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.

• ¹Roadside Service coverage (Towing and Labor Costs coverage in North Carolina and Virginia) is only available when comprehensive coverage has been purchased on the vehicle. Limitations vary by state. Delivery of gas is included at no additional cost; policyholder will pay for the gas.
• ²The deductible is reduced by $100 for each claims-free year, that this policy has been in force, beginning with the first policy renewal period after this endorsement was added, up to a maximum reduction of $500. In New York, comprehensive deductible cannot be reduced to less than $50 and collision deductible cannot be reduced to less than $100.
• ³ Savings are based on individually purchased policies. Discounts subject to eligibility criteria and rates and rules in effect at the time of purchase. See individual policies for specific coverage details. Certain terms and limitations may apply. Refer to our disclaimer for more information.
• ⁴ Rates subject to change if you add or remove a vehicle, add or remove a driver or change where your vehicle is principally garaged.  ERIE Rate Lock® does not guarantee continued insurance coverage. Not available in all states. Limited to three years in Virginia. Insured must meet applicable underwriting guidelines. Premium may change if you make a policy change. Refer to our disclaimer for more information.

Choosing to buy a new or used car used to be straightforward. That’s changed a bit, thanks to the pandemic, particularly because of the car chip shortage. While new cars are becoming more plentiful, rising interest rates and general inflation may have you considering options you never would have before, like buying out a lease or buying from a private seller—or becoming a private seller. Also, if you need to buy a car, it might be trickier to find what you want, no matter the price range. Here’s what to know.

IF YOU LEASE, YOUR CAR MAY HAVE MORE VALUE NOW THAN IT DID TWO YEARS AGO

You may have the option to buy out your lease at a lower cost than the value of the car. That’s a rare situation, and it provides some unique options. For example, you could buy out the lease and then sell it privately, giving you extra cash to put toward a down payment on a different ride. Or you could buy your leased car and keep it, with equity. Talk to the dealership you leased it from to learn more.

NEW CARS ARE HARD TO COME BY, AND DEALS ON USED CARS MAY BE HARD TO FIND

Factory lead time on new cars can be up to three months, so give yourself time if you plan to customize a new car. Because of long wait times, more people than ever are buying used, making the market more competitive and used car prices higher than normal. It’s best to do some research online and on the lots in your local area to know your choices. You might also consider buying privately, after you’ve thoroughly reviewed the market. If you buy privately, make sure to do a background check on the vehicle using CARFAX or a similar service.

YOUR CHECKLIST FOR BUYING NEW OR USED

Step 1: Get Your Finances in Order

• Decide if you want a monthly payment. And if so, how much do you want to pay each month. Knowing this number will help you make decisions about whether to buy or lease and how to set your price range.
• Get pre-approved for an auto loan. Unless you are leasing or paying cash out of your savings, you’ll need an auto loan. Most dealerships offer financial assistance (or they’ll help you shop around for an auto loan), but you’ll be in a better position to negotiate if you have this step checked off before you enter the lot. Also, if you decide to buy a car from a private party, your finances will be all set.
• Shop for the best interest rate. Lenders consider different factors when underwriting auto loans, so it’s a good idea to shop around for at least four or five options.

Step 2: Make Your Wish List

You may dream of that sporty two-seater, but will it really work for your lifestyle? Ask these questions to help guide your search:

• What’s more important: space, comfort or sport utility?
• How many seats do you need? Is it just you and one or two passengers? Or a whole crew? (Choosing between an SUV and a minivan alone can be quite a decision.)
• How many miles do you plan on driving per year?
• Do you haul anything, like a boat or camper? If so, how much weight do you often tow?
• Do you need all-wheel drive for snowy or icy weather, or does two-wheel drive provide what you need?
• How much are you willing to spend on gas? And what are your expectations for fuel efficiency?
• If you’re considering an electric or hybrid model, do you have a way to charge an electric car, or are there charging stations nearby?

