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Heavy Rain

How Should I Drive in Heavy Rain?

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It starts with a few innocent raindrops on the glass.

At first, you might not even bother to turn on the windshield wipers. But judging from the dark skies and rolling thunder, you know it’s just the beginning.  Before long, your car is under assault from a rapid barrage of descending beads, leaving a blurry barrier on the windshield while the wiper blades swing at full speed trying to whisk rain away.

You’re caught in a deluge on the highway—and it can be a pretty scary feeling, even for the most skilled drivers. Besides being a nerve-racking experience, driving in heavy rain can easily lead to hydroplaning.

So how can you drive safely in heavy rain? Here are six tips to keep in mind:

  • Take some extra precautions. This means slowing down and observing the three-second safe driving rule drivers need to abide no matter the conditions. (In case you need a refresher, the three-second rule says you should pick a landmark that the car in front of you just passed and count to three, making sure a full three seconds passes before you cross the same spot to ensure you are a safe distance from the car in front of you). This is especially important when following large trucks and buses, since the water sprayed from their tires may hit your windshield and limit your vision.
  • Maintain your visibility. Turning your headlights on is an easy way to drive safely in heavy rain. Flip on your lights whenever a weather condition threatens your vision. This includes heavy rain as well as fog. If conditions are especially bad, consider turning on your four-way flashers.
  • Stick to paved surfaces. Driving off-road during wet conditions jeopardizes the traction your tires have on paved surfaces because mud and other debris can collect on them. You should also avoid traveling through puddles or open-water areas – their depth may surprise you.
  • Stay in your vehicle during lightning storms. If the weather outside has become too bad to continue driving or if your car breaks down during a thunderstorm, make sure you stay in your vehicle. Your car provides you with insulated protection against a nearby lighting strike. You won’t enjoy this protection standing out in the open.
  • Don’t drive in flooded areas. Just 12 inches of rushing water can carry away most cars, and just 2 feet of water can do the same to SUVs and trucks. It’s no wonder over half of all flood-related drownings occur when vehicles drive into flood waters, according to the CDC. So. if you have to ask yourself whether you can drive through a flooded road, you already have your answer.
  • Stay home if possible. Sometimes the simplest safety measure is the most effective. Unless you absolutely have to travel, stay in when heavy rains are in the forecast. Unfortunately, in spite of all the precautions we take, accidents can still happen in rainy conditions. And in those situations, having the right auto insurance coverage can make all the difference when you need it.
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Crash Course

Crash Course

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You’re sitting calmly in traffic drumming your fingers on the steering wheel when you hear the sound of brakes screeching from behind. Glancing in the rearview mirror, you see a car barreling toward you and brace for the crash.

In 2023, more than 5.25 million Americans experienced an auto accident, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). While we can’t always prevent accidents from happening, we can prepare for what to do when they occur.

First and foremost, your ERIE Agent is here for you and can guide you through the entire claims process. Our claims adjusters will also help determine the next steps for restoring or replacing your vehicle, and your online account or mobile app will keep you posted on the claims process.

What now?

A car accident is just that, an accident. If you find yourself in the aftermath you might notice that as the adrenaline drops off, your brain starts to whirl with questions. Often, the loudest one is, what now?

First, make sure everyone involved is safe. If your vehicle can be moved out of the roadway, do so. No matter what, be sure to turn on your hazard lights.

Next, remember to stay calm. Take some deep breaths and remember, with ERIE, you are not alone.

Then:

  • Call the police to report the accident. If someone needs medical attention at the scene, call 911
  • If your vehicle needs to be towed, be cautious of predatory towing companies. Using them may result in expensive out of pocket charges. ERIE has a towing program, and you can request an accident tow by using your mobile app. If using a towing provider at the scene, be sure to obtain the towing company name, operator, contact information and location to where the vehicle is being towed.
  • Document the scene. Take notes, photos, videos and voice memos. Make sure to get:
  • Date, time and location
  • Description of what happened, while it’s still fresh in your mind
  • Contact information of those involved and any witnesses
  • Insurance information, driver’s license number and license plate information of all drivers involved
  • Identifying information of all responding officers
  • Photos of the involved vehicle from different angles, showing the damage done to both cars. Note that if you use ERIE’s photo appraisal option, you’ll need to take additional photos of your vehicle during the photo appraisal process.
  • Copy of final accident report

If your accident was the result of a hit and run, the steps don’t vary much. Record any details you may recall about the vehicle that hit you and gather witness statements and contact information.

