Car Safety Features that Could Garner an Insurance Discount

Auto insurance companies reward customers whose vehicles are equipped with car safety features that might reduce future liability. They want to keep your monthly premium without having to give you anything in return, so they'll lower your costs by a few bucks if you qualify.

But which car safety features will help you qualify for an insurance discount?

Anti-Lock Brakes

The purpose of anti-lock brakes is to prevent your wheels from "locking up" if you are forced to stop suddenly or if your vehicle loses traction. It keeps you from having to pump the brakes during an emergency so you can focus on keeping control of your car. Anti-lock brakes are one of the most important car safety features, and they therefore qualify for an insurance discount.

Air Bags

It is true that air bags can be dangerous, especially to small children, but they can also save lives. They deploy when your vehicle is in a collision, preventing the driver and, in some cases, passengers from hitting the steering wheel or dash board or from going through the windshield. While they don't prevent accidents themselves, they do reduce personal injury claims, so their presence will usually garner an insurance discount.

Alarm Systems

An alarm system sounds if someone tries to break into your car. They are effective anti-theft devices, both for deterring crime and for preventing the successful completion of a heist. Ask about insurance discount for anti-theft car safety features.

Automatic Seat Belts

Although most states impose laws that require drivers and passengers to wear safety belts, lots of people forget. Automatic safety belts engage as soon as a person turns on the car, so they help prevent personal injury claims. These aren't as common today as they were twenty years ago, but they might still garner an insurance discount.

Daytime Running Lights

We know that we need to turn on our lights after dusk, but daytime running lights are also am important car safety feature. They increase visibility during the daylight hours, and consequently insurance companies often offer a discount if they are installed on your car.

VIN Etching

Police departments, auto body shops, and community organizations are places to consult if you want to include VIN etching among your car's safety features. The VIN is etched on all windows with a stencil, which makes the car easier to locate after theft. It also creates more work for the thief, which means it is a deterrent to theft.

There are other car safety features that might garner an insurance discount if you ask your insurance agent. If your vehicle doesn't have those features installed, aftermarket safety features are just as valuable.

Source:

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Culpeper County Sheriff's Office