Step 3: Do Your Research

• Look at dealership websites in your area to find out what inventory is already available nearby.
• Review Kelley Blue Book values and CARFAX reports.
• If you’re considering buying a car online, read this article on the ins and outs of internet car shopping.
• Chat with your local agent at Erie Insurance. They can give you an idea of which cars will cost more or less to insure, so you can budget for your new ride.

Step 4: Start Wheeling and Dealing

• Reach out to private sellers you’ve connected with online or know through family and friends.
• Talk to a dealership. Even if you don’t think you’ll buy from a dealership, you’ll learn a lot from the conversation, and you’ll have more opportunities to negotiate your options.
• Test-drive the rides that look most interesting. Try out at least three or four.
• Before making an offer, bump your test-drive experiences up against your wish list and your budget to make sure you’ve considered the purchase from several angles.

LAST STEP

Once you’ve made the switch to a new ride, make sure to call your ERIE agent again. They can update your policy to make sure you’re fully protected.

As mating and hunting season kick off over the next few months, deer will be on the move more. For drivers, that means you’re more likely to encounter them − and potentially hit one − no matter how much driving you do.

Don’t fret. We’ve rounded up some information on how to avoid hitting a deer, plus what to do if you do, unfortunately, hit one despite your best efforts.

HOW TO AVOID HITTING A DEER

1. Know where the deer are likely to be. Areas with high deer populations are normally marked with a bright yellow sign. Deer also tend to graze in wooded areas or open fields. When driving your usual route to work, be attentive to areas where you’ve seen deer in the past – they are likely to cross there again.
2. Be alert at sunrise and sunset. Deer are more active during dawn and dusk hours.
3. Use your high beams. When possible, use your high beams for better visibility. The extra light will help make it easier to spot a deer, or other animals, lurking alongside the road.
4. Don’t rely on deer gadgets. Whether it’s a deer whistle, deer fence or other type of product to scare away the deer… don’t rely solely on them to keep deer away. Research isn’t exact on whether or not these products truly work. (Related: Fact or Fiction? Debunking 6 Common Myths About Deer)
   
5. When you see one… you’ll probably see more. Deer travel in groups. If one comes across your path, proceed with caution in case there are more.
6. Don’t swerve. Swerving isn’t always the safest option. Hitting a deer might often cause less damage than swerving to avoid it… and then hitting a more dangerous obstacle, like a vehicle in oncoming traffic. (Related: What’s Safer… Swerving or Staying the Course?)
   
7. Wear your seat belt. If you do hit a deer, wearing a seat belt decreases your chances of injury.
8. Spread the word. When friends or family head out on the road, let them know to be careful and alert. Even a simple reminder can help prevent deer collisions.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU HIT A DEER

Taking the above precautions can help you avoid hitting a deer… but nothing can entirely rule out the possibility. Here are steps you can take after you hit a deer.

1. Pull over. Move your vehicle to a safe place off the road. Don’t forget to turn on your hazard lights.
2. Stay away from the deer. An injured deer can still lash out and hurt someone.
3. Assess the damage. When you’re out of harm’s way, examine your vehicle and take photographs of any damage to your car. Use good judgement to know if your car is safe to drive or if you’ll need to call for a tow truck. Learn how to add Emergency Roadside Service to your ERIE auto policy.
4. Call for help. Depending on the circumstances, consider calling the police or an animal expert. While it’s not always required to file a police report, it can provide evidence if you decide to make an insurance claim. If the deer is still in the middle of the road, a trained professional from animal control, the game commission or your local fish and wildlife service can move it away for everyone’s safety.
5. Know if you should file an insurance claim. An insurance professional like an Erie Insurance agent can help you make the decision based on the specifics of your auto insurance policy. Talking with someone you already know and who is familiar with the claims process can help put your mind more at ease.

DOES MY AUTO INSURANCE COVER HITTING A DEER?

You can’t always predict if a deer will walk into your path, but if one does, we’re here to help get you back on the road as soon as possible. At Erie Insurance, deer-vehicle collisions are covered under the comprehensive portion of your auto insurance, which is an optional coverage you can choose to add on. Learn more about how to customize your ERIE auto policy.

