Vehicles To Avoid

It's actually pretty easy to determine which models to stay away from when choosing a car for a new teen driver: small, fast, two-seater sports cars, and bouncy trucks and SUV's with big tires and high centers of gravity. In other words, all of the ones a new teen driver wants. This is a good place to remind parents (and teens) that safety must win out over flash. That's the general rule.

 But before you pick a specific model, no matter what style, be sure to check its crash test ratings and stick with four- or five-star rated vehicles. These ratings are easy to find online.

It is important to always check and get a quote with your insurance carrier before purchasing a new car for your teen. Pick any of the above type vehicles for your teen and you will quickly find out why they should be avoided. The reason your insurance charges more for these types of vehicles are the same reasons you should avoid them. Mostly it comes down to safety. The safer the vehicle the cheaper the insurance will be for your young driver.

A teen's first car may not be the hottest on the road, but that's a plus. And if it doesn't have any curb appeal at all, consider a new paint job or maybe some cool chrome wheels. Believe it or not, it is possible to find a model that's both safe and one that a teen will be proud to be seen in.