Today’s vehicles come equipped with safety features that can lessen the effects of crashes or even stop them before they happen. An anti-lock braking system (ABS) is a great example, and you may receive an insurance discount if your car has it.
This article will tell about the anti-lock brakes discount. We’ll also talk about the major insurance companies that offer it.
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What Are Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS)?
An anti-lock braking system (ABS) is a safety feature that helps prevent you from losing control of your car if you need to stop suddenly. Specifically, anti-lock brakes stops your wheels from locking up when you apply pressure to the brake pedal, which could cause you to skid and lose control. ABS automatically pump the hydraulic fluid in your line to help your car keep its traction. And it does this incredibly fast, as many as 20 times a second!
Modern vehicles already come with an anti-lock braking systems as a primary safety feature. In fact, since 2012, all cars sold in the United States must include anti-lock brakes. The EU mandated ABS a few years earlier, and it’s been standard equipment since 2004. So, even imported cars should have ABS as standard equipment. Therefore, the chances your vehicle qualifies for this discount are excellent.
How the Anti-Lock Brakes Discount Works
Auto insurance companies offer a wide variety of auto discounts. These can be for traits such as customer loyalty, safe driving, or personal details about you, including your academic performance or job. Insurers often reward drivers who are less at risk of getting into accidents and, in turn, costing them money.
Anti-lock brakes (ABS) are a safety feature insurance companies can’t ignore, often by law. However, they must be factory-installed to qualify. Though an after-market ABS could still help you stay safe, it likely won’t help you save on insurance.
Owning a vehicle with updated safety equipment, such as an anti-lock brakes, proves to your insurer that you care about safety. It’ll also help you avoid costly accident claims. Since most cars in the United States have ABS, insurance providers apply this discount automatically once they determine your vehicle’s make, model, and year.
How Much it Saves You
You could see real savings if your car has an anti-lock braking system. For instance, GEICO reduces car insurance by 5% if you have a factory-installed ABS. But keep in mind you could also be eligible for other vehicle safety discounts if you have a new vehicle. Common examples include:
- Passive restraints (airbags or automatic seat belts)
- Daytime running lights
- Anti-theft devices
- New cars
Note that individual savings for this discount vary. First, your situation is unique. Second, each company has its own specific requirements and internal rate factors. Not only that, but many insurers only reduce the collision portion of your car insurance coverage. It’s a good idea to contact your agent to find out more about what your provider offers.
You could even try finding another company that offers better savings opportunities or rates if your current insurer doesn’t have what you want. One of the most popular strategies is comparing quotes online between top carriers. You could end up walking away with a better deal.
A Few States Require ABS Insurance Discounts
Several states, including New York, understand the importance of anti-lock brakes and have enacted legislation requiring insurers to lower rates for people who have them. At the time of this writing, only three states have legislated reduced rates for ABS:
Companies Offering a Discount for Anti-Lock Brakes
Unfortunately, only a few insurance companies have an ABS discount. Even so, depending on your state of residence, your carrier may be required by law to reduce rates for anti-lock brakes. We recommend contacting your agent from your respective insurer if you have any questions about eligibility.
Below is a list of companies with that offer a discount for anti-lock brakes:
- GEICO
- Farmers (not available in every state)
- State Farm
- Allstate
- American Family
Savings may still be possible if you don’t see your insurer above. Advanced safety features are standard equipment in many modern cars and often qualify for savings. Some local auto insurers probably offer some kind of discount when anti-lock brakes are present.
Anti-Lock Brakes Discount by Company
| Insurance Company | Max Savings |
|---|---|
| GEICO | 5% |
| Farmers | 5% |
| State Farm | 5% |
| Allstate | 10% |
| American Family | N/A |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are anti-lock braking systems (ABS) good to have?
Anti-lock braking systems are an important safety feature. They can be helpful if you find yourself in a situation where you must stop quickly. An ABS prevents your wheels from locking up, helping you maintain traction rather than losing control.
Is car insurance cheaper with anti-lock brakes?
Auto insurance can end up costing less if your car has anti-lock brakes. Most insurers reward policyholders with a lower premium. And you may end up in fewer car accidents, saving you money, time, and grief.
How do I know if I have anti-lock brakes?
You’ll usually know if you have anti-lock brakes when you see a light that says “ABS” on your dashboard when turning your key to the “On” or “Power” position. You could also look up your car’s model and see if it has ABS.
How do I tell my car insurance company I have an ABS?
Your insurer may be able to find out if your car has ABS when you provide your make and model to them. You can also try talking to your car insurance provider to learn about its requirements.
Is it possible to retrofit my car with ABS?
It’s technically possible to install or retrofit a vehicle with ABS, but it doesn’t make sense if your only goal is cheaper car insurance. The reason is that installation costs alone make this project one for home mechanics. The parts can reach $3,000, with most people paying an average of $2,000. Some of these costs will depend on whether the equipment is new or used.
The cost to install an ABS on a car could equal the grand you spent on a control module and four-wheel speed sensors. If that seems expensive, you’re right. Simply swapping old parts for new ones wouldn’t take much labor. But if you want to add an ABS to an older car without modern, fancy electronics, it requires more time and effort from your mechanic than you can save on auto insurance.
