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Whether or not you’re currently in the market for a new vehicle, you have no doubt heard about the new anti-collision technology (ACT) that manufacturers are including in many of their latest models. Sometimes called crash-avoidance technologies, according to multiple manufacturers, ACT systems are supposed to greatly decrease your chances of having an accident while driving in a number of different conditions and scenarios. But do they really work? Let’s explore this new technology a bit more thoroughly to get a better idea of how they work and whether or not they are an efficient and effective means to prevent or avoid collisions.

What Exactly Is ACT?

ACT systems encompass all technologies and features included in a vehicle to help the driver avoid a collision or at least to mitigate the effects of a crash, should it occur. These technologies began with back-up cameras and related features, but today, they can do more than just warn the driver about an impending collision; in some cases, they can actually take action to prevent it.

For example, some ACT systems, when they detect the likelihood of a collision, will automatically steer the vehicle out of harm’s way or apply the brakes before the driver has time to react. Some systems will also increase braking power or adjust the timing and effect of the vehicle’s steering response to help assist the driver as they react to the situation.

How Effective Are ACT Systems?

Recently, the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) conducted a study on anti-collision technologies and found that many ACT systems are highly effective at preventing collisions. However, the study did find that not all ACT systems are equally effective.

What makes ACT systems fail? Many of the systems that the NHTSA tested did not have the proper sensors to detect a collision at any point on the vehicle. Others did not have the proper range to warn drivers in time to do anything about an accident. In fact, some of these systems were found to be dangerous distractions, as they would beep or otherwise call the driver’s attention away from the road, thereby potentially causing accidents instead of preventing them.

Effective ACT systems, on the other hand, will do a number of things that can significantly decrease the chances of a collision occurring, including:

• Scanning for dangerous situations 20 times or more per second.
• Scanning at a range of 450+ feet away from the vehicle.
• Scanning around the entire vehicle (not just front and back).
• Scan for and correct against lane drift.
• Provide alarms that alert the driver instead of distracting them.

ACT systems that meet these specifications are far more likely to help keep drivers safe on the road in all kinds of situations and conditions.

Aftermarket ACT Systems

While many manufacturers are installing ACT systems and features in their newer models, you are probably wondering what you can do to increase your safety without the expense of buying a whole new vehicle. There are actually aftermarket ACT systems available that can be installed in existing vehicles at affordable prices.

Before you choose the cheapest ACT system for your vehicle, though, consider the points we mentioned above. Whether you are buying an aftermarket system or you are in the market for a new vehicle with ACT features, you will want to get one that has features and technologies that will effectively work to keep you safe. Consider the NHTSA’s findings as you shop around for the right ACT system for your vehicle.

Choosing the proper car insurance is always more complicated than it should be. Whether you are looking at insurance companies online or talking with a broker, it seems as though you have a lot of different options, from comprehensive coverage to liability coverage, and everything in between. Among your options, you will no doubt come across collision coverage.

This option may not cost as much per month as comprehensive coverage, but it will always come with a higher price tag than insurance plans that do not include collision coverage. But what is it? And why does it cost more? After all, isn’t the point of insurance to cover most or all of your costs when you have a collision with another vehicle? To understand this auto insurance option, we must first clearly define collision coverage.

Collision Coverage Defined

So what exactly is collision coverage? Basically, this coverage option insures your vehicle in the case that you have a collision with another vehicle or some other object. For example, if you opt for collision coverage, you can get your insurance company to pay for the damages if you hit a tree, a wall, a fence, or some other object, even if you are at fault.

If you’re like a lot of car owners, you’re probably thinking that this sounds like comprehensive coverage. However, there is one major difference between collision coverage and comprehensive coverage. Collision coverage will not cover other damage to your vehicle that happens for reasons other than a collision. If, for example, your vehicle is damaged in a storm, collision coverage will not take care of the costs to repair hail damage or damage from tree limbs falling in your vehicle, but comprehensive coverage will.

This explains why collision coverage is generally a bit more affordable than comprehensive coverage. It also explains why someone with a brand new car or someone who lives in an area where their vehicle is likely to get damaged while parked would opt for comprehensive coverage over collision coverage.

So, what’s the right level of coverage for your vehicle? Should you opt for collision coverage to protect your vehicle in case of a collision with a fence or a tree? Let’s take a moment to consider what collision insurance actually covers.

What Does Collision Insurance Cover?

Collision coverage will pay for damage to your vehicle if you are in an accident that is your fault, or if you have a collision with something else. If you are at fault in an accident, your collision coverage will not cover the damage to the other vehicle or any other property. Your liability insurance will cover those damages, and your collision coverage will cover the damage to your own vehicle.

Why Get Collision Coverage?

Collision coverage makes sense if you have a newer vehicle or a higher-end vehicle that is expensive to repair. In many cases, with newer or more expensive cars and trucks, your monthly premium and deductible will essentially pay for themselves if you are ever in an accident where you will be responsible for paying for the damage to your vehicle.

If you have an older vehicle, you may still want to opt for collision coverage, as it will ensure that you can get your vehicle repaired if you’re at fault in an accident. Your driving record and the claims you’ve filed in the past with your insurance company will affect your monthly premiums and your deductible, though, so you should consider how much you will be paying per month for collision coverage and how much it could save you in case of an accident before you commit to this option.