Can I get an auto insurance discount if my car has extra safety features?
With the amount of time most of us spend in our cars these days, car manufacturers are constantly trying to improve car safety features. Established items, such as air bags, are now standard on new cars, and newer, stronger features are always being invented. In many states, Esurance automatically gives you an auto insurance discount if your car features automatic seat belts, air bags, and similar safety equipment.
Most of our auto insurance discounts for safety equipment are applied automatically. For safety features that you've added to your car, you may be able to select more safety equipment–related discounts. You'll also be able to see which safety equipment discounts are available in your state when you get your auto insurance quote.
Some good examples of safety equipment include:
- Seat belts — in the event of a crash, safety belts are designed to keep you inside the vehicle. They also reduce the risk that you'll collide with the steering wheel, dashboard, or windshield.
- Air bags — offer a cushion for passengers in an accident to keep them from hitting any unsafe part of the vehicle's interior. Air bags can be located in the front, on the sides, or can deploy for rollovers.
- Head restraints — limit the rearward movement of the head during a rear-impact crash, reducing the probability of neck injury commonly referred to as whiplash.
- Antilock brakes (ABS) — help prevent a vehicle's wheels from sliding during "panic" braking, which allows the driver to maintain greater steering control as the vehicle is quickly slowed — a key factor in avoiding a collision.
Some vehicles come with standard safety equipment. To find out if you have certain devices or features, you should check in your user manual for your model, or contact a nearby dealer that specializes in your car's make.
Want to know more about safety features that save lives and save you money on your auto insurance? Check out our insight about saving money on auto insurance by choosing safety features.
This page is intended to provide you with general information about car insurance, and to help you understand the various kinds of coverage. It does not describe or refer to any specific policy or coverage. For information about your particular coverages, we encourage you to read your policy contract and consult your insurance representative with any questions.