Vehicles equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) can cost twice as much to repair following a collision because of expensive sensors and their calibration requirements, according to new research by AAA. Even minor incidents that cause damage to this technology found behind windshields, bumpers and door mirrors can add as much as $3,000 in extra repair costs, according to the research.

“Advanced safety systems are much more common today, with many coming as standard equipment, even on base models,” John Nielsen, AAA’s managing director of automotive engineering and repair, said. “It’s critical that drivers understand what technology their vehicle has, how it performs and how much it could cost to repair should something happen.”

AAA studied three top-selling 2018 vehicle models (a Nissan Rogue, Toyota Camry and Ford F-150) to better understand the costs of replacing and/or calibrating ADAS sensors in typical collision and repair and scenarios. Replacement parts factored into the research were OEM components charged at suggested list prices. Windshield replacement costs included both OEM and aftermarket glass.

The report’s findings included the following costs for damaged cameras and sensors …
• Front radar sensors used with automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control systems: $900 to $1,300.
• Rear radar sensors used with blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert systems: $850 to $2,050.
• Front camera sensors used with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and lane keeping systems: $850 to $1,900.
• Front, side mirror or rear camera sensors used with around-view systems: $500 to $1,100.
• Front or rear ultrasonic sensors used with parking assist systems: $500 to $1,300.
• Windshield replacement for vehicles equipped with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning systems: $1,200 to $1,600 (aftermarket glass) and $1,300 to $1,650 (factory glass).