The primary mission of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is to find ways to reduce crashes and the overall cost of collision. This 501(c)3 non-profit researches highway safety and evaluates crash tests. Their Ballston location completes all of the research and community outreach. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also maintains a location in Charlottesville, Virginia. Charlottesville is in charge of preforming all crash tests.
The organization was originally based out of the Watergate Building in Washington, DC. It moved to Ballston in 1990 to expand the organization's size. Ballston allows them the opportunity to promote alternative forms of safe travel for their employees. It is also close enough to the district to keep information available to Capitol Hill.
The organization celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2009 with an anniversary test crash. The crash matched a 1959 Chevrolet Belair against a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu in a 40mph head on collision. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety was pleased to report that the 2009 Chevrolet Malibu faired much better in safety ratings than its 1959 counterpart.