Cars have played a big part in our lives for decades, with most families now having at least one, and often two. While they have been gradually advancing, with improvements such as power steering for simpler maneuverability, radio for entertainment, and sleeker bodies for appearance and aerodynamics, the future looks bright and big changes are on the road ahead.

Already, we have seen the introduction of small luxuries like individual climate zones in the car, sensors to enable easier parking and push button start. But this century looks to be the one that will see advances in technology that we have only previously seen in movies – not quite flying cars, but perhaps vehicles that manoeuvre themselves as opposed to relying on a person. These changes will not only affect laws, regulations, who is at fault in an accident, but also car insurance quotes.

1. Energy source
Car manufacturers have been working with different energy sources for decades, in an attempt to find a ‘fuel’ for vehicles that does not rely on oil. Currently, some manufacturers already offer hybrid powered cars, which combine petrol and electric energy sources. In the future, it is anticipated that vehicles will not rely on fuel at all — manufacturers are investigating solar, hydrogen, nitrogen and electrical powered cars, and even vehicles using a recycled energy from the exhaust. Imagine, before long, we could be stopping to plug in, as opposed to stopping to fill up!

2. Safety
Movement towards safer vehicles is always high on the priority list of manufacturers, as this is a main point of interest — other than roominess — for people in search of family vehicles. While mechanisms that assist with driving, like reverse sensors, are enabling safer vehicles, the future looks set for great changes. On this list of changes is a possible transition in materials — a move away from steel to materials that are lighter, yet more durable. Combining the mechanisms that assist with safe driving with safer materials could greatly reduce injury and death resulting from accidents.

3. Entertainment
The possibilities for entertainment are endless. DVDs and entertainment systems are currently fitted in some cars, however, will become more common, and even standard as time goes by. Before long, it will be normal practice to surf the net in the car, and as driving technology advances, you -the driver – could find yourself watching a movie instead of taking the wheel!

4. Simplifying driving
Sensors are a big start, but in the not-too-distant future, don’t be surprised if you see a car driving by — without a driver. New technology is currently being trialled that enable cars to drive around using GPS and satellite navigation – and without a human driver at the wheel. This not only means a simpler driving process — but much greater need for entertainment! While in all likelihood this technology, once tested and approved, will reduce the number of accidents on the road – removing driver fatigue and human error as issues – it will also change road rules and who is at fault should an accident occur, and impact car insurance.