Learn where you should begin on your hunt for the perfect car for your teen.

Planning on surprising your teen with their very own car this holiday season?  Make sure that you are choosing the right vehicle to meet their needs.  When you are looking for a car for your teen driver, there are many things to consider.  Here are some of the biggest decisions you will have to make.

New or Used?

One of the first things you will have to decide is whether to get your teen a new or used car.  New cars are an attractive option because they have the latest safety features, are reliable, and generally do not require much maintenance.  However, these pros all come at a price; new cars are expensive to buy and insure.  On the other hand, used cars present a much more affordable option.  Not only are they cheaper to buy and insure, but many newer used cars also offer safety features comparable to the ones found in brand-new models.

Style versus Safety?

While your child might want a sports car, these types of cars are not a very safe option for your teen.  The speed and quick acceleration of these cars makes them difficult for inexperienced drivers to handle.  Additionally, your teen might drive recklessly in an attempt to show off their new ride.  Both these factors can increase your teen’s chances of getting into an accident.  Instead of buying a flashy car for your teen, we recommend you focus your search on the cars that offer the best security features and have the highest crash safety ratings. Often these cars are less expensive to insure!

Size?

There are pros and cons to both big and small cars.  On one hand, large cars provide more security for your teen.  However, because big cars can be difficult for inexperienced drivers to handle, they could increase your child’s chances of getting into an accident in the first place.   On the other hand, small cars are more fuel-efficient and easier to drive and park.  However, they might not provide as much protection during a serious collision.

We suggest you select a couple of cars you and your teen are thinking about purchasing and then call us before you buy to run auto insurance quotes for you. This will give you an idea of auto insurance costs ahead of time. Especially because young teens/first time drivers can be expensive. Once you find the perfect vehicle, make sure that it has the insurance protection it needs.  To get the right policy for you, contact the team at Randy Jones Insurance Services in Pleasanton, California.  Our experts are standing by and are eager to help you get the coverage you need today.