What’s the purpose of an EDR, and how can insurance companies use this information to reduce your claim?
Did you know that your car likely has something called an event data recorder (EDR)? This device records data such as speed, acceleration, steering, braking, and airbag deployment during a crash. If this is news to you, then you may be surprised to learn that 96% of the new cars sold in the United States come with an EDR already installed. You may still have this device even if your vehicle is 10 or 20 years older.
What’s the purpose of an EDR, and how can insurance companies use this information to reduce your claim?
How Do EDRs Work?
As mentioned already, EDRs are microcomputers installed to collect data. They are usually part of the airbag module since their original intent was to tell car manufactures if the airbags deployed properly during a crash.
As technology became more sophisticated and available, automakers developed event data recorders that had the ability to collect more than just airbag deployment information.
As this technology was becoming the norm in new car models, the NHTS stipulated in 2012 that if a vehicle has an EDR, then it must record at least 15 specific data points, including speed, braking, steering, acceleration, seatbelt use, and airbag deployment in case of a crash. Of course, car manufacturers are free to record as much data as they deem necessary.
These microcomputers record data in a loop, writing over information continuously until a crash occurs. When you get in a collision, the EDR will generally save up to five seconds of data immediately before, during, and after the accident.
Can Insurance Companies Use This Data to Reduce My Claim?
EDRs were designed to help automakers understand driver behavior and design better, safer cars. However, because these devices can tell what happened before the accident, they are a goldmine for insurance companies.
According to the law, you are the owner of the EDR data and other parties generally cannot access it unless:
- You allow them to access the data
- You are required so by a subpoena from a civil court order
- You have to comply with a federal investigation
- There’s a search warrant
An insurance company typically cannot force you to give them this data if you don’t want to. They may try to convince you that you can’t file a claim with it or that they need it to settle your case faster. That’s not true.
It is important to understand all of your legal rights if you are involved in a St. Louis car accident. This makes it very important that you speak with an experienced St. Louis auto accident attorney as soon as possible to ensure that your legal rights are protected.
