If you have a new teen driver, you want them to be protected while they’re out enjoying their newfound freedom. One of the ways you can do this is to choose a safe vehicle for them to drive. Choosing a safe vehicle can also reduce your auto insurance expenses. Below are some tips for picking the right car for your new driver.

How to Choose the Right Car for Your Teen

1. New or Used

You may like the idea of buying your teen driver a brand-new car. Newer models often feature state-of-the-art safety features like side-impact airbags, lane departure warnings, and anti-lock brakes.

However, if a new car is not in your budget, look for a high-quality used vehicle with the essential safety features. Ask sellers if they can provide maintenance records, and review these to make sure the car is in top condition without unseen internal damage that could affect the car’s performance down the line.

2. Size

To provide your teen driver the safest driving experience, choose a vehicle for them that offers some size and weight to it. Although technological advancements have made smaller cars safer now than at any other time, heavier cars are still safer than smaller, lighter vehicles.

A heavy vehicle like an SUV or large sedan will likely resist the force of an impact in the event of an accident more than a small car that may be flipped or more severely damaged. Larger cars also have more space in the body to absorb crash energy before any hard objects enter the passenger compartment.

3. Reliability

Beyond size and condition, some kinds of cars are known to be more reliable than others. For instance, convertibles offer less protection in the event of a rollover, so you may not want to choose one as your child’s first car.

Instead, select a reliable vehicle with positive online reviews and the best crash-test results. Once you choose one, bring it to a mechanic to ensure all crucial components like the engine, transmission, and frame are in excellent condition, and make sure to get quality auto insurance coverage to protect them in case of any accidents.

If you need expert assistance designing an auto insurance policy for your teen, contact A Better Choice Insurance Agency in Concord, NC. They have served Cabarrus County for more than 25 years and specialize in auto, motorcycle, RV, renters, and property insurance. Message them online via their website or call (704) 782-2073 to request an auto insurance quote.