Vehicle Safety Ratings
There were more than 6.1 million police-reported motor vehicle crashes in the United States last year that were reported to police and insurance according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. From congested roads, aggressive drivers and increased variety of vehicles, there are more and more accidents occurring on our nations roads.
Carmakers are responding to this increase in wrecks by upgrading the safety features on their vehicles and trying to ensure that car and driver stay safe if there is a wreck. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rates different vehicles based on their performance in a variety of crash tests and their added safety features. This safety rating plays a big part in 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.
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 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.
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.
With the results of all these tests in hand, auto manufacturers know how to improve crash resistance and safety design for new models. These tests will also tell you what vehicles on the market now are safest for you and your family. As carmakers continue to add more safety features, many new cars now come standard with previously thought of add-ons to vehicles - things like side impact air bags. .
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.
There were more than 6.1 million police-reported motor vehicle crashes in the United States last year that were reported to police and insurance according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. From congested roads, aggressive drivers and increased variety of vehicles, there are more and more accidents occurring on our nations roads.
Carmakers are responding to this increase in wrecks by upgrading the safety features on their vehicles and trying to ensure that car and driver stay safe if there is a wreck. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rates different vehicles based on their performance in a variety of crash tests and their added safety features. This safety rating plays a big part in 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.
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 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.
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.
With the results of all these tests in hand, auto manufacturers know how to improve crash resistance and safety design for new models. These tests will also tell you what vehicles on the market now are safest for you and your family. As carmakers continue to add more safety features, many new cars now come standard with previously thought of add-ons to vehicles - things like side impact air bags. .
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 choose the best auto insurance policy for each person by providing knowledgeable and helpful customer assistance. We have the ability to shop over 127 different insurance companies or customers can buy Texas auto insurance online.