The ultimate car buying guide for young drivers | PEMCO

Are you considering buying (or helping to buy) a new vehicle for the recent graduate in your life? We may be biased, but at PEMCO, we think safety is the ultimate priority. Follow these tips and check out these resources to ensure you make the best, safest choice for your young driver. 

Why safety matters for young drivers 

Young drivers are more likely to be involved in crashes than older drivers, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In 2019, drivers aged 15 to 20 accounted for 8% of all drivers involved in fatal crashes, and 9% of all drivers involved in injury crashes. The risk of crash involvement is highest in the first months of independent driving, when young drivers are still developing their skills and judgment. 

One of the ways we can empower young drivers to be as responsible and safe as possible is by encouraging the use of a vehicle that is highly rated for safety. While a safe car can’t prevent a crash, it can help reduce the severity.  

What makes some cars safer? 

Whether you’re shopping for a grad gift or a new car for yourself, there are a few features to keep in mind that can help enhance your vehicle’s overall safety:  

• Size and weight: Larger, heavier vehicles tend to offer more protection than smaller and lighter ones in a crash. Our experts recommend you avoid very small cars and sports cars, which may be more difficult to handle and more prone to roll over. 

• Crashworthiness: This refers to how well a vehicle protects its occupants in a crash. You can check the crash test ratings of different vehicles from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) (which happens to be one of PEMCO’s valued partners). Look for vehicles that have the highest ratings in both frontal and side impact tests, as well as good ratings in roof strength and head restraint tests. 

• Safety technology: Modern vehicles are equipped with various technologies that can help prevent or mitigate crashes, such as electronic stability control (ESC), forward collision warning (FCW), automatic emergency braking (AEB), lane departure warning (LDW), blind spot detection (BSD), rearview cameras, and more. These features can be especially helpful for young drivers, who may lack experience and awareness on the road. However, they are not substitutes for attentive and careful driving, and they should not encourage overconfidence. 

• Reliability: A reliable vehicle is one that does not break down frequently or require costly repairs. A reliable vehicle can save you money and hassle, as well as reduce the risk of having a mechanical failure that could cause a crash. You can check the reliability ratings of different vehicles from sources such as Consumer Reports, J.D. Power, and Kelley Blue Book. 

What are some of the safest cars for young drivers? 

Based on the criteria mentioned above, here are some of the safest cars for young drivers, according to the IIHS and other sources. These cars have received the highest ratings in crash tests, have advanced safety technology, and are known for reliability.  
 
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list. PEMCO recommends all customers do their own research, as well as test drive, before making a final decision. As always, feel free to call us at 1-800-GO-PEMCO to inquire about specific vehicles and how they may impact your premium. 

• Toyota Camry: This midsize sedan is one of the most popular and reliable cars in the market, and it has excellent safety ratings and features. The 2018 and newer models have standard FCW and AEB, as well as optional LDW and BSD. The 2018 model has a starting price of around $15,000, but may vary depending on mileage, condition, and location. 

• Honda Accord: This midsize sedan is another top choice for safety and reliability, and it has a spacious and comfortable interior. The 2018 and newer models have standard FCW, AEB, LDW, and LKA, as well as optional BSD and rear cross traffic alert. The 2018 model has a starting price of around $16,000, but may vary depending on mileage, condition, and location. 

• Subaru Outback: This midsize wagon is ideal for young drivers who need more cargo space and versatility, and it has standard all-wheel drive and good off-road capabilities. The 2016 and newer models have standard ESC and optional FCW, AEB, LDW, and LKA. The 2016 model has a starting price of around $14,000, but may vary depending on mileage, condition, and location. 

• Ford Fusion: This midsize sedan has a variety of engine and trim options. The 2017 and newer models have standard ESC and optional FCW, AEB, LDW, LKA, BSD, and rear cross traffic alert. The 2017 model has a starting price of around $11,000, but may vary depending on mileage, condition, and location. 

Buying a car—even if it’s for you, and not the graduate in your life—is a big decision that requires careful research and planning. While it needs to fit your budget and appeal to you (or the person driving it), it’s important to take safety into consideration.  

We hope these tips help you find the best fit for you that gets you or your loved one around safely and comfortably... so you can worry less and live more. 
 
 

PEMCO does not officially endorse or recommend one car make or model over another. Please consult with an agent if you are considering buying a new car or adding a new car to your policy.