Saturday, September 22, 2012

Auto Safety Ratings and Your Auto Insurance

By Leigh Jackson


What is an automobile safety rating?

Last year, more than 6.1 million motor vehicle crashes were reported to police and insurance companies in the United States. This alarming statistic from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration suggests that congested roads, aggressive drivers and increased variety of vehicles, are causing more and more wrecks on our nations roads.

In response to this increase in wrecks, carmakers are upgrading the safety features on their vehicles and helping to make sure that car and driver stay safe when the worst happens. Based on their performance in a variety of crash tests and their added safety features, the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety issues a safety rating for each car that is manufactured. This safety rating has an immediate and direct bearing on the price of your Texas auto insurance.

For more than 25 years, the IIHS has researched cars and drivers in order to improve safety for vehicles and passengers. Much of this research is done with crash testing. All of the major insurance providers use the IIHS database to determine whether the vehicle is designated a "top safety pick" or if it falls under the "good," "acceptable" or "marginal" range. This combined with the NHTSA studies determine which vehicles are considered the safest during any given year.

Cars that carry the title 'top safety pick' have exceeded expectation and performed the best in the various tests they are put through - these are the type of car you want to buy for you and your family. In addition to safety features, safer vehicles will also translate into cheaper Texas auto insurance rates; from discounts for safety to lower policy prices, vehicles that are safer cost less to insure.

How do crash test results affect your auto insurance premiums?

Because insurance companies value safe vehicles - they keep occupants safer and keep costs low when a claim has to be filed - insurance rates are lower on safer cars. Additionally, studies have shown that drivers of safe cars are more likely to drive responsibly. For these reasons, driving a safe car will translate into a lower car insurance premium. Buying a safe car can not only help save your life in the event of an accident, but it can also lead to savings on your auto insurance premium.

Picking the best, safest car for your family

IIHS crash tests are complex and precise. Among other factors and variables, their tests use various-sized cars with different weights, closely resembling the real assortment of vehicles on the road and "dummies" equipped with sensors and measuring devices that closely mirror human responses to a multitude of impacts. The IIHS uses whole vehicles and vehicle parts (air bags, head rests - even sun visors!) that are closely examined for effectiveness. Tests are done at different speeds, impact angles and circumstances.

The culmination of all these test results tell auto manufacturers how to improve crash resistance and safety design for new models. They also tell you what vehicle is safest! As car makers continue to add more safety features, many new cars now come standard with things that used to be thought of as extras - things like side impact air bags.

If you want to lower your car insurance premium and are in a position to purchase a new vehicle, choose a car that is on the top safety picks list published by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. You can also lower your car insurance rate if you can show proof of advanced security and locking systems in the vehicle. Many insurance companies will reduce your rate when they find out the vehicle has an advanced alarm system or anti-theft devices.




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