Driving as a young adult is an exciting milestone, but it comes with significant responsibilities, especially when it comes to car insurance. For parents and young drivers alike, finding a vehicle that is not only safe and reliable but also affordable to insure is a top priority. The combination of inexperience and youthful exuberance makes insurance rates for young drivers notoriously high. Choosing the right car, however, can make a considerable difference in both safety and insurance costs.
Organizations like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Consumer Reports have long been trusted sources for vehicle safety and reliability information. By collaborating, they offer invaluable guidance for families navigating the car buying process for young drivers. Their joint recommendations aim to highlight vehicles that excel in safety, reliability, and, crucially, can be more economical to insure.
Alt text: IIHS and Consumer Reports collaboration logo, highlighting their joint effort in vehicle safety recommendations.
This article dives into the best car choices for young drivers, drawing upon the expert recommendations from IIHS and Consumer Reports. We’ll explore both used and new vehicle options, focusing on how safety features and vehicle type can impact insurance premiums, ultimately helping you make an informed decision that balances safety and cost-effectiveness.
Understanding Insurance Costs for Young Drivers
Insurance companies assess risk, and statistically, young drivers are considered a higher risk group. This is primarily due to their lack of driving experience, which unfortunately correlates with a higher likelihood of accidents. Factors that contribute to higher insurance premiums for young drivers include:
- Age and Driving Experience: Insurers view less experienced drivers as more prone to errors.
- Vehicle Type: Sporty cars or vehicles known for speed and power are often pricier to insure. Conversely, vehicles with strong safety ratings and features can sometimes lead to lower premiums.
- Safety Features: Cars equipped with advanced safety technologies like automatic emergency braking and lane departure warnings can potentially reduce insurance costs, as they minimize accident risks.
- Vehicle Size and Weight: Larger, heavier vehicles generally offer better protection in crashes, which can be seen favorably by insurance companies compared to very small, light cars.
Choosing a vehicle with a strong safety record and features is not just about protecting your young driver; it’s also a strategic move to potentially lower insurance expenses.
Top Car Choices for Young Drivers: Balancing Safety and Insurance
To help parents and young drivers navigate this complex landscape, IIHS and Consumer Reports have compiled lists of recommended vehicles. These recommendations are categorized into “Best Choices” and “Good Choices” for used vehicles, and a separate list for “Recommended New Vehicles.” These lists are excellent starting points when considering cars that are both safe and potentially more insurable for young drivers.
Best Used Car Choices for Young Drivers
Opting for a used car is often a financially sound decision for young drivers, and it doesn’t mean compromising on safety. The “Best Choices” list from IIHS and Consumer Reports features used vehicles that offer a high level of safety and reliability at more accessible price points.
These “Best Choices” vehicles share several key characteristics:
- Robust Weight: All vehicles weigh over 2,750 pounds, providing better crash protection.
- Top Safety Ratings: They achieve “Good” ratings in IIHS’s original moderate overlap front, original side, roof strength, and head restraint tests. They also have at least an “Acceptable” rating in the driver-side small overlap test. NHTSA ratings, when available, are 4 or 5 stars overall.
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): Crucially, “Best Choice” vehicles come standard with automatic emergency braking systems that are rated “Advanced” or “Superior” by IIHS. This feature is a significant safety advantage and can be appealing to insurance providers.
- Reliability and Handling: Consumer Reports rates these vehicles as having above-average reliability (4 or 5 out of 5) for most listed model years and good emergency handling scores.
- Effective Braking: They have dry braking distances of 145 feet or less when stopping from 60 mph.
Here are some examples from the “Best Choices” used car list, which are excellent candidates for young drivers seeking affordable insurance due to their safety and reliability:
Small Cars:
- Toyota Corolla (sedan 2017+, hatchback 2019+)
- Toyota Prius (2017+)
- Mazda 3 (2021-22)
- Honda Civic (2021+)
Midsize Cars:
- Toyota Camry (2018+)
- Volvo S60 (2017, 2021)
- Subaru Legacy (2019)
- Honda Accord Sedan (2020)
Small SUVs:
- Chevrolet Equinox (2020, 2023)
- Toyota RAV4 (2017+)
- Honda CR-V (2020+)
- Mazda CX-5 (2021-23)
Midsize SUVs:
- Volvo XC60 (2017)
- Toyota Highlander (2017+)
- Mazda CX-9 (2020, 2022)
Alt text: A teenager and parent in a car, symbolizing the importance of choosing a safe vehicle for young drivers and parental guidance in the process.
