Buying a Safer Car? Get Tips From Tri Star Insurance
Posted by John Coyle on Tue, Feb 03, 2009
So you’ve decided to buy a car, truck or minivan. Now for the ultimate question, which one will you choose? Not only are there hundreds of makes, models, colors and sizes to pick from, but also each car comes with its own set of special features such as speed, handling and safety. When buying a car, the best rule of thumb is to keep safety first. According to the National Highway Transportation Administration, car crashes result in over 40,000 fatalities each year. Choosing a car on looks alone can be a dangerous and costly mistake.
In addition to shopping for a safer car, purchasing a comprehensive auto insurance policy to compliment your vehicle is ideal. As a driver, you are not only responsible for the car, but the passengers as well. Tri Star Insurance Professionals Inc., servicing North Dallas, Frisco, Allen and the surrounding areas, can help you determine what auto insurance coverage is right for you at a competitive price.
Every car must meet certain federal safety standards, so whether you are buying a new or used car, there are many things to take into consideration such as:
Design: A car’s structural design says a lot about how safe it is. In the event of an accident, the front and rear ends are designed to absorb the force of the crash. So purchasing a vehicle with a solid, well-built occupant compartment is essential to decreasing the likelihood of an injury.
Size: One would think that a larger, heavier car would fare better in a collision and they’d be right. Depending on the accident, smaller cars have a tendency to take the full force of an impact, leaving larger cars less damaged. However, as this is not always the case, don’t just write off a smaller car as a death trap. If you are partial to compact cars, look for one that is equipped with the latest safety hardware, such as stability control and side air bags.
Restraint: Everyone knows that wearing a seatbelt dramatically cuts down the risk of death in a collision, and in most states not wearing one is against the law. Seatbelts, airbags and head restraints work as one to protect you by reducing the chance that you will slam into something or fly through the window shield. In the interest of buying a safer car, always check that the restraint systems are working properly.
Brakes: Conventional brakes are no longer considered as safe because of their tendency to lock up causing skidding and lack of vehicle control. Newer cars are usually equipped with anti-lock brakes that automatically pump the brakes every few seconds to prevent lock up and let you retain control. The only downside to anti-lock brakes is that while safer, they won’t help you come to a stop more quickly.
When you need auto insurance for your safer car, truck or minvan remember that Tri-Star Insurance is ready to assist you. Call 214-387-0600 or visit www.tristarins.com today to speak with an agent to find out more about auto insurance policies. Fill out the form below for more information.