That fateful day has arrived: your teenager now has her driver’s license and she wants can’t possibly live without her own car. Before you buy a car for your teen, consider some of the following tips to ensure that you choose an option that will keep her safe and help you save money.
Safety First
Your teenager probably wants a sweet ride that looks cool and has a kicking sound system. As a parent, you have different ideas about what features to look for in a vehicle. Don’t let your teen pressure you into choosing the coolest car. Base your decision on safety features. After all, your teen doesn’t have that much experience driving, so she is at a higher risk of having an accident.
Check crash test results for cars and read safety reports to help you decide which options will keep your teenager safe on the road.
Consider Insurance Prices
As a new driver, insurance companies will charge your teen higher prices than they charge experienced drivers with good records. Ask your insurance provider to give you price quotes before you buy a new or used car for your teenager. Just because you can afford the car doesn’t mean you can afford the insurance.
Make Your Teen Responsible
Make sure your teen understands that cars come with huge responsibilities. Reinforce this lesson by making having her pay for the car’s maintenance, insurance and other costs. She will quickly learn that cars require a lot of attention, care and, perhaps most importantly, money.
