Does my car’s restraint system matter to my insurance company? (2026 Answers)
People often ask, "Does my car’s restraint system matter to my insurance company?" Yes, a car’s restraint system can significantly lower your monthly insurance rates by up to 40%. Cars with passive or active restraint systems, airbags, and other advanced safety features often qualify for these discounts.
Read more
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Find the Lowest Car Insurance Rates Today
Quote’s drivers have found rates as low as $42/month in the last few days!
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Insurance and Finance Writer
Laura Gunn is a former teacher who uses her passion for writing and learning to help others make the best decisions regarding finance and insurance. After stepping away from the classroom, Laura used her skills to write across many different industries including insurance, finance, real estate, home improvement, and healthcare. Her experience in various industries has helped develop both her ...
Laura Gunn
Licensed Insurance Agent
Chris is the founder of Abrams Insurance Solutions and Marcan Insurance, which provide personal financial analysis and planning services for families and small businesses across the U.S. His companies represent nearly 100 of the top-rated insurance companies. Chris has been a licensed insurance agent since 2009 and has active insurance licenses in all 50 U.S. states and D.C. Chris works tireles...
Chris Abrams
Updated March 2025
Does my car’s restraint system matter to my insurance company? Yes, having a vehicle equipped with passive or active restraint systems, airbags, and other advanced safety features can lower your monthly insurance rates by up to 40%. Insurance companies offer these discounts because safer cars reduce the likelihood of severe injuries in an accident.
Safety features play a crucial role in reducing the likelihood of expensive claims, which not only keeps you protected but also lowers your premiums. If your vehicle is equipped with these important safety systems, you’re more likely to get better rates from cheap auto insurance companies. Therefore, it’s important to factor these features into your car selection process.
No matter how much coverage you need, you can find the lowest rates by entering your ZIP code into our free comparison tool.
- A car’s restraint system significantly affects insurance premiums
- Safety features like airbags can lead to insurance discounts
- Monthly rates may decrease by up to 40% with advanced restraint systems
A Restraint System is Important for Vehicle Safety
Passive restraints in your vehicle consist of your seat belts and airbags. While a restraint system can’t help you avoid an accident, it can keep you safer when one occurs. The purpose of a restraint system is to reduce bodily injuries during an accident. For example, a seat belt will keep passengers in place and prevent ejection from the vehicle.
Passive seat belts engage automatically when your car starts or begins to move. While car manufacturers are enhancing safety measures, many drivers still overlook these features. Reading about driving tips for road safety is essential to ensure you’re maximizing the use of these important safety features.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 47% of people killed in car accidents in 2017 weren’t wearing seat belts. Airbags prevent your head from hitting hard surfaces such as the window or steering wheel. Thankfully, most newer cars come with several safety features, including automatic seat belts and airbags.
Free Insurance Comparison
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Auto Insurance Companies Offer Discounts for Restraint Systems
Auto insurance companies love the safety features of your vehicle. Not only do they prevent severe injury or death, but they also save insurance companies money. Auto insurance usually includes bodily injury coverage if you, a passenger, or another driver are injured in an accident. The greater the injury, the more the insurance company pays out.
Additionally, some insurance providers offer a passive restraint discount for vehicles equipped with advanced safety features. This discount acknowledges the reduced risk of injury when safety features like airbags and seat belts are in place, providing you with potential cost savings on your insurance premiums.
Insurance companies offer incentives for drivers with a restraint system in their vehicles. In fact, all of the top auto insurance companies provide a passive restraint discount. Not all discounts are the same, though. For example, Geico offers a 40% discount, but Nationwide only offers a 20% discount.
Car insurance companies also reward you for safe driving. While drivers with clean driving records receive low rates, drivers with accidents, tickets, and DUIs will see higher rates.
Take a look at this table for comparison. Average annual auto insurance rates from top companies are listed based on driving records. It might surprise you just how much safe driving can save you.
Average Annual Auto Insurance Rates Based on Driving History
| Company | Average Annual Rates with Clean Record | Average Annual Rates with 1 Accident | Average Annual Rates with 1 DUI | Average Annual Rates with 1 Speeding Violation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | $3,819.90 | $4,987.68 | $6,260.73 | $4,483.51 |
 | $2,693.61 | $3,722.75 | $4,330.24 | $3,025.74 |
 | $3,460.60 | $4,518.73 | $4,718.75 | $4,079.01 |
 | $2,145.96 | $3,192.77 | $4,875.87 | $2,645.43 |
 | $4,774.30 | $6,204.78 | $7,613.48 | $5,701.26 |
 | $2,746.18 | $3,396.95 | $4,543.20 | $3,113.68 |
 | $3,393.09 | $4,777.04 | $3,969.65 | $4,002.28 |
 | $2,821.18 | $3,396.01 | $3,636.80 | $3,186.01 |
 | $3,447.69 | $4,289.74 | $5,741.40 | $4,260.80 |
 | $1,933.68 | $2,516.24 | $3,506.03 | $2,193.25 |
Avoiding accidents and practicing safe driving will save you money and keep you safe.
