Electronic Stability Control Car Insurance Discounts [2025]

The impact of electronic stability control on insurance should not be underestimated. Electronic stability control automatically engages your brakes if you lose control of the car's steering. Electronic stability control systems significantly reduce the number of rollover accidents, especially with SUVs, and, therefore, electronic stability control affects car insurance. Safety features like ESC can reduce your car insurance rates by up to 8%.

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Laura D. Adams

Insurance & Finance Analyst

Laura Adams is one of the nation’s leading finance, insurance, and small business authorities. As an award-winning author, spokesperson, and host of the top-rated Money Girl podcast since 2008, millions of readers and listeners benefit from her practical advice. Her mission is to empower consumers to live healthy and rich lives by planning for the future and making smart money decisions. She rec...

Written by
Laura D. Adams
Scott W. Johnson

Licensed Insurance Agent

Scott W Johnson is an independent insurance agent in California. Principal Broker and founder of Marindependent Insurance Services, Scott brings over 25 years of experience to his clients. His Five President’s Council awards prove he uses all he learned at Avocet, Sprint Nextel, and Farmers Insurance to the benefit of his clients. Scott quickly grasped the unique insurance requirements of his...

Reviewed by
Scott W. Johnson

Updated November 2023

Here's what you need to know...

  • Electronic Stability Control will help reduce your insurance premiums
  • Electronic Stability Control greatly reduces the number of rollover accidents, especially with SUVs
  • Shopping around for car insurance will help you find the best price for the coverage you need

One of the many ways that you can save money on your car insurance is by driving a safer car. One of the features on a car that may save you money on your car insurance is electronic stability control.

Electronic stability control is tied to a computer system in your car. It detects when the driver is losing control of their steering and it uses the brakes to help the vehicle get back under control.

Although many people think of this mechanism as a way for the computer to steer the vehicle, all it is really doing is applying brakes on the wheels that are in danger of causing the vehicle to tip.

Although electronic stability control has been available since 1987, not every vehicle in the U.S. has it. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does not require electronic stability control.

However, it is highly recommended by them because of its effectiveness in preventing accidents.

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Electronic Stability Control’s Affect on Insurance Rates

You may be wondering how electronic stability control can have a positive effect on car insurance rates or earn car insurance discounts. After all, it is just a feature on a vehicle, right?

The truth is that electronic stability control is responsible for preventing accidents — something which has been proven by studies conducted by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

In fact, the biggest benefit has been noted in the lessening of accidents involving the tipping of SUVs. If you recall, when SUVs first became popular in the 1990’s, there was some concern that they were too top-heavy and there were many incidents in which SUVs rolled.

Basically, these accidents were caused by a driver overcompensating a correction, which then caused them to lose control of the steering. This resulted in a turn too steep for an SUV to handle. The result was the vehicle tipping over.

With electronic stability control, however, there is a 67 percent reduction in tipping when these situations are simulated in controlled conditions.

What does this mean for you as an SUV driver? If you have electronic stability control, your risk of having an accident has been reduced and, consequently, you will be paying less for your auto insurance.

While the impact on your rates will be less for a car that has electronic stability control, in most cases you will still receive an electronic stability control discount for having this technology in your vehicle. Although the reduction of accidents was less in cars versus SUVs, there is still a risk reduction.

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Electronic Stability Control in More Expensive Cars

The bad news in this scenario is that, in many cases, you will find that electronic stability control is more readily available in expensive vehicles than in economy vehicles. This could lead to lesser savings for drivers.

When your car insurance rates are determined, one of the factors that affect car insurance rates is the value of the car that you are driving. If you drive a $90,000 car, then you can expect your rates to be more expensive than if you drive a $15,000 car.

The reason for this is that the insurance company has to take into consideration how much they would have to pay out in a claim if you were to get into an accident.

Parts for a high-end car are more expensive than they are for an economy vehicle. If a high-end car is totaled, the cost for that will be much higher as well.

While many high-end vehicles have a myriad of safety features included standard that will offer you a discount on your auto insurance, you can still expect to pay more than you would for a less expensive vehicle.

This is definitely something you want to keep in mind if you are considering a certain type of vehicle that will strain your budget.

Saving Money on Your Car Insurance

The bottom line is that you can save money on your auto insurance by having great safety features, but you have to do more than that. You will also need to shop around for car insurance to ensure that you are getting the lowest rate for the services that you need.

While there are several ways that you can shop around for insurance, the fastest way, by far, is to use a quote tool like the one offered below.

By answering a few simple questions you are able to compare car insurance quotes from multiple sources in just a matter of minutes.

Get started on your car insurance quotes right now by entering your ZIP code below!

Case Studies: Impact of Electronic Stability Control on Car Insurance

Case Study 1: Reducing Rollover Accidents With Electronic Stability Control

John, an SUV driver, experienced a rollover accident due to losing control of his steering during a sharp turn.New ESC-equipped SUV reduces tipping incidents by 67%, lowering John’s accident risk. Potential insurance discounts due to improved safety.

Case Study 2: Risk Reduction and Car Insurance Rates

Sarah owns a sedan equipped with electronic stability control (ESC). Insurance companies recognize ESC as a valuable safety feature that reduces the risk of accidents and injuries. Sarah’s insurance provider offers a discount on her car insurance premium due to the presence of ESC in her vehicle. Insurance discount shows recognition of ESC’s safety benefits and accident prevention impact.

Case Study 3: Cost Considerations for Electronic Stability Control

Mark is considering purchasing a new car and is comparing different models. He notices that some of the more expensive vehicles come with electronic stability control (ESC) as a standard feature. Mark weighs safety benefits of ESC against potential insurance cost. High-end vehicle with ESC may lead to pricier premiums due to repair expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Electronic Stability Control (ESC)?

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is a safety feature in vehicles that helps maintain stability and control during sudden maneuvers or in challenging driving conditions. It uses sensors and a computer system to detect and correct instances of oversteering or understeering, reducing the risk of skidding or loss of control.

How does Electronic Stability Control affect car insurance premiums?

Car insurance premiums can be influenced by the presence of Electronic Stability Control (ESC) in a vehicle. Insurance companies often consider ESC as a safety feature that reduces the risk of accidents and injuries. As a result, vehicles equipped with ESC may be eligible for discounts on car insurance premiums.

Which insurance companies offer discounts for vehicles with Electronic Stability Control?

Many insurance companies recognize the safety benefits of Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and offer discounts to policyholders who own vehicles equipped with this feature. However, the availability of such discounts can vary by insurance company and location. It is advisable to check with individual insurance providers to inquire about their specific discounts and eligibility criteria.

How much discount can I expect for having Electronic Stability Control in my vehicle?

The amount of discount offered for having Electronic Stability Control (ESC) in a vehicle can vary among insurance companies. Typically, the discount can range from 2% to 10% off the comprehensive portion of your car insurance premium. The exact percentage may depend on the insurer’s specific guidelines, the make and model of your vehicle, and other factors.

Do all vehicles with Electronic Stability Control qualify for insurance discounts?

Not all vehicles with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) automatically qualify for insurance discounts. The eligibility for discounts can vary based on the insurance company’s policies and guidelines. Some insurance providers may offer discounts for all vehicles equipped with ESC, while others may have specific requirements based on the vehicle’s make, model, year, or other safety features. It’s best to check with your insurance company to understand their specific eligibility criteria.

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