Modern technology has many uses other than just browsing the
net and downloading videos like saving on car insurance premiums. Several high
tech devices enable car owners to save on their regular car premiums. Insurance
companies partially based policy rates on car safety features like seatbelts,
airbags, antilock brakes, and other high tech devices. While not all insurance
providers offer discounts for adding high tech devices to vehicles, some offer considerable
savings that should be reviewed. Know about current technological devices that
may provide car insurance discounts based on your provider and car owned.
Ford SYNC
Ford is teaming up with State Farm Insurance to send driver
information to the insurer by linking the FORD SYNC device via mobile phones.
This technology is already being used for browsing and making hands-free calls
while driving as efforts to have cars connected to the Internet improves.
Drivers that register with SYNC send electronic records of
their mileage to the insurance company for possible premium discounts according
to the real usage of their cars. Ford claims that drivers will be able to save
up to 40% in insurance rates with the SYNC technology. As Ford enters the market
with new technologies for consumers to save on premium rates, other car
manufacturers are sure to follow.
ONSTAR
OnStar and GMAC insurance have low mileage discount rates
for people that drive less to save extra money. It is an opt-in program for
drivers with OnStar to save up to 54% on premiums. New customers get an
automatic 11% discount by subscribing to the OnStar and GMAC plan. Subscribers
only need to allow the OnStar vehicle diagnostic’s odometer reading to be sent
to GMAC. GMAC only uses odometers reading to determine the discount that
applies to drivers based on miles driven. No other data is used from the OnStar
device. GMAC event mentions that no penalties or fees are imposed for people
that driver over 15,000 miles per year.
Live Saving Technology
Vehicle manufacturers are constantly developing and
implementing new technological features to improve driving conditions and
safety. Car insurance providers consider such safety features while calculating
insurance rates based on the possibility of injury and collisions, amongst
others.
1. ABS (Anti-lock brake systems). ABS allows tires to lock while braking, avoiding loss of control and skidding.
2. Alarms to wake up drivers. Systems like Mercedes’ Attention Assist System analyze drivers’ habits in case of drowsiness while driving with warning alarms.3. Night vision. There are many forms of night vision devices like thermal-imaging cameras and infrared headlights. These devices allow drivers to see the road better during harsh weather conditions.4. Emergency response devices. These devices are able to unlock doors, turn on lights, and shut off fuel lines in case of an emergency like a collision.5. Rearview cameras. Consumers can use rearview cameras to avoid accidents while on driving on reverse.
Several technological devices offer substantial savings to
drivers that use them based on their personal driving habits and insurance
provider. Not only do these devices increase driving safety, but can lower
premium rates for consumers to save hundreds of dollars per year. Insurance
companies determine rates based on the driving risks involved. With the use of
technology, driving risks can be greatly reduced.
This
article is provided courtesy of Cheap Car Insurance Experts, a consumer website
that helps people find low cost auto insurance companies and
provides news and tips on general car topics.
