What Do Car ISO Symbols Mean in Auto Insurance?
The Insurance Services Office, Inc. (ISO), established in 1971, is a leading resource for insurance carriers looking for information about risk. The ISO analyzes data and statistics about vehicles to provide insurance carriers with rating information about a vehicle's theft susceptibility, safety features and cost to repair. Insurance carriers obtain this information through ISO symbols for different makes and models of vehicles.
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Vehicle Series Rating Program
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The purpose of vehicle series rating is to match premiums to loss experiences for different makes and models. A high ISO rating means a more expensive insurance rate. The ISO adjusts these ratings periodically when new loss statistics are analyzed.
Surcharges and Discounts
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If your vehicle has a high ISO rating, it can mean a surcharge of up to 25 percent on your auto policy. Discounts of up to 20 percent are offered for vehicles whose low ISO rating means they will fare better in vehicle accidents and cost less to repair.
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Factors Considered
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ISO considers several factors when determining the rating for a vehicle, including loss experience, vehicle size, body construction, wheelbase and horsepower. Recent findings by the ISO have shown SUVs in a more positive light than in earlier years. SUVs have had better loss experience than sedans and some other smaller vehicles.
Rating Symbols
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Two rating symbols are given for each make and model. One rating symbol covers bodily injury and property damage. The other symbol applies to medical payment coverage. The rating symbols correspond with the vehicle identification number (VIN) of the automobile.
Top Safety Picks of 2009
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The top safety picks of 2009 were the Acura RL, Ford Taurus, Volvo S80 (large); Acura TL, Honda Accord, Subaru Legacy (midsize); Saab 9-3, Volkswagen Eos, Volvo C70 (midsize convertibles); Honda Civic, Subaru Impreza, Mitsubishi Lancer (small); Honda Odyssey, Hyundai Entourage, Kia Sedona (minivans); Ford F-150, Honda Ridgeline, Toyota Tundra (large pickups); Toyota Tacoma (small pickup); Audi Q7, Chevrolet Traverse, Saturn Outlook (large SUVs); Acura MDX, Honda Pilot, Subaru Tribeca (midsize SUVs); Ford Escape, Mercury Mariner, Volkswagen Tiguan (small SUVs).
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