Finally, contact your Erie Insurance Agent directly to begin the claims process. Even if your accident occurs in a state outside of ERIE’s footprint, your ERIE Agent can gather the information, talk about next steps and submit the claim.

Did you know?

ERIE includes basic transportation car coverage automatically in most states when you purchase comprehensive coverage. You’re covered for a compact sedan rental car. If you need a larger rental vehicle, you could purchase additional coverage. While many competitors pay for either a certain percentage of costs or a capped dollar amount, ERIE’s coverage can pay for rental cars for up to 45 days.2

To have rental car coverage for collision losses, such as when you hit another car or a fence, building or pole, you would need to add the coverage to your policy.

What’s next?

Once a claim is submitted, if you have an online account or ERIE’s mobile app, you can monitor your claim and check the status at any time, when it’s convenient for you. You have the option to receive updates via text or phone call.

Check in…when and where you want

It isn’t a secret that pretty much everything can be done with a smartphone these days. Whether it’s checking the forecast or shopping for groceries, there’s usually an app or process to help you.

Your claim status isn’t much different.

While your Agent is always there to assist you through a claim after an auto accident, ERIE also has tools for Customers that want to monitor and communicate during their claim electronically. With ERIE’s claim status feature, you can keep an eye on your claim status timeline, which can provide:

  • An overview of the claim, including a small timeline of what’s been done and what’s happening next.
  • Vehicle rental confirmation and details. If you have transportation coverage on your policy, this would include the rental car company, reservation number, type of vehicle and the rental car period.
  • Direct Repair Program (DRP) information, including repair shop details and contact information. ERIE’s DRP program can help speed up the repair process, so we can get you back on the road ASAP.
  • A communication log. You can see all of the points of contact throughout the process and if there is anything that needs follow up.
  • Payment confirmation, should ERIE make an e-payment directly to you, the Customer.

Download an ERIE online account and mobile app

If you don’t have an ERIE online account yet or haven’t downloaded the mobile app, this is a great time.

Not only does your online account have the ability to show your claim status, but you can also:

  • View your ERIE Agent’s contact information
  • View policies and full declarations pages (You can select the option to go paperless, too)
  • View auto ID card (not available in NY)
  • View your billing and payment activity (as well as make a payment)

What else can I do in claim status?

Not every auto accident is the same. There are some additional items that you can view in your claim status based on your specific situation, such as:

  • Towing information, including what towing company is servicing the claim, the status of the tow, pickup and destination locations and reference number.
  • Total Loss. When you experience a total loss, you’ll see this in your claim status timeline. You’ll also see the involved vehicle’s information and total dollar amount owed from the claim.

When you experience a total loss, this is when your Auto Security coverage would help. Auto Security allows you to replace your totaled vehicle with a newer one with fewer miles or cover the difference between what you owe and your car’s value.1 If you don’t have Auto Security on your auto policy, talk to your ERIE Agent about adding it.

Claim status is convenient and can be accessible from both your mobile device or desktop computer. It’s a great way to keep track of the status of your claim anytime, from anywhere.

Claim status is available for boat and property claims, too. Past claims are available for six months after the close date for any reference you may need. Just like having multiple policies with your ERIE Agent, all of your information is stored in one convenient place.

Your ERIE agent is with you every mile

Within your online account’s claim status, your Agent sees what you see. They know exactly what coverages are applicable and can provide guidance on the right services for you. By sharing the same view, your Agent can track your claim’s status and answer any questions along the way.

The last thing you want to do is write down phone numbers or keep track of your claim’s progress. That’s why everything is conveniently done within your online account and with the help of your ERIE Agent.

While you always have the choice in how to communicate with your Agent and ERIE, providing different options allows you to customize the experience that best works for you. Regardless of how you communicate, your Agent is the best place to start when you have a claim.

Whether you’re calling about a claim or going over your policies during a review, your Agent is here for you through it all.

Your auto policy is more than a paper document. It includes an Agent that acts as your advisor, claims team members to help you get back on the road and tools to make navigating insurance a little easier.

For any questions—about your rates, coverage or anything else—your ERIE Agent is here for you, at any time.

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IIHS - The Safest Cars

IIHS: The Safest Cars of 2024

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The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) TOP SAFETY PICK award list is out, and car manufacturers faced stiffer requirements to earn honors in this 2024.

