Are you buying a new car or shopping for car insurance? If so, ensure that the type of vehicle you are insuring and the type of car insurance are a good match. One of your top priorities when buying a new car is safety. Other essential factors include the cost of the vehicle, maintenance costs, and insurance.
Of course, you want to feel safe on the road while driving. Many car companies focus on this desire. That is why they include additional safety features even in lower-end models. Most cars today come with innovative safety and anti-theft features that can protect you while on the road.
There are tens of millions of drivers on American roads. So, car crashes will happen. Some common causes of car accidents include speeding, impaired driving, weather, distracted driving, and more. These accidents can cause severe injuries, property damage, or even death. So, it makes sense to invest in safety features for your car.
Are Advanced Car Safety Features Worth It?
Most car owners believe advanced safety and anti-theft technologies should lower their insurance rates. Some safety features can help avert accidents, leading to lower rates in certain circumstances. However, advanced safety features can increase your car’s value and lower the cost of repairs and maintenance.
Consequently, your insurance provider will have to pay more when you make a claim. Many auto insurance providers provide discounts to car owners who install anti-theft features in their cars. These include disabling devices, GPS trackers, and alarms. Since such technologies make your vehicle safer, they can help save you money on car insurance.
That said, some safety features may cost you more when you purchase a car and are unlikely to affect your insurance policy. Due to expensive equipment and maintenance, the average repair expense following an accident can be significantly higher than that of a conventional car.
Do you have an excellent driving record? Are you wondering whether advanced driver-assistance systems are worth the hype and cost? The most important fact you need to remember is that they can help keep you and your passengers safer on the road. Are you on the fence about investing in such features?
You will likely be glad you did if they reflect on your auto insurance rate. But before you install advanced safety features in your car, you should compare car insurance quotes and policies from different auto insurers.
Safety Features That Can Lower the Cost of Car Insurance
To determine your car insurance rate, your auto insurer will consider the type of vehicle you want to insure. For example, a luxury brand will have a higher rate than a SUV or sedan. However, manufacturers continue to design new safety features for all car models almost every year. While not all of them will lower your insurance rates, some can help.
Generally, the more affordable and effective a safety feature is, the more likely it is to lower your car insurance rates. However, just because you will not receive an insurance rate discount for a particular feature does not mean it is not worth its cost.
Every insurance provider has different requirements for car safety features eligible for insurance discounts. So, it would help if you discussed these with your insurance provider to ensure you take advantage of all possible discounts. Essential safety features that could lower your insurance rates include:
Airbags
Airbags can reduce auto insurance rates by two to ten percent for side airbags and up to 30 percent for seat belt airbags, curtain airbags, and other non-standard airbags. That is because airbags significantly reduce the risk of injury following an automobile accident. Your claim will be less expensive for your insurer in case of an accident, which will translate to lower rates.
Insurance companies do not give significant discounts for cars with legally required airbags. However, your insurer may provide discounts for airbags located in non-standard places but still proven to prevent serious injury.
Electronic Stability Control
One of the best ways to save money on auto insurance is by driving a safer vehicle. An electronic stability control system detects when you are losing control of your steering and engages the brakes to help your car get back under control.
According to studies by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, this safety feature is responsible for preventing many accidents. So, installing this feature in your car will significantly reduce your risk of car accidents. Consequently, your insurance provider may give you a discount on your rates.
Anti-lock Brake System
Anti-lock brakes can qualify you a small discount with some insurance companies. When installing an anti-lock brake system on your car, you can expect anywhere from three to ten percent off your insurance rates. But since they are a required standard feature on all new vehicles, you should not expect a significant discount.
Daytime Running Lights
DRLs are vehicle lights that turn on when the ignition turns on or when a car is in gear. They help alert pedestrians and other drivers that your vehicle can move anytime. Besides making your driving experience safer, daytime running lights can qualify your vehicle for an insurance discount. However, the discount rate will depend on your insurance provider.
Crash-resistant Door
As vehicles become better engineered, new safety features, such as crash-resistant doors, seem to be emerging virtually every year. A crash-resistant door will crumble when hit by another car instead of crushing you. It also acts as a barrier from other accident debris. Many insurance providers are yet to offer discounts for this safety feature. However, it couldn't hurt to keep your eyes open, just in case.
Conclusion
Do you think you are paying too much for car insurance? If so, research to determine whether it is possible to get discounts. However, remember that not every safety feature comes with the promise of cheaper auto insurance. Sometimes, some components can increase your insurance rates, depending on the model of your car and the features you choose to add. Usually, before they offer discounts on any safety feature, insurance companies wait for statistics to show that it effectively reduces auto insurance claims.
