NoClaimsDiscount.co.uk announced today its findings that insurance companies are not lowering premiums on cars whose designs incorporate new safety features, such as self-breaking and night vision. Many car owners pay extra money for state-of-the-
Examples of cars that offer extra safety features include the Mercedes S Class, which has Electronic Stability Programme (ESP). The ESP stabilises the vehicle when it is at risk of skidding. Further, the S Class also has Night View Assist that helps drivers identify obstacles in the dark. Likewise, the Volvo XC60 has impressive safety features, for example it’s "City Safety" feature that autonomously detects potential collisions and automatically prepares the car for breaking in response. If the driver does not take action, the "City Safety" system activates and brakes the car autonomously. Yet, despite the incorporation of these technologies into both the Mercedes S Class and the Volvo XC60, neither vehicle garners a reduced in premium for their respective owners.
NoClaimsDiscount.co.uk asked Nigel Bartram, a Motor Underwriting Strategy Manager for Aviva, for his thoughts on this issue. Bartram's feedback was that premiums have not been reduced due to the fact that the driver can deactivate safety features at his or her discretion. “Although the Mercedes S Class has several safety features, each one can be switched on or off by the driver which defeats the object of offering lower premiums for safer cars," said Bartram.
While consumers often believe that cutting edge safety features will reduce their insurance premiums, the truth is, at least for now, this is not exactly the case. Some insurance providers do seem to be taking notice of the Volvo XC60's "City Safety" feature and may adjust rates in the near future for this particular car. NoClaimsDiscount.co.uk plans to keep stay on top of this story and research any developments to this issue that impacts many drivers. More information can be found at http://www.noclaimsdiscount.co.uk/
