Parents, help your teen pick out a safe and reliable first car.

Did you survive teaching your teen how to drive? If they’ve recently passed their test or are about to, it’s likely that you’re looking for the right first car for him or her. Even though every parent understands the risks associated with getting behind the wheel of a car, teens are more excited about their newfound freedom. Picking the right car for a young driver is important and can play a big role in your child’s safety. As such, we’ve compiled some of our top tips on how to choose the right vehicle.
Do Your Research
Typically, a first car should be a used vehicle as it is likely the teen will mark it with a few bumps and scratches while getting used to the roads. Research is key in terms of making sure you’re paying the right price, especially if it is a used car. Once you’ve determined your budget, you’ll want to look for vehicles with a high safety crash rating. You can view the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s test results to get a better idea of how certain vehicles react in a crash.
Opt for a Heavy Vehicle
As a general rule, it’s best to avoid fast, sporty cars for teenagers. Powerful engines and speedier vehicles can be tempting for young drivers, as well as being costly to insure. Instead, choose big, heavy cars that provide more protection in the event of an accident.
Avoid Car Modifications
Young drivers should avoid choosing a car that has after-market modifications, such as alloy wheels, body kits, and spoilers. This encourages teens to show off, reducing their focus on the roads, and may increase the cost of the vehicle and insurance.
Secure Insurance
While nothing can replace safe driving habits, auto insurance can help parents and teens, too. Ensure that your teenager has reliable, secure car insurance that can help you, your family, your wallet, and vehicle if there is an incident or accident. Check out how to secure affordable auto insurance for your teen.
Find out how much you can save when adding your teen to your  auto insurance  policy with McCarty Insurance Agency.  Contact us  for all of your insurance needs so that you, as a parent, can feel rest assured that protection is in place.