When it’s time to get a new vehicle, there are costs to consider beyond the car financing, like auto insurance. Getting a vehicle with certain safety features from your car dealer can help you get lower premiums when you insure it, as they minimize injury, deter theft, and prevent accidents. The following are some key safety features to ask your car dealer about if you want lower insurance premiums.

What Vehicle Features Can Lower Car Insurance Premiums?

1. Anti-Theft Devices

Anti-theft features on your vehicle deter thieves or prevent theft entirely, so they can get you discounts on comprehensive policies that cover theft. These features include car alarm systems that scare people away from breaking into your car and kill switches that prevent hotwiring. You can also install a GPS tracker in your vehicle so you can quickly locate it if it is stolen. Steering wheel locks are also smart investments, as they're highly visible and fit over the steering wheel, making it inoperable and deterring most thieves.

2. Air Bags, Seatbelts & Anti-Lock Braking Systems

These features come standard on most models, and they can score you lower premiums on collision and bodily injury policies. Standard safety features reduce the risk of severe injury in accidents, and anti-lock braking systems prevent your wheels from locking if you slam on the brakes, giving you a chance to maintain control of your vehicle in an emergency. 

3. Automated Driving Safety Features

New or lightly used cars may have automated driving features that prevent accidents and may get you a lower premium. The lane departure feature, for instance, detects road lines and alerts you if you stray from your lane, sometimes even correcting so you stay in it. Object detection features can apply the brakes if they detect an impending collision or obstacle, and attention alert features will alarm or decelerate if you aren’t looking at the road, discouraging distracted driving.

4. Electronic Stability Control

Electronic stability control systems are required in 2012 or newer models, and some companies offer discounts on collision policies if your vehicle has one. These systems work to keep your car from skidding or rolling over during hazardous maneuvers, like swerving. The system can apply automatic braking to individual wheels to maintain traction, such as on slippery roads or around sharp corners.

If you’re looking for a reliable car dealer who can help you find these safety features on a used car, contact Paniagua Auto Mall in Dalton, GA. They value honesty and transparency, with highly competitive prices on their vehicles. With a large lot and dependable mechanics to maintain their inventory, they work with all budgets and can help you find car financing options. Browse their inventory online, or speak with a representative by calling (706) 529-1919.