Safety Ratings and Your Auto Insurance
When deciding on a new car, safety should be at the top of your list. Not only will a safe vehicle help protect your life, it can also protect your wallet by saving you money on your auto insurance rates.
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Star Safety Ratings
The best indicator of a safe car is its Star Safety Rating. For almost 30 years, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) has been issuing its 5-Star Safety Ratings to vehicles that meet high safety standards. The NHTSA judges how cars react in various crash situations such as side impact crashes and rear/frontal impacts. They also perform tire tests and evaluate airbag effectiveness. A car with a 5-Star Rating means that there is a 10% or less chance of injury for those riding in it. A Star Rating of 1 means a 46% or higher chance of injury.
Safety Ratings Affect Auto Insurance Rates
If you buy a car with safety features such as airbags or automatic seatbelts, you may qualify for a lower insurance rate. Some insurance companies offer discounts for cars deemed safe overall, and insurance rates are sometimes adjusted for vehicles with a good crashworthiness rating and safety features. Remember, the higher the Star Safety rating (5 stars is the highest) the safer the car, and the lower the possible insurance rate.
Getting the Best Auto Insurance Rate
The overall point of rating cars and finding out just how safe they really are is to give consumers all the information they need to buy a great car. You've taken control by searching for a 5-Star car -- take control now by making sure you get the best auto insurance rate possible by comparing rates at InsuranceRates.com.
