Auto Insurance How to Shop for a Safe Car
Safety Features in New Cars Can Help Lower Car Insurance
Apr 2, 2009
Driving on the highway can be deceptive in that drivers feel uncompromisingly safe and secure in their cars. But like all moving objects, a car cannot defy the laws of momentum if it strikes another vehicle or a stationary object.
Autos are essentially made out of plastic and steel, both very pliable materials. A car will suffer damage and possibly harm its occupants if the auto accident is severe enough. That’s exactly why it is so important to buy a safe car.
Another important reason to buy a safe car is that auto insurance companies offer a lower premium and additional discounts for safety measures including airbags and daytime running lights.
Auto Insurance: Car Crashworthiness
Car buyers who would like to save money on their auto insurance should point their web browser to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The IIHS provides information on vehicle ratings and the safest cars to buy. Auto insurance considers these safe cars less of a risk, which may translate into lower premiums.
Auto Insurance: Car Design
Though sport utility vehicles (SUVs) have become increasingly popular, smaller SUVs are more prone to rollovers due to their higher profiles. Smaller sports cars are also generally higher to insure because of a higher risk of car damage and personal injury.
Auto Insurance: Passive Restraint Systems
Passive restraint systems help to keep car occupants in their seats during an auto accident. They also help protect occupants against injury due to hitting their head on the steering wheel or windshield; whiplash; and other injuries.
Passive restraint systems include front and side airbags, seatbelts, and head restraints. Nearly all auto insurance companies offer drivers discounts for airbags.
Auto Insurance: Antilock Brakes
Antilock brakes prevent a car’s braking system from locking when the driver suddenly steps on the brake pedal with force. This safety feature is meant to prevent the car from going out of control in an auto accident.
Drivers who first experience antilock braking systems are typically startled by the loud “hammering” noise and the shaking of the car. However, this is simply the antilock braking system automatically pumping the brakes every few seconds to keep the car stable in an auto accident.
In and of themselves, antilock brakes do not prevent auto accidents. However, they do prevent the car from going out of control, skidding off the highway, or rolling over. Thus, many auto insurance companies provide a discount for new cars with antilock brakes.
Auto Insurance: Daytime Running Lights
Just as its name implies, the daytime running lights safety feature is meant to increase car visibility on the road by automatically shining the car’s headlights when driving during the day. Many auto insurance companies offer a discount for daytime running lights.
Auto Insurance: The Bottom Line on Buying a Safe Car
When looking to buy a new car, examining its safety features is an important factor in the decision-making process. Drivers who buy a new car with vehicle crashworthiness, safe design, restraint systems, antilock brakes, and daytime running lights may enjoy lower auto insurance premiums.
See related articles, “22 Easy Ways to Save on Auto Insurance,” “How to Find Car Loans Online,” and “How to Finance a New Car With a Car Loan.”
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