Cash in on Car Insurance Discounts

Driving a safe car is its own reward. You enjoy the peace of mind of knowing that the equipment on your vehicle can help you prevent accidents and minimize your injuries in the event that a collision does occur. In addition to these benefits, certain vehicle safety devices can qualify you for substantial car insurance discounts. Insurers understand that vehicle safety equipment reduces the likelihood of accidents and injuries, thereby also reducing the likelihood of a claim. Carriers reward this lower risk with lower premiums. Read on for a description of the car safety devices for which insurers most commonly offer discounts.

1. Air bags. If your vehicle has airbags on the driver's side of the vehicle, you can save up to 25% on your car insurance premiums. For vehicles with airbags on both sides of the vehicle, the discount may be as large as 40%. These discounts apply to the personal injury protection (PIP) or medical payments coverage of your car insurance policy.
2. Anti-lock brakes. A factory-installed, all-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS) will usually qualify you for a small discount on your collision premium. Almost all newer cars are equipped with ABS, but few people receive this discount because they do not mention it to their insurance agents.
3. Restraint system (seatbelts). Insurers usually offer discounts for factory-installed passive restraint systems, otherwise known as motorized seatbelts. This discount will apply to the medical payments portion of your policy.
4. Automatic daytime running lights. If your car has automatic daytime running lights, you could qualify for a modest discount on your collision premiums. Daytime running lights are basically headlights that the driver cannot shut off unless the vehicle is turned off. Automatic daytime running lights increase the visibility of the vehicle, which reduces the risk of a collision.
5. Anti-theft devices. Vehicles that came with approved anti-theft equipment may qualify you for a discount of up to 25% on your comprehensive premiums in some states. A car alarm is the most common example of a vehicle anti-theft device, but many insurers require the alarm to be automatically enabled in order to qualify for a discount.
6. Lo-Jack system. Technically speaking, a Lo-Jack system is an anti-theft device, but it is much more sophisticated than the typical car alarm or other traditional equipment. A Lo-Jack system enables local law enforcement officers to track a vehicle's location once it's been stolen. With some insurers, a Lo-Jack system can save you up to 10% on your comprehensive car insurance premiums.
7. VIN-etched windows. A few carriers will discount your comprehensive auto insurance premiums if you have your vehicle's VIN etched into all of your windows.