sensors and proprietary crash-avoidance data—information that has never been available to underwriters before—we are building a model where insurance finally reflects the 90% reduction in accidents promised by autonomous technology.
"Insurance is a proxy for trust. 99.99% of accidents were because of driver error. When we get to Level 4 automation, we’re looking at trusting the vehicle and its 100+ sensors to do what they're supposed to do." — Tom Quigley, US Technology Practice Leader at Marsh
We explore how the consistency of Level 4 AI allows us to move past outdated underwriting biases. Because an AI doesn't get "angry, caffeinated, or distracted," we can move toward a standardized system that prioritizes performance over demographics.
"The nice thing about this technology is that it's very consistent. The driving style is smooth, very peaceful, and standardized. We can move past factors like age, gender, or whether you're in a rush or distracted. Reduce the frequency and severity, and it hits everyone's bottom line." — Hugo Fozzati, Chief Business Officer at Tensor
Because a Tensor is an agentic vehicle that can "work" for you on the Lyft network or sit safely in a garage, the insurance of the future must be as flexible as the car itself. Tom and Hugo discuss "variably rated" insurance—where you only pay for the specific coverage you need, based on the vehicle's real-time state.
Watch the full discussion to learn how Marsh and Tensor are creating the world's first Level 4 insurance model and what this means for the future of personal car ownership.