Bad habits. We all have them. And sometimes, they can be hard to shake. This is especially true when it comes to driving. Depending on how many years you’ve spent behind the wheel, certain habits may be deeply ingrained by now. And many of them can be bad for your car.

Wondering if there are any bad driving behaviors you’ve picked up over the years? Check out our list of 13 habits that aren’t good for your car.

DRIVING ON EMPTY

Whether you’re running late and forget to fill up, or you’re just not paying attention to your fuel gauge, finding yourself low on gas can happen from time to time. But running out of gas is more than just inconvenient; it can also be hard on your car.

Why? Because critical components, like your vehicle’s fuel pump, aren’t designed to operate without gas. The fuel pump is submerged in the gas tank, where it uses fuel to cool and lubricate the mechanisms in the pump. Most fuel pumps can last for the life of your vehicle.

But when you run your car on empty, the pump can overheat, which could lead to a costly failure. And because the gas tank typically needs to be drained and removed to replace the pump, this labor-intensive job could cost upward of $1,000 to repair.

Read more: Is Driving On Empty Really That Bad?

REVVING A COLD ENGINE

It’s no fun getting into a freezing cold car. But you should know there are no shortcuts to warming up a cold vehicle. So never rev up the engine in an effort to get the heat flowing faster. Doing this will only cause excess wear and tear on your engine because the cold engine oil isn’t at the right temperature to properly lubricate all its internal components.

Read more: How to Help Your Car Recover from Winter

DELAYING MAINTENANCE

Every vehicle manufacturer recommends following a routine maintenance schedule to keep your car running in tip-top shape. In the short term, it may seem like there’s no harm in skipping an oil change, air filter replacement or tire rotation. But the truth is, taking care of these preventative maintenance tasks now can save you from needing major repairs later.

IGNORING WARNING LIGHTS

Modern cars feature a host of warning lights, and each is there to notify you of a particular problem with your vehicle. Ignoring these warning lights could leave you with a major repair down the road. Depending on the problem, it could even jeopardize the safety of you and your passengers.

So don’t make a habit of ignoring your vehicle’s warning lights. The next time that “check engine” light starts flashing, consult your car’s manual and if need be, take your car to a qualified mechanic to get it checked out.

DRIVING THROUGH DEEP WATER

If you approach any kind of flooding, including large puddles of groundwater, you may be tempted to drive right through. But your best—and safest—course of action is always to turn around and find another route. What may not seem like a lot of water can in fact be quite dangerous when you’re behind the wheel.

For starters, it can be hard to gauge how deep the water is, and you can’t see what debris or other hazards may be below the water.

See also: Here’s Why You Should Never Drive Through a Flash Flood

On top of that, driving through deep water can damage or destroy your vehicle’s engine, transmission and other critical components. It can also cause irreversible damage to your car’s complex electrical system. Because of this long-lasting damage, a flooded vehicle is often considered a total loss by insurance providers.

NOT CHECKING YOUR TIRE PRESSURE

One of the easiest car maintenance tasks to ignore is checking your tire pressure. After all, if your tire isn’t flat, what’s the big deal? But not running your tires at the manufacturer’s recommended air pressure can cause a host of problems ranging from premature or uneven tire wear to bad handling and poor fuel economy.

For that reason, experts recommend that you make a habit of checking your tire pressure once a month. And remember that when it’s cold, your tire pressure will drop between one and two pounds per square inch (PSI) for every ten-degree decrease in temperature. So pay extra attention to your tires as the seasons change.

Read more: How Cold Weather Affects Tire Pressure

RIDING THE BRAKES

Your car’s brakes represent one of its most important safety systems. But hitting the brake pedal too hard, or using the brakes too often, can leave this system severely compromised.

For example, applying the brakes for a prolonged period of time (like when slowing your car down a long hill) can cause them to overheat. And when your brakes get too hot, their stopping power is greatly reduced.

