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 over 25 years the IIHS has been researching vehicles and vehicle safety - all in order to keep drivers safe on the road. The biggest way safety in vehicles is measured is through crash tests. Major insurance providers all use the IIHS database and results of crash and safety tests when they are looking at cars they are going to insure. The level rating each car receives - in descending order from "top safety pick" to "good," "acceptable," and "marginal"- determines which vehicles are considered the safest.
'Top safety picks' are vehicles that 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 the peace of mind that a safe vehicle gives you, safer vehicles will also translate into cheaper Texas auto insurance rates. Insurance companies consider safer vehicles better bets in insurance and they are cheaper to insure and qualify for added safety discounts.
Why do these tests affect my 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.
The safest choice for you
The most important thing you can do when you buy a new car is do lots of research. Crash tests done by IIHS and NHTSA are complex and precise, it's important to understand what you're reading when you look at crash tests and safety studies. 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.
Theses test results tell auto manufacturers how to improve crash resistance and safety design for new models. And, as more safety features become standard, many new passenger vehicles are equipped with safety features once considered "extras." Likewise, car insurance companies use the same data as a factor of your car insurance premiums.
Your Texas auto insurance company uses this same data as a factor of your car insurance premiums. 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.
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 over 25 years the IIHS has been researching vehicles and vehicle safety - all in order to keep drivers safe on the road. The biggest way safety in vehicles is measured is through crash tests. Major insurance providers all use the IIHS database and results of crash and safety tests when they are looking at cars they are going to insure. The level rating each car receives - in descending order from "top safety pick" to "good," "acceptable," and "marginal"- determines which vehicles are considered the safest.
'Top safety picks' are vehicles that 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 the peace of mind that a safe vehicle gives you, safer vehicles will also translate into cheaper Texas auto insurance rates. Insurance companies consider safer vehicles better bets in insurance and they are cheaper to insure and qualify for added safety discounts.
Why do these tests affect my 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.
The safest choice for you
The most important thing you can do when you buy a new car is do lots of research. Crash tests done by IIHS and NHTSA are complex and precise, it's important to understand what you're reading when you look at crash tests and safety studies. 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.
Theses test results tell auto manufacturers how to improve crash resistance and safety design for new models. And, as more safety features become standard, many new passenger vehicles are equipped with safety features once considered "extras." Likewise, car insurance companies use the same data as a factor of your car insurance premiums.
Your Texas auto insurance company uses this same data as a factor of your car insurance premiums. 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.
About the Author:
About the Author: This article was provided by Al Boenker Insurance, a leading provider of auto insurance in Texas. Al Boenker specializes in helping customers find the most comprehensive auto insurance policy for each person by providing friendly and helpful customer assistance. We have the ability to shop over 127 different insurance companies or customers can purchase Texas auto insurance online.
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