But while IIHS made award criteria tougher for 2024 by introducing revised crash tests and requiring manufacturers to meet higher standards in several areas, 71 models qualified this year, including 22 earning TOP SAFETY PICK+ status. By comparison, 48 models were named TOP SAFETY PICKs in 2023.

In its annual list, the IIHS announces which new models performed best in its evaluations. The list is organized by size and type on the IIHS website.

2024’s TOP SAFETY PICKs

The IIHS awarded winners in 12 categories, from small cars to large pickups.

Among carmakers, several manufacturers stood out:

  • Hyundai Motor Group, which includes the Hyundai, Genesis and Kia brands, earned the most awards overall with 16—six TOP SAFETY PICK+ and 10 TOP SAFETY PICK selections.
  • Toyota Motor Corp., which includes the Toyota and Lexus brands, has the next highest total with one TOP SAFETY PICK+ and 12 TOP SAFETY PICKs.
  • Mazda earned the most TOP SAFETY PICK+ selections with five. The manufacturer also earned one TOP SAFETY PICK.

When it came to auto classification, TOP SAFETY PICK+ awards were bestowed to five models in each of the small SUV, midsize SUV and midsize luxury SUV classes. Additionally, 12 Midsize luxury SUVs earned TOP SAFETY PICK honors.

Four models in the small car class earned TOP SAFETY PICK+ awards, while two midsize cars and one large luxury car earned the distinction. No other class had one.

For the full list of winners and ratings, visit https://www.iihs.org/ratings/top-safety-picks

How Are TOP SAFETY PICKs Determined?

Each year, the IIHS, a nonprofit research and education organization, conducts tests to determine how vehicles fare in two aspects of safety: crashworthiness and crash avoidance/mitigation. It also evaluates other elements of vehicle safety, such as headlight ratings.

IIHS introduced several changes this year to its award criteria intended to encourage automakers to pursue higher levels of safety:

  • A “good” rating in the side crash test is required for either a TOP SAFETY PICK or TOP SAFETY PICK+.
  • Vehicles must earn “acceptable” or “good” in a revised version of the pedestrian front crash prevention evaluation to qualify for either award.
  • Vehicles must earn “acceptable” or “good” in the updated moderate front overlap test, which added a second dummy seated behind the passenger, to qualify for TOP SAFETY PICK+ status.
  • The driver-side and passenger-side evaluations were combined into a single rating.

Award winners must also have “good” or “acceptable” headlights on all trim levels.

Insurance for New—and Used—Cars

Car shopping doesn’t just mean kicking tires and taking test drives. It’s also an ideal time to examine your auto insurance options.

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Auto Coverage

Company Vehicles: Purchasing, Maintenance and Resale

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Business fleets come in many shapes and sizes from two or three sedans to hundreds of commercial delivery trucks. But they all have one thing in common: they meet the essential transportation needs of the companies they serve.

When managed correctly, a fleet of vehicles can help you reduce expenses and improve the efficiency of your business. But if you don’t plan wisely, owning or leasing a fleet can have the opposite effect and will eat away at your bottom line through added ownership and maintenance costs.

Naturally, many business owners can be a little apprehensive about getting into fleet management, especially with the added stressors of the past few years. Car chip shortages are still impacting vehicle inventories and the price of available vehicles has risen, along with interest rates. Not to mention the impact current events have on gas prices.

To help educate you on the basics, we’ve reached out to an expert: ERIE’s own corporate fleet program manager who is responsible for purchasing and maintaining a massive fleet of vehicles that travel more than two million miles each month!

To help put your mind at ease, here are answers to some of the most common questions business owners may have when starting their own fleet.

What Type of Vehicle Should I Choose for My Fleet?

When a business is considering owning a vehicle (or vehicles) for employees to drive, it’s important to consider how it will be used. By assessing the needs of your business, you can narrow down the type of vehicle you should be looking for:

  • Transporting passengers: If you’ll be using your fleet vehicle to carry people (like offering a shuttle or taxi service), then you’ll probably want a minivan, full-size van or large SUV.
  • Sales force: When an employee is using a fleet vehicle for personal travel to and from clients, a sedan, compact utility vehicle (CUV) or small SUV is the most economical option.
  • Service: For jobs where an employee needs to transport tools and supplies (think plumbers and electricians), a full-size van or SUV typically fits the bill.
  • Delivery: What you’re moving will help you narrow down the right vehicle type, which is likely to be a full-size van, light truck or cargo truck.
  • Specialized service: If your work requires the use of industry-specific equipment, you’ll need a truck or full-size van that’s outfitted for the job. This could include adding a dump bed to a pickup truck or outfitting a van with shelving and ladder racks. (Learn more about what you should keep in mind when shopping for a pickup truck.)

