Getting good auto insurance quotes after a new car purchase

When shopping for a new car, it's important to be mindful of safety features, as these can drastically lower your auto insurance quotes. Most cars these days come equipped standard with seatbelts, head protection, and airbags, and they all work together to protect your family and your vehicle in case of an accident.

Every year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Agency (NHTSA) determines safety ratings for vehicles based on crash tests. Purchasing a car with higher crash test scores will result in lower premiums, as these vehicles pose less of an insurance risk.

The crash tests performed by the NHTSA help determine how a vehicle will perform if it's involved in an accident. Airbags deploy on impact, ensuring that passengers don't suffer blunt trauma. Side airbags also protect against collisions from other directions instead of head-on. Seatbelts keep a passenger safe in case of vehicle rollover, and also keep the body aligned properly to maximize airbag protection.

Crumple zones help to distribute shock along the body of the vehicle instead of into the cab, which affords more protection for the passengers. Anti-lock brakes prevent the brakes from seizing up when slammed on to prevent collision or in an attempt to gain control on wet or slippery roads. Electronic stability control (ECS) uses computer-controlled braking to further reduce likelihood of control. These two factors combined have cut braking-related damages almost in half, and reduced rollovers by two-thirds.

Size and weight of a vehicle are another determining factor in crash test ratings. The NHTSA suggests that larger, heavier cars provide maximum safety for the passengers within as well as minimizing damage externally. Overall, bigger vehicles like sports utility vehicles have a higher accident survival rates than smaller economy sedans or sportier cars. This is particularly true in the case of multi-vehicle collisions.

Saving money is great, but best of all, a vehicle that meets or exceeds all these safety requirements is better protection for your loved ones. Lower auto insurance quotes are just a bonus.