A newly released study found that advanced driver assistance systems on new cars and trucks could bring a hefty repair bill if you're involved in a crash.

You've seen the ads on TV for vehicles with features such as automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. The systems can be found behind windshields, bumpers, and door mirrors.

According to new research from AAA, vehicles equipped with those safety features can cost twice as much to repair following a collision due to expensive sensors and calibration requirements.

Even minor incidents that cause damage to this technology can add up to $3,000 in extra repair costs, according to the study

With one-in-three Americans unable to afford an unexpected repair bill of just $500, AAA is urging people in the market for a new vehicle to consider the potential repair costs of these advanced systems when it comes to buying insurance.

"When used properly, advanced safety systems have great potential to make vehicles safer and they are becoming more and more common," says Mike Hoshaw, vice president of Automotive Services, AAA East Central. "It's critical for vehicle owners to fully comprehend the expenses associated with fixing these advanced safety systems so they can take every step possible to avoid being blindsided by a costly repair."

Previous AAA testing has shown that advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) offer many safety benefits; however, minor vehicle damage that affects these systems may be inevitable.

For the vehicles in AAA's study, the repair bill for a minor front or rear collision on a car with ADAS can run as high as $5,300, almost two and half times the repair cost for a vehicle without these systems.

An example of the damage that has become costlier to repair with the emergence of ADAS is windshield damage, which is extremely common; more than 14.5 million replacements annually according to AAA.

Many of the systems rely on cameras positioned behind a windshield, so cracks and chips that obscure the camera's line of sight can be a safety issue. Given that these cameras need recalibration when a windshield is replaced and some automakers require the use of factory glass, a windshield repair can cost approximately $1,500. That is three times the amount to replace a windshield without the technology.

Vehicles with ADAS may also have radar, camera and ultrasonic sensors located in or behind the front and rear bumpers or bodywork, as well as built into the side mirrors. While most drivers may never find themselves in a collision, these parts can easily be damaged when pulling out of a garage, hitting a mailbox or bumping into other objects.

Many variables such as the vehicle make and model, the type and location of the sensor and where the work is performed can affect ADAS repair costs. AAA's research determined the ranges listed below for typical ADAS repair expenses. Note that these numbers are for costs over and above the normal bodywork required following a collision.

  • 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 (does not include the cost of a replacement windshield): $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

Once a driver finds that an ADAS has been damaged and requires repair, there are key factors to consider when selecting a repair facility. Simply replacing the sensors of driver assistance systems is relatively straightforward and can be performed by most mechanics.

However, to restore the system to proper operation it must be calibrated, which requires special training, tools, and information. Before having a vehicle repaired, AAA recommends that drivers verify whether the facility is able to properly repair and calibrate the damaged system(s), and request proof of the work once complete.

As technology continues to evolve, drivers need to be better educated and more aware of their vehicle's capabilities. This includes understanding how the vehicle systems work as well as how much repairs may cost if damaged.

AAA recommends drivers review their insurance policy regularly to ensure they have the appropriate coverage to cover the cost of repairs for any damage and that deductibles are manageable to minimize out-of-pocket expenses.