Buying Your Teen a Car? Check the Insurance Cost Before You Buy

Buying your teen their first car is a big milestone. You're probably comparing purchase prices, reliability, safety and maybe even gas mileage.

But there's another number families often don't check until after they've chosen the car: the insurance cost.

And that can be an expensive surprise.

I recently had a Washington dad call me right before he signed the paperwork on a vehicle for his son.

He said, “Christine, we're about to buy a car for our son. Can you compare the insurance real quick?”

I'm so glad he called before buying the car.

The Same Teen Driver Can Cost Very Different Amounts to Insure

The family was considering more than one vehicle, so I compared the insurance cost for each option using the exact same teen driver.

One of the vehicles was going to cost more than double to insure compared with another vehicle they were considering.

They had no idea.

Once they knew the difference, they chose the other vehicle and saved themselves thousands of dollars in insurance costs over the time they owned it.

Why Does the Car Matter So Much for Teen Auto Insurance?

When you're adding a teen driver, the driver is only part of the equation.

The vehicle they're driving matters too.

Different vehicles can have significantly different insurance costs based on factors insurers use to determine rates.

That's why two vehicles with similar purchase prices don't necessarily have similar insurance premiums.

A car that looks like the better deal at the dealership could end up costing considerably more once you factor in the insurance.

Check Auto Insurance Before Buying Your Teen's Car

This is one of the easiest expensive surprises to avoid.

Before you sign the paperwork, check the insurance.

If you're considering several vehicles, get the VINs or vehicle information and have your insurance agent compare them.

You may discover that one vehicle is substantially less expensive to insure than another.

Then you can consider the total cost of owning the vehicle, not just the price on the window.

What Should Parents Consider When Choosing a Teen's Car?

Before buying a vehicle for a teen driver, consider:

• Purchase price

• Auto insurance cost

• Whether you'll carry comprehensive and collision coverage

• Deductibles

• Safety and reliability

• Repair costs

• Fuel and maintenance costs

Insurance shouldn't necessarily determine which vehicle you buy, but you should know the cost before you make the decision.

Shopping for a Teen's Car in Washington?

If you're buying a vehicle for a teen driver anywhere in Washington, send me the vehicles you're considering before you buy.

I'll compare the insurance cost on each one so you can see the difference before you sign the paperwork.

My goal is to help you make an informed decision and find the right coverage at the right price.

The Tillett Agency
1818 Main St Ste D
Sumner, WA 98390
📞 360-893-7513
✉️ [email protected]

Serving families throughout Washington State.