When you’re considering buying a new, fresh-off-the-line car, you’re probably looking for something extra for your money. It might be the onboard systems. Perhaps it’s the horsepower? Most of us would be keen to pick a good-looking model! But the one thing many of us will always check before paying the deposit is the safety rating. It doesn’t matter whether your kids are in the car or it’s just you. You want to know you’ve got the best chance of walking away from any mishap on the road.
What’s Considered Safe?
There is an organization called the IIHS that rates every new vehicle for safety. Why do they do it? Much of the data collated is used to inform insurance firms about risk. But you can use their ratings to make informed decisions about buying your next vehicle. Ultimately, they’re looking at how well a vehicle can protect the occupants in a crash.
There are, of course, some factors that you could consider beyond the safety rating. Larger vehicles tend to offer more protection than the most compact models. This isn’t just due to cabin size but also the overall weight of the vehicle. Don’t forget that the time of day you drive, the weather conditions, and your own driving style might affect safety too!
Best Manufacturers?
Toyota has vehicles in several categories that have scored well this year. The Corolla, Prius, and Rav4 are worth a special mention. This list gives you several vehicles to suit your needs. The Honda CR-V and Nissan Rogue are popular SUV options that have proven themselves to meet the highest demands of safety too. For the smaller models, the Chevrolet Volt and Hyundai Elantra both offer optional front safety extras that could be worth including.
Obviously, there will always be plenty of choices, but perhaps you’re wondering if a higher price tag offers additional safety? It is true that more midsize and large size luxury cars were awarded top marks for safety than mid-range or budget options. What price would you put on your safety though? According to the Law Offices of Dorothy Hyde, the losses suffered from vehicle collisions might be emotional and physical as well as financial. If your vehicle can protect you from some of that damage, then perhaps it is worth the extra price tag after all.
And The Prize Goes To?
That depends exactly what you’re looking for. The IIHS has identified 11 vehicles with no reports of death due to crashes between 2012 and 2015. Audi has two vehicles on the list – the Q7 and the A6 all-wheel-drive. Neither has won the very top prize this year, despite being highly acclaimed. However, BMW’s 5 Series is continuing to impress the safety judges. Which vehicles would you look to for safety?
It’s worth doing your homework when you’re shopping for a brand new car. You should also check the safety rating for any used vehicle you might be interested in. If nothing else, it might help keep your insurance premium down!
