The days of vehicles existing as simply a mechanical option to get you from point A to point B are over. Technology advances are increasingly making their way into cars, revolutionizing the way we drive, the way we stay safe on the road, the way we control interior comforts and the way we communicate and stay entertained.
Some of these technologies include:
Connected vehicles. We spend much of our lives in our vehicles, so it makes sense that they should be connected to our lives. Car manufacturers are increasingly adding connectivity features to vehicles so they will integrate with our communications, our social media accounts, our online shopping and our entertainment platform of choice. Other vehicles offer artificial intelligence-based personal assistants that will, for example, turn up the AC if the driver reports they are overheated, or even call for emergency services in the event a driver is incapacitated.
Keyless entry. While keyless entry is not new – it has been around in higher model cars since the 1990s – new sensor technologies have evolved since then. Many automakers are now offering keyless entry in the form of smart keys. Used in conjunction with car doors that have touch sensors, these hands-free smart keys rely on proximity sensing. When the key or keycard approaches the vehicle, it knows to unlock the car the moment the driver places his or her hand on the vehicle’s door handle.
New safety features. Beyond airbags and back-up cameras, today’s vehicles have a host of new safety features that can help keep the occupants of the car, as well as those around it, safe. These include sensors for blind spot monitoring, cameras and sensors that let you know when you’re drifting into a different lane, and automatic braking that will initiate even if you’ve taken your eyes off the road for a moment.
Safety features in tires. Nothing takes you off the road faster than a tire puncture or blowout. Some automakers are offering a tire system that allows a vehicle with punctured tires to continue traveling safely at a lower speed for a limited distance so you can reach a safe place to pull over and have your tire replaced. For the future, tire manufacturers are experimenting with self-healing tires that can actually repair themselves after a puncture.
Telematics. Telematics is a system that uses a collection of sensors to monitor how you are driving. These technologies include GPS, an accelerometer and a gyroscope to measure your speed, your braking habits and your swerving. While the technology may seem like it’s “spying” on your driving, one benefit is that you may be entitled to breaks on your insurance premiums if your telematics system demonstrates that you are a safe driver.
How Safety Features Affect Your Insurance
In some cases, safety features may render you eligible for lower car insurance premiums. Many auto insurers already give safe drivers a break based on their telematics history. Features such as navigation assistance, backup cameras and theft prevention solutions may entitle you to further discounts.
Talk to a Professional Insurance Agent In Connecticut, Petruzelo Insurance offers personal and business policies, including auto insurance, that fit your needs. Call us at 866-479-3327 or visit our web site for more information.