When your children are finally old enough to get behind the wheel, you’ll have to decide whether to get them a vehicle of their own. While they could just use the family car, this might drive up your auto insurance rates and could impair their driving skills. Below are a few reasons to consider helping your new driver finance their own vehicle.

What Are the Benefits of Having a Separate Car for Your Teen?

1. Added Convenience

Having another driver in the house can be more convenient, but only if they have transportation available. With their own vehicle, your child will be able to run errands for you, drive themselves to school, or plan their own social outings without worrying about conflicting schedules. They can also more easily find and maintain an after-school job.

2. Better Safety Features

If your teen has to buy a vehicle on their own, they’ll likely purchase the cheapest car they can find. An older vehicle may be less expensive, but it will probably lack the advanced safety features you’d like your teen driver to have. 

3. Building Their Driving Skills

The more time your teen spends behind the wheel, the sharper their driving skills will be. Having their own car means they’ll be able to log more miles. In the process, they’ll develop the experience they’ll need to drive safely by the time they are making cross-country treks back and forth from college or navigating traffic-filled major highways.

4. Lower Auto Insurance Rates

Auto insurance companies know that teen drivers cause a disproportionate share of auto accidents, so adding your child to your policy will probably cause your premiums to jump. Therefore, in exchange for helping them buy their own car, consider asking that they pay for their own auto coverage. This will not only help them build a credit score but also develop financial responsibility.

If your teen has just gotten their license, trust the Doris Watson Insurance Agency in Broken Arrow, OK, to help provide the protection they’ll need. As a dedicated State Farm® agent, they offer auto insurance policies tailored to your needs, backed by one of the most respected carriers in the nation. Visit their website or call (918) 251-4333 to request your free quote, and follow their Facebook for more helpful tips and advice.