Share:

When teenagers get their driver’s license, they’re often excited about the style of their future car. But for parents, concerns usually focus on how their child will stay safe on the road and how much it will cost. For this reason, it’s essential to choose a car that’s not just affordable but also reliable. To help you get your child on the road with confidence, here are a few qualities you should consider when choosing a vehicle—including how it will impact your auto insurance.

A Parent’s Guide to Choosing a Car for Their Teenager

Safety

Your child’s vehicle should carry a high safety rating. This indicates how well the vehicle will sustain an impact from a collision.

auto insuranceAt a minimum, the car should have functional seatbelts, airbags, and antilock brakes. However, newer models also feature new technologies to take safety a step forward like driver-attention monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warnings, lane-departure warnings, lane-keeping assist, and automatic braking.  

Body Size

When it comes to crash safety, small vehicles pose the most risks, while larger vehicles, like trucks and SUVs, usually offer the best impact security. However, since bigger cars can be challenging for new drivers, you should make sure your teen feels comfortable with the vehicle. 

Typically, midsize and compact vehicles are easier for new drivers to manipulate and still provide a strong, sturdy frame for enhanced impact-resistance.

Repair Needs

Cars that require ongoing repairs will increase your teen’s risk of having auto troubles on the road, which may lead to an accident.

If you’re buying new, avoid vehicles that have reputations for high repair needs. If you’re buying used or sticking with a pre-owned family car, check the maintenance records and be wary of any signs that the vehicle has needed excessive repairs.

What Kind of Auto Insurance Will My Child Need?

Auto insurance companies view new and young drivers as a risk, which often translates into higher premiums. However, if you add a child to your existing policy, the overall cost will be much cheaper than having them get their own coverage.

While your child will need minimum liability coverage to legally drive their car, it’s smart to invest in a plan that offers broader protections. For example, collision insurance can help pay for the repair and replacement of the car you just purchased your teen.

 

While there are many factors to consider when you have a new driver in the family, sorting out auto coverage is simple with Sweeney Insurance Agency in Kodiak, AK. They’ve been serving clients throughout Alaska for more than four decades by providing plans from a nationally-recognized carrier to cover each family’s specific risks without breaking the budget. They will also help you explore discounts to keep costs low without compromising your coverage. Visit this agency online to learn more about all of their available vehicle-coverage solutions—such as ATV, boat, and motorcycle insurance. For quotes, call (907) 486-3101.

tracking