{"id":5555,"date":"2022-12-20T08:08:00","date_gmt":"2022-12-20T08:08:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/?p=5555"},"modified":"2023-09-22T15:43:49","modified_gmt":"2023-09-22T15:43:49","slug":"auto-safety-features","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/auto\/auto-safety-features\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Auto Safety Features That Lower Car Insurance and Save You Money"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Now that you know more about why companies offer a savings for safety features, which ones actually count?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Typically, carriers wait to offer this on a particular feature until statistics have shown that it effectively reduces claims. This means that many of the latest tech gadgets might not count because there probably isn\u2019t data available on how they stop claims. That said, these features are still a valuable tool for many drivers and probably save many lives. Auto insurance<\/a> companies just aren\u2019t convinced until they see proof.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, most of the savings you\u2019ll find come from the tried-and-true features that have been on the market over the years. Let\u2019s take a look at which ones might be included in a typical discount. It\u2019s a good idea to read the disclaimer \u2013 you may invalidate your savings without even realizing it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Daytime Running Lights<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Daytime running lights are the lights at the front that are always on. They come on as soon as you start the engine, and you can\u2019t turn them off. While this might seem annoying, it\u2019s important to provide more visibility on the road, especially if a sudden storm hits and you don\u2019t turn on your headlights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These days, daytime running lights are pretty much standard. Even base trim models should include them. Because of that, you probably won\u2019t get a huge price cut for having this feature, but every penny counts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Air Bags<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Air bags are a crucial safety innovation, so much so that the government has required them to be standard equipment on all vehicles manufactured after 1999 to have front air bags. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates airbags have saved 50,457 lives<\/a> between 1987 and 2017.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, air bags can come in many shapes and sizes. In addition to front airbags, most autos include side airbags, as these keep you protected if you\u2019re side-swept by another vehicle. You might also have inflatable safety belts or airbags in the rear window to keep backseat passengers safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to auto safety discounts, it varies depending on how many airbags you have. Generally, the higher the number, the greater the savings. Because airbags are specifically designed to keep people safe, you\u2019ll usually see these in your personal injury protection or medical payment coverage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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3. Anti-lock Brakes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You may remember that before the \u201880s, you were required to pump the brake to come to a stop if you were skidding. After the introduction of anti-lock brakes<\/a> became standard. However, this became a thing of the past. The technology has been mandated as of 2012, so there\u2019s a good chance your vehicle currently has this already.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You might not get a price decrease in every state for having anti-lock brakes, especially since it\u2019s now standard. But in Florida, New Jersey, and New York \u2014 three of the states we provide coverage in \u2014 insurers are required to give you one for having anti-lock brakes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Electronic Stability Control<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another advanced safety system is electronic stability control. This is especially helpful to have if you\u2019re skidding out of control on a slippery road. Your ESC keeps track of how well your vehicle is responding to your steer commands using sensors. If it finds it\u2019s not turning as it should, it will automatically apply the brakes to help you stay in control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This tech has been included since 2012, so again, it\u2019s probably something your vehicle has. You\u2019ll typically see this come off of your collision coverage since that\u2019s usually the type of claims this system prevents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Automatic Seat Belts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Mostly featured in older models, automatic seat belts were a way to ensure people buckled up while driving. These quickly fell out of fashion, but you may still be able to score some savings if you have them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That said, some companies do offer a discount just for having a regular old seat belt in your car<\/a>. This discount typically comes off your medical payment and personal injury protection premiums since seat belts are meant to protect you and your passengers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Anti-theft System<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Primarily, you might think of safety only when you\u2019re driving. But both you and your insurer also want your auto and possessions to be safe when you\u2019re not around. That\u2019s why safety features that lower car insurance include anti-theft systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This can include things like a loud alarm that goes off when someone tries to break into the car. Most come with that standard. But if you upgrade or install extra gear<\/a>, you may qualify for an even bigger discount off of your comprehensive policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Crash-resistant Doors<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As vehicles become more engineered, new products like crash-resistant doors have emerged. This means that if your door is hit, it is intended to crumble instead of smushing you. This keeps you from being crushed and hopefully acts as a barrier from other debris.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, this isn\u2019t a common payment decrease yet, so you might not qualify. But keep your eyes open just in case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. Lane Departure Warning Systems<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Lane departure systems are still a newer technology, meaning they\u2019re not standard yet in most vehicles. But if you do have this system, it could help you save.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These systems work by having a sensor that monitors the lane markers painted on the highway. For example, if the sensor notices you\u2019re drifting, it emits an audible alert. Some more sophisticated models even pull you back into the lane, and you may be able to score more of a reduction with these. Additionally, since many drivers forget to check their blind spot before moving over, these help prevent a distracted driver from missing another person in their blind spot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. Backup Cameras<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Rear cameras are now installed in all new automobiles, thanks to a rule passed by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) in 2014. The law took effect in models manufactured and sold in the U.S. by May 2018 and required the area directly behind to be displayed on a video screen. Some manufacturers have taken this safety measure a step further by adding a backup warning sensor and other features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the Insurance Information Institute, these backup cameras have reduced collisions by 16%, especially for motorists over the age of 70.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. Tire Pressure Monitor<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

These handy sensors are located inside each tire and warn the driver when a tire becomes low on pressure. According to the NHTSA, tires with low pressure are responsible for roughly 20% of wrecks. This is because they may blow out, causing the driver to lose control. Underinflated tires may also make it hard to steer and stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anytime your dashboard lights<\/a> indicate your tires are low, it is recommended to fill them to their correct pressure immediately. You can find your vehicle\u2019s correct tire pressure by looking for the sticker on the inside of the driver\u2019s door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ever-Increasing Technology<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Companies and the federal government respond to danger that has been identified as putting people at risk. The Fed sets rules and laws to mitigate damage and answer what is perceived as dangerous for consumers. One place automakers and others can get facts surrounding doing business with the federal government is the FCW<\/a> site. Some examples of places where measures have been taken in response to issues include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n