Once your teen finally has their own driver’s license, it’s time to choose the right car. Whether they plan to pay for it themselves or you’re going to purchase a vehicle, finding the best one means balancing several different factors, including price, reliability, safety, and insurance rates. The tips below will help you choose a safe, affordable vehicle for your young driver.

4 Car-Buying Tips for Teen Drivers

1. Choose an Older Vehicle

Your teenager might want a brand-new sports car, but buying an older vehicle is a more cost-effective choice. In addition to lower up-front costs, you’ll also enjoy the benefit of reduced insurance rates, which can be very high for teen drivers.

2. Focus on Safety

Gas mileage, price, and comfort are all important factors when deciding on a car, but nothing is as crucial as the safety of your child. Teen drivers are more likely to cause an accident than any other age group, so choose a model with high crash-test ratings and the best safety equipment available.

3. Check the Maintenance Records

Used cars will eventually break down, especially if it’s already several years old. However, asking for the service records and ensuring that the vehicle has been properly maintained will help you avoid unpleasant surprises and reduce your long-term costs.

4. Consider Your Insurance Options

Many parents assume that just adding their teen to their own insurance policy is the cheapest option. However, sometimes buying your teen a separate insurance policy is a more cost-effective approach, or you might save money bundling all of your policies together. Your insurance agent can help you sort through the available options and ensure your teen has the coverage they need at the best price possible.

The agents at Schommer Insurance understand how important your child’s safety is, so you can depend on them to help protect what matters most. As an independent agency, they have policies from some of the industry’s leading carriers, along with a reputation throughout Hastings, MN, for providing outstanding customer support. Visit their website for more on their auto insurance options, follow their Facebook for tips and updates, or call (651) 319-0699 to request a free quote.