Aviva is preparing for the arrival of driverless vehicles by trying to seal deals with manufacturers.

The emergence of driverless cars, which could be common within 15 years, is expected to rattle the motor insurance industry, with many concerned that insurance companies will no longer be needed.

Aviva’s international insurance chief, Maurice Tulloch, said the FTSE 100 business was talking to “a number” of companies involved in developing driverless cars, “as I’m sure a number of people are.”

A deal would either see drivers automatically get Aviva insurance when buying a driverless car or come in the shape of a collaboration with a start-up in the sector. The insurer confirmed that “if signed this would an Aviva first”.

At least one of the companies Aviva is talking to is based in Canada, with Mr Tulloch hinting that talks are in advanced stages.