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As a savvy auto insurance policy holder, you probably already know that many factors influence your premium. They include such items as where you live, your driving record and credit score, how you use your vehicle and many others. What you might not know is that your vehicle's industry safety rating is also a factor.

Auto insurance companies determine the risk level of your vehicle by analyzing the industry rating and replacement value as well as safety record, safety features and more for each car, truck, van and SUV. Insurers study the risk of insuring a vehicle by considering many factors, including the amount of glass in the vehicle, whether or not it has acceptable airbags, anti-theft devices, traction control, anti-lock brakes, daytime running lights and more.

Moreover, the crash test results play a large role in their decision.

All vehicles in the U.S. are evaluated for performance during crash testing (such as the testing performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety). Typically, the higher the crash test rating a vehicle earns, the lower the risk assigned to it. This impacts auto insurance rates. Get more details about Crash Testing by IIHS

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) performs exhaustive testing on all sizes of cars, vans, SUVs and trucks. Each year, the IIHS publishes its list of Top Safety Picks which are based on five criteria:

• Good Rear Crashworthiness based on the structure of the head restraint and a test of the seat and head restraints in the vehicle.
• Good Frontal Crashworthiness based on a 40MPH frontal offset crash test
• Good Side Crashworthiness based on results when the vehicle's side is struck by a barrier at 31MPH
• Electronic Stability Control which is a measure of the degree to which a driver can maintain control when a vehicle might spin out
• Good Rollover Crashworthiness based on testing of the roof strength as compared to vehicle weight

It is worthwhile to look closely at the crash test rating before purchasing a vehicle. In fact, we advise that you speak to an insurance agent such as those at the Boizelle Insurance Partnership to find out about insurance rates before signing your next vehicle purchase agreement. We welcome your auto insurance questions; so feel free to contact us at your convenience.

Learn more about Auto Insurance

See a list of this year's Top Safety Picks

Find out about insurance rates before your purchase your next vehicle