Safety Features Car Insurance Discounts [2025]

Increased safety features can reduce your car insurance rates by up to 8%. Car insurance companies using safety rating services from the IIHS and Kelly Blue Book to determine a vehicle's rates.

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Rachel Bodine

Feature Writer

Rachel Bodine graduated from college with a BA in English. She has since worked as a Feature Writer in the insurance industry and gained a deep knowledge of state and countrywide insurance laws and rates. Her research and writing focus on helping readers understand their insurance coverage and how to find savings. Her expert advice on insurance has been featured on sites like PhotoEnforced, All...

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Rachel Bodine
Michelle Robbins

Licensed Insurance Agent

Michelle Robbins has been a licensed insurance agent for over 13 years. Her career began in the real estate industry, supporting local realtors with title Insurance. After several years, Michelle shifted to real estate home warranty insurance, where she managed a territory of over 100 miles of real estate professionals. Later, Agent Robbins obtained more licensing and experience serving families a...

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Michelle Robbins

Updated February 2024

Here's what you need to know...

  • Write down all of your car’s safety features before you obtain your final insurance quote
  • Some safety features come standard in all vehicles while others are optional upgrades
  • There are several resources you can use to find the best car with the most safety features

You can receive car insurance discounts if your vehicle has certain car safety features.The discounts vary by company, but it is always a good idea to ask your insurance agent if your car’s features qualify.Compare online car insurance rates now by entering your ZIP code into the toolbox below!

Traditional Safety Features

There are a few safety features that come with practically every car.Normally car insurance companies will provide discounts for even these common features.A few of these features include:

  • Safety Restraints – save lives and reduce injuries in car accidents
  • Daytime Running Lights  – enhance visibility during daylight hours (read our “Daytime Running Lights Car Insurance Discounts” for more information)
  • Brakes – allow the car to stop safely during rain or snow or on unpaved roads
  • Stability control anti-lock control helps the car maintain traction in a skid
  • Air Bags – prevents injury to individuals in serious front impact crashes
  • Headrests – can help prevent whiplash

Read more: Electronic Stability Control Car Insurance Discounts

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Additional Safety Features

There are additional safety features that do not come automatically with your vehicle.Check to see your vehicle has any of the following features:

  • Anti-theft devices – anything that hinders a car from being stolen such as a car alarm
  • Night vision  dashboards that provide night vision to drivers
  • Drowsy driver warning system – usually found in high-end cars and helps prevent accidents caused by sleepy drivers
  • Lane departure warning system – notifies the driver when he or she is moving out of the lane without a turn signal

Car Safety Rating

The car safety rating will either help or hurt you when it comes to car insurance.The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety rates vehicles on how they hold up in a car crash and how the crash test dummies respond in a car accident.The results provide a rating that your insurance company will use to calculate an insurance quote.

Often, the size of the car and type of vehicle will affect the safety rating.

Smaller cars are often considered to be more dangerous than larger one (read our “The Best Small Car Safety Ratings” for more information). Cars with powerful engines that are more likely to be driven fast are also thought of as more dangerous.

Read more: Adaptive Headlights Car Insurance Discounts

How can I find out which cars offer the best safety features?

If you are looking for the best features in terms of crash safety, then you will want to visit the IIHS website. On this site, you can find virtually any make or model of vehicle and you can review its safety data.If you are looking for more detailed information, there are two sources that you can use.

  • The first is Kelly Blue Book. Kelly Blue Book rates vehicles on a number of factors, including safety. What’s more, it will provide you with the cost value of the vehicle.
  • Another source is Consumer Reports. While you will have to pay an annual fee to see the information found here, Consumer Reports offers unbiased reviews of most late model vehicles

You can get online car insurance rates from active providers by entering your ZIP code right now!

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Case Studies: Safety Features Car Insurance Discounts

Case Study 1: Jane’s Discounted Premium

Jane recently purchased a new car equipped with advanced safety features such as lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. Due to these additional safety features, her car insurance company offered her an 8% discount on her premium. This resulted in significant savings for Jane and provided her with added peace of mind on the road.

Case Study 2: Mark’s Enhanced Safety Rating

Mark owns a family SUV with excellent safety ratings based on crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS). His car’s high safety rating positively influenced his insurance rates, leading to a lower premium compared to vehicles with lower safety ratings. Mark’s decision to prioritize safety paid off both in terms of protection on the road and financial savings.

Case Study 3: Sarah’s Basic Safety Features

Sarah drives a compact car that comes with standard safety features such as airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), and electronic stability control (ESC). Although these features are common in most vehicles, they still qualify for insurance discounts. Sarah’s insurance company recognized the presence of these safety features and rewarded her with a reduced premium.

Case Study 4: Jack’s Size and Vehicle Type Impact

Jack owns a high-performance sports car known for its powerful engine and smaller size. While he enjoys the performance and style of his car, he is aware that such features can influence his insurance rates. Jack’s small, powerful car means higher risk, leading to higher insurance premiums compared to larger, less powerful vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can safety features on my car help reduce my insurance rates?

Yes, increased safety features can lead to car insurance discounts of up to 8%. Car insurance companies use safety rating services like the IIHS and Kelley Blue Book to determine a vehicle’s rates.

What are some common safety features that may qualify for insurance discounts?

Some common safety features that may qualify for discounts include airbags, anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and traction control.

Are there additional safety features that can qualify for discounts?

Yes, there are additional safety features that may not come automatically with your vehicle. Some examples include lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision warning.

How does the car safety rating affect insurance rates?

Car safety ratings, determined by organizations like the IIHS, can impact insurance rates. Insurance companies consider how well a vehicle performs in crash tests and the resulting injury risk to occupants. Generally, vehicles with higher safety ratings may have lower insurance rates.

Where can I find information on car safety features and ratings?

You can visit the IIHS website to find information on the crash safety ratings of various makes and models. They provide comprehensive data on the safety performance of vehicles. Additionally, insurance companies may provide information on their websites or through their agents.

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