One of the most anticipated rites of passage is getting a driver’s license, followed by getting your own car. But which makes and models offer an excellent safety record combined with affordability? The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has taken the guesswork out of searching for the perfect vehicle that will satisfy a teen driver and the worried parent (who is probably paying for at least half of it).
The IIHS has compiled a list of affordable used vehicles that meet important safety criteria for teen drivers. There are two tiers of recommended vehicles with options at various price points, ranging from less than $5,000 to nearly $20,000, so parents can buy the most safety for their money, whatever their budget.
The recommendations on teen vehicle choice are guided by four main principles:
– Young drivers should stay away from high horsepower. Vehicles with more powerful engines can tempt them to test the limits.
– Bigger, heavier vehicles protect better in a crash. There are no minicars or small cars on the recommended list. Small SUVs are included because their weight is similar to that of a midsize car.
– Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is a must. This feature, which helps a driver maintain control of the vehicle on curves and slippery roads, reduces risk on a level comparable to safety belts.
– Vehicles should have the best safety ratings possible. At a minimum, that means good ratings in the IIHS moderate overlap front test, acceptable ratings in the IIHS side crash test and four or five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Naturally, you need to talk with your insurance professional to see about adding any new driver to your own auto insurance policy. Make an appointment to see which options are available and make the most sense for you.
To check the IIHS recommendations, visit www.iihs.org.