How to Buy Your Teen a Car

​​​​As a parent, buying your teenager a car is a big decision! It’s a major purchase and it’s important to make sure you make the right choice. 

Here’s what you need to know before taking the plunge.  

1. Consider your budget. How much can you afford to spend? New cars are expensive, but you can often get a good deal on a used car. Consider the cost of insurance, gas, and maintenance.  

2. Think about safety. Look into crash ratings and make sure the car you choose has as many safety features as you can afford. You may also want to look into cars that offer additional driver-assist technologies like blind spot monitoring and automatic emergency braking.  Unfortunately, the chances are very high that this car will be in an accident, so keep that in mind.

3. Consider practicality. Does it get good gas mileage? Is it reliable?  

4. Talk to your teenager. Ask them what kind of car they would like and let them help you in the shopping process. It’s important to involve them in the decision-making process and make sure the car you choose meets their needs.  If possible, have them contribute financially to the car purchase.

5. Take your time. Don’t rush into a decision. Research your options and make sure you’re getting the best deal. 
6. It’s also important to consider insurance premiums when buying your teenager a car. Insurance companies typically charge higher premiums for teenage drivers due to their inexperience and higher risk of accidents. Make sure to shop around for the best rates and look into common discounts such as good student discounts and multi-car discounts.

Make sure to do your research, talk to your teenager, and shop around for the best insurance rates. With a little work, you can find the perfect car for your teenager that is safe, reliable, and fits within your budget.