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When your teen finally earns a driver’s license, they likely have visions of cruising around in a fancy sports car. As parents, you get to be the ones to help them select a more reasonable vehicle. Choosing the right vehicle for a new driver can make all the difference when it comes to safety and car insurance rates, so keep these tips in mind while shopping with your teen. 

How to Help Your Teen Purchase Their First Car 

1. Safety

The top priority for any vehicle driven by a newly licensed driver is safety. This begins with the size of the car. Avoid small cars that don’t offer enough protection, but remember that vehicles that are too large can be difficult to maneuver safely.

In most cases, a midsize or compact vehicle is the best choice. Look for additional safety features like anti-lock brakes, side-impact airbags, collision detection and rear-view cameras. Although these are standard features on newer models, some used cars may not have all of them, so shop carefully. 

2. Costs of Ownership 

car insuranceAlthough your teen may come to you with listings for used cars, remind them that owning a car is more important than the initial purchase. An older vehicle that only costs a couple of thousand dollars might seem like a bargain, but it’s likely to need repairs.

A brand new car may be trouble-free, but the costs for car insurance, taxes and registration fees will drive up the costs. Help your teen compare the price of ownership for different models. Take into account all car-related expenses, including maintenance, gas, car insurance, taxes and fees. 

3. Distractions

Many of today’s cars come with touchscreens, built-in Wi-Fi and extra power. However, new drivers need to limit distractions while gaining experience on the road, so choose a vehicle with limited distractions. Look for one that offers Bluetooth and hands-free controls for navigation and music.

Also, avoid buying a car that is more powerful than necessary. Young drivers and muscle cars aren’t always a good combination, so stick to vehicles with four-cylinder engines that are easier to control.

 

Choosing your teen’s first car is exciting and nerve-wracking for parents. Once you find the perfect vehicle, get reliable car insurance coverage from Lafever Insurance Agency in Cookeville, TN. This independent agency strives to make policies for young drivers as affordable as possible. To learn more about the products they offer, visit them online or call them at (931) 526-3377.

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