It is widely known that car insurance premiums are a result of numerous calculations and are affected by multiple factors. But one of the keywords that insurance companies weigh in on is the word, risk. The less risk you have, the smaller the premiums you have to pay.
One bonafide way to lower your risk level is by purchasing a car with excellent safety features or having your car equipped with them. Let’s check out the key security features that make auto insurance carriers smile.
Airbags
Since the 1990s, airbags have been a prerequisite before any vehicle can be sold to the public. These life-saving bags of air can be the deciding factor whether or not people inside a vehicle will live or not, during a collision. Most car manufacturers only follow the minimum amount of airbags required by the federal government. But more companies, are finding more innovative ways to increase the number of airbags equipped in vehicles to ensure personal safety. Having more airbags can bring down your premiums because it makes you safer.
Anti-lock braking system
The anti-lock braking system or the ABS started off with high-end cars during the 70s. By the late 80s, the ABS has been equipped on most new automobile models that came out of manufacturing. For those who are unfamiliar with this feature, the anti-lock braking system basically allows the driver to steer the car even during abrupt and hard braking. This gives the driver a chance to move out of the way of oncoming danger, and a possible collision. This feature saves the car in these situations, so your risk levels are lower.
Electronic stability control system
Imagine driving down a winding and dark road in the middle of winter. The road is slippery, and you are sort of in a hurry, you needed to make a hard right, and you start losing control of your vehicle. If you have an electronic stability control system installed in your car, it will prevent you from uncontrollably spinning or worse, turning over. Sensors send data to a computer that automatically applies brakes to help you control the car better in these situations. You can expect a 15% discount on your collision coverage if your car has this.
Daytime Running Lights
Automobile manufacturers began offering daytime running lights back in 1995, and since then, they have grown increasingly popular. Nowadays, most vehicles come standard with this lighting.
Daytime running lights, which automatically flip on once your car starts, making your vehicle more visible to other drivers and pedestrians at all hours of the day. It does not matter if it’s nighttime or daytime, these lights will automatically shine as long as your engine is running. It may seem wasteful to have your automobile lights turned on during a sunny day, but this is proven to increase your safety.
Insurance companies have been known to offer small discounts for daytime running lights. So, if you have them, talk to your insurance company to inquire about this discount.
Anti-Theft Systems
Anti-theft systems and devices, such as alarms, navigation systems, automatic disabling device, etc., can help prevent your car from being stolen. These features are very appealing to insurers because if your car gets stolen, the insurance company will be out thousands of dollars. Many insurance companies offer up to 10-25% discounts to customers who have these preventative systems on their vehicle.
So if you have any one of these features, call up your insurance agent and get your discount.
