The Impact of Vehicle Safety Ratings on Auto Insurance Premiums

Most buyers consider price, performance and fuel efficiency when shopping for a new car. However, one often-overlooked factor—vehicle safety ratings—can significantly influence not only your peace of mind but also your auto insurance premiums.

What Are Vehicle Safety Ratings?

Vehicle safety ratings are assessments from organizations like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. These ratings evaluate how well a vehicle protects its occupants in various crash scenarios, including frontal, side and rollover accidents. Ratings are typically based on crash test results, safety technology features and structural integrity. Vehicles are scored on a scale, with higher ratings indicating better safety performance.

How Can My Vehicle’s Safety Rating Affect My Auto Insurance Rates?

Insurance companies use a wide range of data to calculate premiums, and vehicle safety is a key component. Cars with higher safety ratings are statistically less likely to result in severe injuries or fatalities in the event of an accident. This translates to lower medical and liability costs for insurers, leading to reduced premiums for policyholders.

Vehicles with advanced safety features, such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warnings, and blind-spot monitoring, may qualify for further discounts. On the other hand, cars with poor safety ratings may be more expensive to insure due to the increased risk of injury claims.

In essence, choosing a safer vehicle not only protects you and your passengers but can also provide long-term financial benefits through lower insurance costs. When evaluating your next car purchase, it’s wise to consider how its safety rating might impact your insurance premiums.

We’re Here to Help

Contact Insurance Direct Group in Norcross, GA, today to learn how safety ratings may impact your premiums. Our team can help you find an ideal auto insurance policy at a suitable rate.

This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.