Check insurance costs before buying your next vehicle
Article excerpted from Safeco.com
You’re in the market for a new car or truck. You’ve researched models, taken test drives, and waited for just the right deal. But have you considered your insurance costs?
Your car insurance premium is based on many things. The biggest factors are your driving history, age, address, and the value of your vehicle. But little things, including expected repair costs and safety features, can also impact what you’ll pay.
If you’re shopping for a new car this holiday season, look for these technologies, recommended by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
Forward collision warning: These sensors in the front of the vehicle will warn you of an impending collision, giving you a chance to brake or steer clear.
Automatic emergency braking: Working with forward collision warning sensors, this will automatically apply the brakes to avoid a collision.
Lane-departure warning: This uses cameras to keep track of your car’s position on the roadway; if you begin to drift from your lane unintentionally, an alarm notifies you.
Backup camera: These cameras, which are becoming standard equipment in more vehicles, automatically activate when the car shifts into reverse, giving you a view behind the car.
Electronic stability control: This is now standard on models 2012 and later, but if you’re purchasing a used car, consider one that offers this feature. It helps you keep control in slippery conditions and on curves — according to the NHTSA, it reduces the risk of a fatal single-vehicle crash by about 50% and the risk of a fatal rollover by 80%.
Other features that may be available, depending on the make and model of car you choose:
- Automatic crash notification: Notifies emergency responders in the event of a crash.
- Lane-keeping support: Steers your vehicle back into the lane if you begin to drift.
- Pedestrian automatic emergency braking: Alerts you if a pedestrian is in your path and automatically applies the brakes.
- Blind-spot detection: Illuminates when another vehicle is in your blind spot on either side of the car.
- Adaptive headlights: These headlights actually shift as you take curves and turns to help you see better.
In addition to technology, other features also have a big impact on safety—such as the car’s size and weight, structure and restraint systems, and its NHTSA safety rating. To look up the cars you’re considering, visit Safercar Safety Ratings. If you’re curious about insurance costs for a specific vehicle, contact your GSW advisors for a quote.
Doing your homework before you visit the dealership can pay off—not just in a better deal, but in savings down the road as well.
This article is not intended to be exhaustive nor should any discussions or opinions be construed as legal advice. Examples included in this document are for information purposes only; for specific coverage details consult your insurance policy. Contact legal counsel or an insurance professional for appropriate advice.