What Vehicle-Specific Factors Should I Consider?

Once you decide on the type of vehicle, you’ll need to select a specific make, model and trim level. Here are some operational factors you should consider:

  • Vehicle safety: The safety of your employees is an important consideration when choosing a fleet vehicle. You can view a vehicle’s government safety ratings on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is another great source for learning about which vehicles do the best job of protecting people in the most common kinds of crashes: front, side, rollover and rear.
  • Fuel economy: The fuel efficiency of a vehicle will have a direct impact on your operating costs. But of course, the size of that impact will depend on how many miles your fleet travels each month. You can find a vehicle’s government fuel economy ratings on the manufacturer’s website or through the U.S. Department of Energy. Learn more about how to get better gas mileage.
  • Terrain ability: Consider what kind of road conditions your employees will be traveling in. If they’ll frequently need to drive off-road or in snowy cold-weather climates, you may want to purchase a vehicle with all-wheel or four-wheel drive.
  • Maintenance: Before choosing a vehicle, do some research on the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedules and take those costs into account. For example, you can run a fleet of sedans without paying for much more than oil changes, tires and brakes. But with larger vehicles and four-wheel drive trucks, parts will generally cost more and service intervals will be more frequent.
  • Options: Once you settle on a make and model, you’ll need to choose an options package. This may not seem like a big deal, but it can have a huge impact on driver satisfaction. A car with heated leather seats will be a better place for your drivers to spend their days than a base-level vehicle with roll-up windows.

How Should I Pay for My Fleet Vehicles?

When it comes to deciding how to finance your fleet vehicles, there are several options—each of which have their own advantages:

  • Buying: If you’re looking to buy a car, truck, van or an SUV that your business will own for the long haul, buying is a good option. It can also make sense if you have the capital to purchase the vehicle outright because you can avoid financing costs and recoup your investment when you sell the vehicle.
  • Leasing: Leasing is a great option if you don’t have the operating capital to buy a vehicle. By signing a lease, you can get into a new car with a relatively low monthly payment. But remember that you’ll be responsible for any mileage overages or vehicle damage when the lease term ends.
  • Renting: Short-term vehicle rentals are the most expensive option. However, depending on your circumstances, it could also be the best long-term financial move. For example, if you need a heavy-duty truck for a single job or for seasonal use, you can just rent it when you need it instead of paying for it year-round.

How Do I Get the Best Deal on a Fleet Vehicle?

For many business owners, the first thing they look at is the initial cost of purchasing the vehicle. But this approach can be shortsighted. To get the best value out of your fleet vehicle, it’s better to consider the total cost of ownership, also known as the “life cycle cost.” This includes:

  • Purchase price: How much you pay to buy, lease or rent the vehicle.
  • Maintenance costs: How much it costs to operate the vehicle over your ownership.
  • Resale value: How much the vehicle will be worth when you decide to sell it.

By considering these factors, you may find that a more expensive vehicle will actually cost you less to operate because the cheaper car would require more maintenance and will have a lower resale value.

How Do I Compare Potential Fleet Vehicles?

As we outlined above, there are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a fleet vehicle. One mistake many people make is putting too much emphasis on one single criterion. A good way to avoid this is by using a vehicle selection matrix analysis.

This tool allows you to choose your own selection criteria and assign a rating of one (worst) to five (best) for each vehicle you’re considering. When you add up the scores, the vehicles with the highest totals should be at the top of your list.

How Long Should I Keep My Fleet Vehicle?

As a rule of thumb, it makes sense to sell a fleet vehicle after around 36 to 48 months, or 60,000 to 80,000 miles. This is the sweet spot for remarketing where you’ll recover the most money from selling the car.

During this period, maintenance will also be relatively low (usually limited to oil changes, a set of tires and brakes).

After that, you fall into what is called the “maintenance trough.” This is the period between 80,000 and 120,000 miles where you’ll need to invest a lot of extra money into repairs. If you keep a vehicle for that long, you might as well plan on using it for up to 200,000 miles.

ERIE’s fleet of company vehicles is at its oldest due to car and chip shortages post pandemic, and performing routine maintenance has helped us keep our older vehicles in good condition. We currently have 70 vehicles (of a fleet of over 1,200 vehicles) manufactured in 2018 that we are in the process of replacing with 2023s.

