Mistakes to avoid when buying a car for a teen
A new driver might mean a new set of wheels. Beware of these 3 common mistakes before you buy a car for your teenager.
Key Takeaways
- A safe, reliable used car is typically a smarter choice than a new car because it costs less to insure and repair, and older vehicles with good safety ratings can be just as protective as newer models.
- Call your insurance company before purchasing a car for a teen. Since teen drivers have higher accident rates, car insurance for a new driver may be expensive, and the make, model, and age of the vehicle you choose will significantly affect your premium.
- When choosing a car for a teen, prioritize safety features over style. Look for anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and a full set of airbags including side-curtain airbags.
Mistake #1: Buying a new car
Your teen wants something stylish. But safety, reliability, and insurance rates are what's important. Cars have dramatically improved in terms of design and safety features. That means an older car, even one without a warranty, can still be a good option if it's safe and reliable. It's also likely to cost less in repairs.
Mistake #2: Not budgeting for insurance
Because they're inexperienced and have a higher accident rate, car insurance for teen drivers can be expensive. Buying a used car can help you get a better rate. Call your insurance company before you buy. Let them know you have a new teen driver you want to add to your insurance and discuss your options. Some good news? Liberty Mutual offers discounts to help you save, including our Good Student Discount.
Mistake #3: Choosing the wrong safety features and size
The most important safety features to prioritize are:
- Those that help your teen control the car in poor driving conditions, such as anti-lock braking system (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC).
- Features that protect your teen in the aftermath of a crash such as a full set of airbags, including side-curtain airbags.
Car safety experts generally agree that a midsize or large sedan is the smartest choice for new drivers. They offer more bulk to absorb the impact of a collision, and statistics show that teens are less likely to crash a larger car.
Start your free car insurance quote for your teenage or under 25 driver.
Written by Jess Feldman
Jess Feldman is an Editor of Liberty Mutual Resources, the company's consumer-focused insurance hub. She brings more than a decade of experience in content strategy, editorial management, and instructional communication, with a focus on translating complex, YMYL (Your Money or Your Life) topics into clear, accurate, and actionable resources for consumers. Prior to Liberty Mutual, she served as Content Manager at Course Report and Editor at ParksByNature Network. She holds an M.F.A. in Writing and a B.A. in English from the University of New Hampshire.