Article

The right vehicle for your teen driver

They are six words that give parents of young drivers anxiety: your teen has a driver’s license. With their driver’s license in place, maybe you are in the market for buying a vehicle to help them hit the roadways for the first time. Before you commit your money to just any vehicle, consider six more words to aid you in your decision:

 

Stars

There are a lot of car rating systems to choose from that can make selecting a vehicle difficult. Consider ratings from organizations such as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports. The two organizations have joined forces to publish the 2020 list of 65 recommended used vehicles, ranging from $5,300 to $19,600, showing that safety can be both affordable and practical. Review list. They collaborate to put out lists of four- and five-star purchases based on criteria that takes into account several safety features, data from crash tests and overall reliability.

Control

All drivers will have to hit the brakes from time to time to navigate slippery roadways and other drivers.

Look for vehicles with standard electronic stability control, which has the technology to help all drivers brake more efficiently and maintain control.

Sporty cars also come with the temptation to test the speed limits frequently. This also means a higher risk of accidents. Avoid them and go with a car that provides not-too-fast, not-too slow speeds to help your teen gain valuable experience first.

Middle

When considering the size of the vehicle, don’t go too big or too small. Smaller sized cars may not provide enough protection in the event of a crash.

On the other end of the spectrum, there may be a temptation to surround your young teen in a truck, large SUV or minivan for protection. However, with great bulk comes greater demands on the young driver to handle its size and in many cases, lesser handling.

Search first for mid-sized vehicles and review their safety ratings before making the final purchase decision.

History

Used vehicles are an affordable option many car buyers steer towards for their children. A recent IIHS study stated that 83% of parents who purchased a vehicle for their teen driver bought it used. If you decide to look at used cars, make sure to check to see if there have been any recent recalls or safety issues that have come to light.

Connectivity

Distracted driving is a real issue on the road, especially for younger drivers. Check vehicles for connectivity options like Bluetooth or verbal assistance features to help reinforce good driving habits by keeping your teen’s hands and eyes off the phone and on the road. Features such as lane departure warning, blind spot warning and others may cost you more money, but add an extra layer of protection for newer drivers.

Coverage

Once you have a vehicle in mind, consider talking to an agent about your options. Also, check out The Hanover SafeTeen program that offers parents and teen drivers resources that could help give you six words: peace of mind while they drive.

Sources:

  1. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
  2. Consumer Reports
  3. USA Today

This material is provided for informational purposes only. Customers should make the decision on which vehicle best meets their need.

LC 2020-514