Other Auto Insurance Discounts Are Available Based on Your Vehicle
Car insurance discounts are an excellent way to save money on insurance. Discounts based on your car’s safety features are also the easiest to add. Savings based on safe driving are also available. For example, you may be eligible for a safe driver discount of up to 35% if you haven’t had any recent accidents.
A car’s restraint system significantly impacts insurance rates, potentially saving you up to 40% on monthly premiums.
Kristen Gryglik Licensed Insurance Agent
You can also get a defensive driving discount for taking a course. Many states even let you use the class to remove points from your driver’s license. Other auto insurance discounts include multi-car, multi-policy, continuous coverage, and paperless billing discounts. There are many types of discounts that may be available to you.
Restraint System: What You Need To Know
Car insurance companies offer restraint system discounts because reduced bodily injuries mean fewer payouts after an accident. Your vehicle’s other safety features can also earn you discounts, such as anti-lock brakes and stability control. While restraint systems save you money, they, more importantly, save your life.
Understanding how insurance works can feel complicated, but finding affordable rates doesn’t have to be. Enter your ZIP code for the best insurance rates possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a safety restraint system mean?
A safety restraint system includes the equipment found in vehicles, like seat belts and airbags, designed to secure occupants and minimize injury risks during collisions. Understanding these systems is crucial for safety auto insurance, particularly when considering passive restraint systems and sanitized passenger restraint features.
What is an example of an active restraint in a car?
An example of an active restraint in a car is an automatic seat belt that actively secures passengers upon the vehicle’s ignition or door closure, ensuring they are restrained before the vehicle is in motion.
What is Geico’s safety restraint device?
Geico’s safety restraint device typically includes features like seat belts and airbags designed to protect passengers during a crash. The Geico defensive driving course highlights the importance of these advanced safety restraint systems. By understanding how they work, you can take advantage of the discounts Geico offers for vehicles that prioritize safety.
What is Geico’s anti-theft device?
Geico offers various anti-theft devices, including GPS tracking systems and alarm systems, that can help prevent vehicle theft and may lead to discounts on insurance premiums.
What is an automatic restraint system in a car?
An automatic restraint system in a car refers to mechanisms like automatic seat belts and airbags that deploy without any action required from the passenger, enhancing safety during a crash.
What is the Chevy service safety restraint system?
The Chevy service safety restraint system consists of seat belts, airbags, and other safety features specifically designed for Chevrolet vehicles to enhance passenger protection. The Chevrolet Camaro auto insurance rates can be influenced by this system, making it important to understand its role in your coverage options based on the keyword.
Where can I find a defensive driving course in NJ with Progressive?
Progressive offers a list of approved defensive driving courses in New Jersey through their website or customer service, allowing drivers to improve their skills and potentially receive discounts on their insurance.
Where is the Farm Bureau located in Lafayette, TN?
The Farm Bureau in Lafayette, TN, can typically be found by searching online for their local office address or by contacting their customer service for specific location details.
Does Geico offer car seat replacement services?
Geico provides car seat replacement services for customers whose child safety seats have been damaged in an accident, which helps ensure the safety of young passengers. As you’ll find in the Geico auto insurance review, this commitment to protecting families is an important aspect of their service. Reading this review will give you further insight into what Geico offers.
What is Geico’s golf cart insurance?
Geico’s golf cart insurance provides coverage for golf carts used for recreational purposes, including liability, theft, and physical damage, ensuring that owners are protected while using their carts.
Where is Geico located in Madison, AL?
What are the reviews for Geico’s golf cart insurance?
What discounts does AAA offer for passive restraint systems?
Is there a government-mandated auto insurance discount for seniors?
What is the GMC service safety restraint system?
What are the reviews for National Automotive Brokerage Services?
What issues arise with the Tesla passenger safety restraint system fault?
What are the different types of vehicle restraint systems?
Does USAA offer a discount for taking a defensive driving course?
What is the USAA defensive driver discount?
Where is Wells Insurance located in Wilmington, NC?
What discounts are available for passive restraint safety equipment?
What dangers are associated with a vehicle that has passive restraints?
Related Articles
-
Mar 2025
Is liability insurance required in Texas?
-
Mar 2025
Auto Insurance for Classic Cars
-
Mar 2025
How To Stop Elderly Parents From Driving
Get a FREE Quote in Minutes
Insurance rates change constantly — we help you stay ahead by making it easy to compare top options and save.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption