Written by Andrea Busch
There are more benefits to the safety technology in your car than you probably realize. Along with working to prevent crashes and keeping you safe in the event of a crash, the value of safety technology stretches all the way to your wallet. Many auto insurance agencies feature discounts for safety equipment in support of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's effort to work with the auto industry to produce safer vehicles. Based off safety ratings determined from crash tests, the NHTSA helps consumers decide which models are the safest. In turn, the auto insurance industry offers lower rates for vehicles which have the safest rating.
The 2014 Forester, Legacy, BRZ, Crosstrek, and Outback have all received the highest safety rating by the NHTSA, while other Subaru models have not yet been rated. The IIHS, and agency that also performs crash tests, has awarded the 2014 Impreza and 2014 XV Crosstrek as a Top Safety Pick, while the 2014 Legacy, Outback and Forester all earned Top Safety Pick+ status, the highest safety rating given.
Take a look at the safety equipment that can help you save the most on your insurance rate and don't forget to tell your car insurance agent about these features!
1. Airbags
To maximize performance, the latest systems measure the weight and size of each occupant and adjust the inflation rate of the bags accordingly. Subaru installs a minimum of six airbags in every vehicle, and as many as seven in newer models.
2. Anti-Lock Brake Systems
This feature helps your vehicle stop more safely by keeping your car in better contact with the rode when braking, shortening the stopping distance when the road surface is dry and lengthening it when the road is covered in ice or snow. Subaru cares about your safety which is why all Subaru models (except the BRZ) employ this feature to ensure your wheels don't lock up on the road.
3. Electronic Stability Control
According to the NHTSA, about one-third of all accidents could be prevented if this car safety technology was fitted as standard. Alongside the traction Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive gives you, Subaru's version of stability control, VDC, automatically senses steering and braking inputs to help keep the vehicle on the driver's intended path.
4. Rear view cameras, Blind-Spot Detection, and Lane-Departure Warning Systems
It is the job of these features to identify and mitigate the risk of a crash. The three systems have different duties but complement each other in many ways. Subaru's eyesight system uses two rear view cameras to give audible and visual warnings to the driver when he ventures out of the lane or is in danger of collision and will apply the brakes if you don't. Add on this feature to your new Forester, Legacy, or Outback to enjoy lower insurance rates and more importantly greater confidence in your safety.
5. Daytime running lights
Studies show that daytime running lights seriously increase safety by boosting visibility on the road which is why all Subaru models come equipped with this feature.
6. Anti-theft systems
Including alarms and GPS tracking systems, discounts for anti-theft systems are often the largest for any single add-on.
7. Tire-pressure monitoring system
Having the correct tire pressure not only allows you to drive more safely but it also keeps your vehicle in better running condition. Most cars manufactured after 2008 come equipped with this system.
We want to know your thoughts and questions! Please leave us a comment below!
References:
http://www.dmv.org/insurance/safety-equipment-auto-insurance-discounts.php
http://voices.yahoo.com/auto-features-will-lower-insurance-premiums-9145789.html?cat=27