“Good Choices” Used Vehicles:
For an even more budget-friendly option, the “Good Choices” list offers vehicles that still meet high safety standards but are generally older and more affordable than the “Best Choices.” These vehicles maintain the same weight and crash test rating criteria as the “Best Choices,” making them safe options for young drivers who need to keep insurance costs down.
Examples from the “Good Choices” list include:
Small Cars:
- Mazda 3 (2014-17)
- Honda Civic Sedan (2014)
- Toyota Prius (2014-16)
- Subaru Impreza (2019-20)
Midsize Cars:
- Mazda 6 (2015-17)
- Toyota Camry (2014-17)
- Honda Accord (2015-17)
- Subaru Legacy (2017-18)
Small SUVs:
- Mazda CX-5 (2016)
- Honda CR-V (2015-19)
- Chevrolet Equinox (2018-19)
- Toyota RAV4 (2015-16)
Midsize SUVs:
- Nissan Murano (2016)
- Toyota Highlander (2014-16)
- Mazda CX-9 (2018)
Recommended New Vehicles for Young Drivers
If a new car is within your budget, the “Recommended New Vehicles” list provides an even higher level of safety and the latest technology. These vehicles are all 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award winners and include standard vehicle-to-vehicle automatic emergency braking.
Key features of these new vehicles include:
- Top Safety Pick Awards: Recognition from IIHS for superior safety performance.
- Standard AEB: Automatic emergency braking is standard on all models.
- Reliability and Handling: Average or better reliability ratings from Consumer Reports and good emergency handling scores.
- Effective Braking: Dry braking distances under 140 feet from 60 mph.
- User-Friendly Controls: Rated “Good” or better by Consumer Reports for ease of use.
Examples of recommended new vehicles that could be beneficial for insurance due to their advanced safety features:
Small Cars:
- Subaru Impreza
- Mazda 3
- Toyota Prius
- Toyota Prius Prime
Midsize Cars:
- Toyota Camry
- Honda Accord
- Subaru Outback
- Hyundai Ioniq 6 (except dual-motor)
Small SUVs:
- Mazda CX-30
- Kia Sportage
- Hyundai Tucson
- Honda CR-V
- Mazda CX-50
Midsize SUVs:
- Subaru Ascent
- Kia Telluride
- Hyundai Palisade
- Honda Pilot
- Mazda CX-90
Factors Beyond the Car: Further Reducing Insurance Costs
While choosing a safe and reliable car is crucial for potentially lowering insurance premiums for young drivers, there are other steps you can take:
- Driver Education and Training: Enrolling in certified driving courses can demonstrate a commitment to safe driving and may qualify for insurance discounts.
- Good Driving Habits: Encourage safe driving practices. Avoiding speeding tickets and accidents is the most direct way to keep insurance rates low over time.
- Consider a Higher Deductible: Opting for a higher deductible can lower your monthly premium, but ensure you can comfortably pay the deductible in case of an accident.
- Shop Around for Insurance: Compare quotes from multiple insurance companies. Rates can vary significantly, so it’s essential to shop around to find the best deal.
- Parent’s Policy: Adding a young driver to a parent’s existing policy is usually more cost-effective than a separate policy.
Conclusion: Prioritizing Safety and Smart Insurance Choices
Choosing the “Best Cars To Insure For Young Drivers” is about more than just finding the lowest premium. It’s about making a smart, informed decision that prioritizes safety, reliability, and long-term affordability. By selecting vehicles recommended by IIHS and Consumer Reports, you are equipping young drivers with cars that have proven safety records and features that can genuinely reduce accident risk and potentially lower insurance costs. Remember to factor in other insurance-reducing strategies, such as driver training and safe driving habits, to create a comprehensive approach to safety and financial responsibility for your young driver.
Disclaimer: Insurance rates vary based on numerous factors, including location, driving history, and specific insurance provider policies. Consult with an insurance professional for personalized advice and quotes.