Here’s another tip: resale values of fleet vehicles are often highest in early spring or fall.

What Should I Know About Insuring My Fleet?

Whether you rely on a single car or a large fleet of vehicles, commercial auto insurance is something most businesses need. That’s because an accident can happen to even the most careful driver—and these accidents can cost thousands or even millions of dollars.

Commercial vehicle insurance for both owned and leased cars and trucks protects your business in many important ways. ERIE offers coverage1 for:

  • Liability if you’re responsible for harming others or for damaging their vehicles or property.
  • Damages if your car is damaged or destroyed in an accident or by something other than an accident, such as theft, vandalism or hail.
  • Uninsured/underinsured motorists if an at-fault driver is unable to pay any or all of the costs owed to you.
  • Medical costs for you or your passengers’ injuries.

By working with a local ERIE agent, you can customize your policy to meet the specific needs of your business.

Are There Any Other Factors I Should Consider?

Here are a few more things to keep in mind as you begin to build your own business fleet:

  • Personal use: Consider whether you will let an employee use your fleet vehicle for personal use. This can make sense if you’re providing a car for a traveling salesperson or remote worker. But it can also be considered taxable income by the IRS so do your homework in advance.
  • Branding: Branded vehicle wraps are a great way to advertise your business. But many employees who use a fleet vehicle for personal use don’t want to travel in a rolling billboard. Generally speaking, branded vehicles are a better option for strictly corporate use.
  • Driver requirements: A commercial driver’s license is required for vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds. But your state may have additional license requirements for smaller vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds.
  • Inspections: Your required fleet inspections will depend on the types of vehicles you operate and where you drive them. Cars and SUVs may only need an annual state inspection. Trucks may need to be inspected twice a year, and mounted equipment could require quarterly inspections. If you’re only driving within your state, you’ll deal solely with state regulations. However, if you are traveling interstate or are operating large commercial vehicles, you’ll need to comply with federal Department of Transportation (DOT) guidelines.
  • Fleet management: Managing a few vehicles is something most business owners can handle on their own. But if you’re building a fleet of several dozen vehicles or more, consider working with a fleet management company or a major leasing company. These firms can arm you with the advice and data you need to effectively manage your fleet. They can also provide added benefits such as safety programs and driver monitoring services which may also lower your insurance rates.
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For Sale by Owner

Buying a Car from a Private Seller

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When scouting for a high-quality used car, sometimes you can find better value from a private seller rather than a dealership.

But, while private sellers can offer great deals, there are some important considerations to keep in mind. Let’s look at some tips and advice on how to buy a car from a private seller safely and confidently.

Playing With Price

When buying a car from a private seller, pricing is one of the most important considerations. Unlike buying from a dealership, where prices are typically set, private sellers are more likely to be open to negotiation. Here are some tips for getting the best deal:

  • Know the numbers. Before you start negotiating, research the value of the car you’re interested in on a site like Kelly Blue Book. This will give you a good starting point for negotiations and help you avoid overpaying.
  • Don’t be afraid to haggle. Private sellers often set their prices higher than they expect to get, so don’t be afraid to negotiate. Start with a lower offer and work your way up until you reach a price you’re both happy with.

Quality Counts

Another important consideration when buying a car from a private seller is quality. Unlike a dealership, private sellers may not have access to detailed vehicle history reports, and it’s up to you to ensure you’re getting a reliable vehicle.

  • Take a spin. Always test drive the car before making a purchase. This will give you a chance to see how the car handles, check for any unusual noises, and ensure that it’s comfortable to drive. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, ask the seller about it. You may learn something that can either make or break the deal.
  • Read the report. Use the car’s VIN number to obtain a CarFax report. This report will provide you with information on the car’s accident history, service history and ownership history, which can help you make a more informed decision.
  • Inspect thoroughly. Check the car for any signs of wear and tear, rust, or damage using a detailed checklist like this one provided by DMV.org. This includes checking the tires, brakes, under the hood and many other points of concern. Consider bringing a buddy who’s a mechanic along to help you with the inspection.

Comparison Shop

In addition to researching the value of the car, it’s a good idea to compare similar vehicles from different manufacturers and against similar models from different years. This will give you a better idea of the overall value of the car you’re interested in and help you negotiate a better deal.

You can read online reviews from respected sources such as Edmunds and watch videos on YouTube to learn more about the car you’re interested in. Reviews from other consumers can also provide valuable insights into the reliability and quality of the vehicle.

