It’s natural for parents to worry when handing car keys to their teenage children. However, you can alleviate some of your stress by taking certain steps before letting your son or daughter get behind the wheel. From picking out a safe car to adding your teen to the auto insurance policy, here’s what you should know about getting your kids out on the road.

What to Look for in a Vehicle 

Mainly due to inexperience, teens are twice as likely to end up in a fatal collision as adults. As such, parents should look for vehicles with innovative safety features. Some of the most advanced safety systems include forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and pedestrian detection. However, this new technology doesn’t mean the car is accident-proof. If your teen is involved in a crash, you’ll also want to ensure the vehicle has side, front, and knee airbags. Some models also come with inflatable seat belts, which spread the force of impact over a wider portion of the body, reducing the severity of injuries. 

What to Do Before Hitting the Road

Finding the perfect vehicle is only the first step to getting your teen behind the wheel. You’ll also have to teach them how to merge, yield, and change lanes safely. You’ll also want to make sure they have insurance coverage. Thankfully, this may be as simple as adding them to your existing auto insurance policy. While it’s possible to purchase a separate policy, doing so may be more expensive. 

If coverage under a single policy still costs more than you budgeted for, look for possible discounts. For example, some carriers offer discounts to teen drivers who maintain a certain GPA. Completing a safe-driving course may also yield savings. 

To purchase auto insurance for your teen driver, contact Kalita Agency in Watertown, CT. This local, family-owned agency, has been helping drivers and homeowners throughout Litchfield Country secure coverage since 1960. Their team of licensed agents provides unparalleled service, as well as affordable policies from all the major carriers. To request a quote for auto insurance, get in touch through their website or call (860) 274-8882.