🎧 Listen on Spotify
🎬 Watch on YouTube
In this episode of Innovation Insider, we’re joined by Steve Cratchley—Motor Insights and Operations Manager at Suncorp and one of the most forward-thinking voices in the future of mobility. From autonomous vehicles and EVs to embedded insurance and data ethics, Steve is helping shape the transformation of mobility and its ripple effects across insurance and society.
We caught up after his standout talk at Insurtech Live 25, and let’s just say—it’s not every day you meet someone who makes you excited about road regulation and vehicle firmware. But Steve does just that.
From Hype to Reality: The Long Road to Autonomous Vehicles
Autonomous vehicle technology has promised a lot—and for years, delivered very little. But that’s changing fast.
“Everyone remembers the hype. But what people forget is how far we’ve come. Vehicles are now outperforming human drivers in many scenarios—and they’re already on the roads in the US, Europe, and Asia,” says Steve.
The early challenges weren’t just technological—they were philosophical. Engineers found themselves consulting ethicists to solve edge cases like: Should the car swerve to avoid a child if it means hitting another vehicle?
“These vehicles aren’t perfect, but they don’t get tired. They don’t drink. They don’t get distracted. In many ways, they’re already safer than us,” Steve says.
Why Australia Is (Almost) Ready
The technology is real—but regulation is still catching up.
“We’re seeing autonomous vehicles operating in test environments across Australia, and legislation is being finalised to move from trial to commercial deployment.”
Australia may be behind countries like the UK in enacting regulation—but Steve sees this as a strategic advantage.
“We can learn from what’s worked and what hasn’t overseas. That gives us a chance to get this right.”
Expect to see more Level 3 autonomous vehicles in market by 2026—cars where you can take your hands off the wheel, your eyes off the road, but still remain ready to take control.
The Real EV Revolution Is Just Getting Started
Range anxiety is real, especially in a country like Australia. But it might not be for long.
“We’re heading into a new era of battery technology—solid-state, 1,000km range, five-minute charge times. This is the step-change moment we’ve been waiting for.”
Even better? The tech is becoming more accessible.
“A second-hand Model 3 might cost you $25,000 now. That’s opening EVs up to a segment that previously couldn’t consider them.”
What It Means for Insurers: Embedded, Connected, and Data-Driven
So how does this all affect insurance? According to Steve, we’re on the cusp of major disruption.
“The OEMs have more data than insurers—and they’re already exploring embedded insurance models. That’s both a threat and an opportunity.”
For telematics, the challenge has always been adoption. But connected vehicles change the game.
“We’re moving from a world of how you drive to how you live. Lock your car remotely. Get alerts if your windows are down and a storm’s coming. The value is broader—and more personal.”
Still, it all comes down to permission and trust.
“You can’t touch customer data without consent. GM got caught doing it wrong. We need to do it right—upfront, transparent, and with real value in return.”
The Big Picture: Safer Roads and Smarter Mobility
Steve’s long-term vision isn’t just about shiny new vehicles. It’s about outcomes.
“We’ve got too many fatalities and serious injuries on our roads. If autonomous and connected vehicles can bring those numbers down, that’s a win for everyone.”
The Bottom Line
Steve isn’t selling pipe dreams. He’s showing us what’s already happening, what’s coming next, and what insurers need to do to stay relevant in a radically shifting landscape.
“If you’re really going to do a phenomenal job of protecting people, you’ve got to rethink the product. It can’t just be a copy of what’s already out there.”