By comparing similar cars and reading reviews, you can get a better idea of what to expect in terms of performance, fuel economy and overall quality. This can help you negotiate a better price and ensure you’re getting good value for your money.

Buy Securely and Safely

When buying a car from a private seller, it’s vitally important to ensure that you’re obtaining legal ownership of the car in a manner that is safe and secure. With a little guidance, you can avoid some pitfalls:

  • Formalities are important. Insist on a notarized title from the seller to ensure that you have legal ownership of the car. Avoid any seller who is reluctant to provide a title or who offers to sell the car without one.
  • Consider cash alternatives. Paying with cash can be risky, as it’s difficult to trace and can leave you vulnerable to theft. Consider using a check or money order instead, which can be easily traced and are more secure. Also, avoid wire transfers or cashier’s checks as these methods are difficult to trace and can be used for fraudulent activities. Be wary of sellers who insist on these types of payments.
  • Exercise caution. Scams are common in private sales. If you’re buying from a private seller, do your research to make sure they have a legitimate and verifiable identity. Check their contact information and address, and consider meeting in a public place to conduct the transaction.

Buy and Drive With Confidence

Buying a car from a private seller can be a great way to save money on your next vehicle purchase, but it’s important to do your research and take the necessary precautions to ensure that you’re getting a reliable car at a fair price.

If you’re considering swapping out your wheels, check out more useful topics:

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IIHS Safest Cars of 2023

IIHS: Safest Cars of 2023

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If safety is a top priority when driving, look no further than the 2023 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) TOP SAFETY PICK award list for your next vehicle.

This year’s list of 48 award winners is smaller than previous years, naming 28 models a TOP SAFETY PICK+ and another 20 vehicles as a TOP SAFETY PICK. This is due to tougher criteria and stricter requirements for crash protection and prevention systems.

In the annual TOP SAFETY PICK awards, the IIHS announces which new models performed best in their evaluations. The list is organized by size and type on the IIHS website.

How Are TOP SAFETY PICKS Determined?

Each year, the IIHS, a nonprofit research and education organization, conducts tests to determine how vehicles fair in two aspects of safety: crashworthiness and crash avoidance/mitigation. It also evaluates other elements of vehicle safety, such as headlight ratings.

The IIHS awarded winners in 8 size categories, from small cars to large pickups.

All award-winning models earned “good” ratings in six crashworthiness tests and offer trims (pre-packaged groups of features) with front-crash prevention systems with “advanced” or “superior” ratings. Every winner must also have at least one headlight system that earns a “good” or “acceptable” rating.

This year, IIHS updated their side crash test with an updated evaluation that was launched in 2021. TOP SAFETY PICK qualifiers must receive an “acceptable” or “good,” and “good” is required for the plus category. A new evaluation was added for TOP SAFETY PICK+ recipients: a nighttime vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention test. Advanced or superior performance is required in both daytime and nighttime pedestrian tests for the higher award. Vehicles that received advanced or superior for only the daytime test received TOP SAFETY PICK.

Headlight requirements increased for the base award this year as well. Previously, only TOP SAFETY PICK+ recipients needed to have “good” or “acceptable” headlights standard on the vehicle. Now it is a requirement for both awards. If you’re looking to upgrade your headlights and aren’t sure where to start, check out our guide.

The roof strength, head restraint and vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention evaluations are no longer part of the award criteria. This is due to industry progress which has made these tests less relevant. Consumers can expect further changes to award criteria in 2024.

The 2023 TOP SAFETY PICK Winners

This year’s 48 overall picks are true standouts in terms of crashworthiness and crash prevention, according to IIHS President David Harkey.

Toyota Motor Corp., which includes the Toyota and Lexus brands, had the most 2023 awards overall and the most awards in each category — nine TOP SAFETY PICK+ and six TOP SAFETY PICK awards for a total of 15. Honda Motor Co., which includes the Acura and Honda brands, was next with six TOP SAFETY PICK+ and two TOP SAFETY PICK awards. Mazda earned six TOP SAFETY PICK awards.

By class, midsize luxury SUVs earned the most TOP SAFETY PICK+ awards, with nine, and small SUVs earned the most awards in total, with four TOP SAFETY PICK+ and eight TOP SAFETY PICK awards. However, vehicles of almost every size and class made the cut, including plug-in hybrids and all-electric vehicles.

For the full list of winners and ratings, visit iihs.org/ratings.

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