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Car safety and security

If you're looking to buy a new car, our Research Centre has tested a range of popular vehicles on their safety features, repair costs and fuel efficiency and ranked them so you can compare. 

 Save up to 10% off your Comprehensive Car Insurance if you
have a fuel efficient car on our list
Additional Content: 
  1. Choosing a car
  2. Fuel efficient cars
  3. Safety in your car

Choosing a car

Choosing a greener, safer car

The Greensafe Car Profiler helps you compare different makes and models on their greenhouse gas emissions, running costs and safety ratings. 
 

Choosing a car with a lower car theft rating

Car theft in Australia is a serious problem. Our car security scores are your guide to choosing a more secure vehicle.
View the Car Security scores
 

Cars with good visibility

Reversing

Our Reversing Visibility Index measures how well a driver can see out of the back of a car. With testing, we found all cars have a "blind area" that could easily hide a child. A reversing camera can greatly improve visibility for all types of vehicles, from 4WDs to small sedans.
View the Car Reversing Visibility results
 

Safer motoring – is your vehicle fitted with Electronic Stability Control?

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is designed to prevent you losing control of your vehicle in unexpected conditions. With ESC, automatic braking is applied to individual wheels to help stabilise the vehicle. This is particularly important in slippery conditions or when swerving to avoid a collision. 

View the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) results
 

Fuel efficient cars

Since car emissions are one of the largest contributors to climate change, we are rewarding those of you with fuel efficient cars with a saving on your insurance.

If you have one of the fuel efficient cars recognised by NRMA Insurance you can save up to 10% off your Comprehensive Car Insurance and Comprehensive Plus Insurance.

This is an Australian first and our way of rewarding you for driving green.

Is your car on the fuel efficient list?

 

View the fuel efficient cars that qualify for this saving

Safety in your car

Adjust your head restraint

The top of the head restraint must be at least as high as your eyes and as close as is comfortable to the back of your head.

Whether you are the driver or a passenger, you should always check your head restraint when getting into a car, in the same way you'd adjust the mirror and seat. This is particularly important if you share a car or you're in a car you don't normally use.

Head restraints

Wrong position Correct position

Sitting safely in your car

Safety features such as head restraints, seatbelts and airbags help protect you from injury. However for the best protection you need to make the necessary adjustments and ensure both you and your passengers are seated in a safe position.

Here's a quick safety check you can do:

  • Before turning on the ignition, adjust your seat, mirrors, seat belt and head restraint
  • The top of your head restraint should be at least as high as eye-level
  • Drivers must have a clear view of the road and be able to reach the controls easily without being cramped
  • Keep at least 30cm distance between you and the steering wheel
  • Passengers should never put their feet or knees on or against the dashboard

Driving position

Wrong position Correct position

Passenger position

Wrong position Correct position