Thesis:

Examining the responsibility for compensating damages in self-driving car accidents in the European Union, with a view to Iran's insurance laws

European Union, with a focus on the role of insurance. The growing use of artificial intelligence in self-driving cars not only revolutionizes transportation but also raises unprecedented challenges for civil liability and insurance. The main question is how the legal frameworks of Iran and the EU differ in addressing such accidents, and which model could guide reforms in Iran. The research first outlines the theoretical foundations of civil liability and the role of insurance. It then analyzes the EU’s legal framework, particularly the Artificial Intelligence Act 2024 and the revised Product Liability Directive. The EU has adopted a victim-oriented approach, introducing measures such as the reversal of the burden of proof, compensation funds, and liability for software defects and cyberattacks. By contrast, Iranian laws, notably the Civil Liability Act of 1960 and the Compulsory Motor Vehicle Insurance Act of 2016, remain largely focused on human-driven vehicles and fail to adequately regulate autonomous driving incidents. The comparative analysis indicates that Iran needs to reform its legislation and adopt a strict liability regime to effectively protect victims and keep pace with technological advances. Such reforms would ensure fair compensation, reduce litigation, and enhance public trust in autonomous technologies. Drawing inspiration from the EU model, the study recommends introducing specific rules on liability and insurance for self-driving cars within the Iranian legal system.

Keywords: Self-driving car, European Union, Insurance laws, Iran`s insurance laws