The biggest question we have is how aluminum vehicles will affect auto insurance costs. Here are a few interesting points to consider about aluminum vehicles:
- Experts say that the new aluminum actually has superior absorption properties, making it equal to steel in front and rear collisions.
- Pound for pound, aluminum can absorb twice as much energy as steel.
- Vehicles made lighter with aluminum require shorter stopping distances.
- Auto body shops will charge more to repair aluminum vehicles as they will need to add new technology and training on how to perform services per manufacture specifications.
- With any new product there will be modifications over time, which will impact costs.
- If it costs more to repair an aluminum vehicle, it may cost more to insure the auto for physical damage. Dr. Robert Hartwig, President and Economist at the Insurance Information Institute, was asked to illuminate what kind of cost impact aluminum-bodied vehicles have to consumers. In the case of a high-volume car like the F-150, he believes the switch to an aluminum-intensive construction might increase owners’ insurance premiums slightly, but any increase likely wouldn’t be very noticeable.” Caranddriver.com
- The Ford F-150 received a five star rating from the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration.
http://blog.caranddriver.com/how-much-more-will-the-aluminum-2015-ford-f-150-cost-to-insure-and-repair-heres-what-the-experts-say/
http://www.drivealuminum.org/aluminum-advantages/safety