Overuse of your brakes can have long-term consequences, too. More braking means you’ll wear through pads and rotors faster, which translates to more frequent service intervals. You can also expect to pay more at the pump, thanks to lower fuel economy caused by frequent braking.

To “break” this bad habit, try to leave some extra space between you and other cars on the roadway. And if you’re descending a long hill, try shifting your car out of overdrive and into a lower gear; this will allow the engine to do some of the braking for you.

IGNORING A WINDSHIELD CHIP

You’re driving along when suddenly you hear a loud noise. Whack! A rock hits your windshield.

You scan your windshield for signs of damage and discover the impact only left a small chip. It’s barely noticeable, so there’s no point in getting it repaired, right? Wrong.

The truth is, leaving a windshield chip will increase the likelihood that the damage will get worse. Weather changes or simply driving over a pothole, speed bump or uneven terrain puts additional pressure on the edges of a chip, which can quickly turn into a crack.

Repairing a chip is always less expensive than doing a full windshield replacement. It typically takes less than 30 minutes. And in most states where Erie Insurance does business¹, comprehensive coverage from ERIE will cover the cost to repair a cracked or chipped windshield without charging you the deductible.

Learn more about what to expect when filing a glass claim.

NOT REGULARLY WASHING YOUR CAR

Everybody can appreciate how good a freshly washed car looks. But the benefits of a clean vehicle extend far beyond the visual appeal. If you go long periods of time without washing your car, all that dirt and grime will embed itself in the painted surfaces and will eventually eat away at the clear coat, causing permanent damage.

The consequences are even greater if you live in an area that uses road salt to melt the ice and snow. That’s because salt creates chemical reactions that can corrode the components on your car. This is especially true for any exposed metal, like brake lines and fuel lines.

Read more: Here’s What Road Salt Does to Your Car

SHIFTING WITHOUT COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP

If you drive a car with an automatic transmission, you may have fallen into the bad habit of shifting from “reverse” to “drive” while the car is still moving.

Even if you’re moving backward at a slow speed, switching gears without coming to a complete stop puts extra stress on your car’s drivetrain—particularly the transmission. And chances are, the few seconds you save in the process aren’t worth the cost of a premature transmission service, which can cost $2,000 or more.

DRIVING TOO FAST OVER SPEED BUMPS

Speed bumps are installed to help slow down traffic, making areas safer for pedestrians. If you drive over a speed bump at a slow speed, your car will be unharmed. But hit a speed bump faster than about 10 miles per hour, and you can do serious damage to your car.

The sudden impact of a speed bump could cause your suspension to bottom out, damaging your shocks and struts. It could also bend other important suspension components or knock your car out of alignment. So take it slow!

HITTING POTHOLES

If you live in an area that sees cold winters, the constant freeze-thaw cycles can make potholes a common sight on the roadways. When driving, you should do your best to avoid hitting them at all costs.

Potholes can cause damage to your vehicle ranging from flat tires or bent wheels to much pricier damage to your suspension, steering system or exhaust system. Next time you encounter a pothole, try to swerve around it. If swerving isn’t possible, reduce your speed to lessen the impact—and any potential damage.

See also: What to Do If You Get a Flat Tire

LETTING YOUR CAR SIT FOR LONG PERIODS

Parking your car for extended periods of time can take its toll on your vehicle. The time it takes for your vehicle to be damaged by long-term storage will vary based on several factors, including the location of your parked car and how well you’ve prepared it.

However, the negative effects of time on an undriven vehicle can be observed sooner than you may think. (Learn how long your car can sit without driving it.)

When your car is left undriven, the fuel and battery can go bad. Tires and rubber belts can crack. Rust can begin to form. And rodents could even make your car their new home.

See also: Is There a Mouse Living In My Car?

If you have a college student away, for example, consider using a battery maintainer while the car sits. Since maintainers are used for maintenance during periods when cars aren’t going to be used, time isn’t of the essence when charging. This means that a maintainer can give a battery a “low and slow” charge, which is better for its health than a faster charge or a jump.