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Sunday, January 20, 2013

How Does Your Vehicles Safety Rating Affect Your Auto Insurance Rate?

By Leigh Jackson


Vehicle Safety Ratings

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were more than 6.1 million police-reported motor vehicle crashes in the United States last year. A combination of congested roads, aggressive drivers and increased variety of vehicles leads to an ever-increasing number of accidents

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.

The IIHS has been researching cars and their drivers for over 25 years in order to keep them safer on the roads. The major way this research is done is through crash tests. Major insurance providers all use the IIHS database when they are looking at cars they are going to insure. The level rating each car receives - from "top safety pick" to "good," "acceptable," and "marginal" determine which vehicles are considered the safest during any given year.

When a car is named a 'top safety pick' you can be sure that it has passed all of the safety tests and will be the safest choice for you and your family. In addition to its safety features, you will also find that safer vehicles will afford you cheaper auto insurance rates; insurance companies give discounts for safety and tend to write lower policies for vehicles that will perform more safely in the event of a wreck.

How do safety tests affect my Texas auto insurance rates?

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.

How to pick a safe car your insurance company will approve of

These tests use various-sized cars with various amount of weight, closely resembling the real assortment of vehicles on the road. They also include "dummies" equipped with sensors and measuring devices - these show what human responses will be in a multitude of impacts. The IIHS uses all different parts of vehicles and whole vehicles in their tests. Tests are done at different speeds, impact angles and circumstances. After impact, these are closely examined for effectiveness.

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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