PriceProtect™
DriveShield™
GarageGuard™
Services
Insurance
Car Insurance
Compare Car Insurance with Jerry
Jerry’s Expert Advice
Car Insurance Estimates
Home & Renters Insurance
Renters Insurance
Loans
Car Loan
Compare Car Loans with Jerry
Jerry's Expert Advice
Car Loan Guides
Repairs
Car Repair Estimates
Repair Estimates for Popular Services
Advice
Read Car Content
Browse Jerry Car Advice
Check Out Expert Car QnA
Learn About How We Create Content
Jerry Data & Research
Should I buy a car with a salvage title for my teen driver?
My wife and I are having a debate. Our daughter is going to turn 16 soon and get her learner’s permit. I want to buy a salvage car, show her how to fix it, and maybe teach her some car maintenance. On the other hand, my wife wants us to get an expensive “newer” car (and take out a loan) because it looks prettier. Who is right?
Shannon Martin · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
You both have valid points. Let’s start with yours first. There are several benefits to buying a teen driver a salvaged vehicle:
- New drivers get lots of dings and scratches, and it would be better for them to happen to an older car.
- You (and she) can save money for a new car when she has more driving experience—a new car will cost less to insure when she’s not fresh out of driver’s ed.
- Salvaged cars usually can only haveliability coverage, which means a much cheaper insurance bill—but it won’t cover repairs to her car.
- You might be able to find her a vintage car, making it a fun older car to drive.
Your wife also has an excellent point. Not only will a newer used car bought from a dealership look nicer, but it may also be safer.
- Most salvaged cars have a rough accident history. Even after you fix the car up, it will never perform as well as a newer one in good condition.
- With the newer car, you can addcomprehensiveandcollision coverageto your policy. If she gets in an accident, your insurance will cover car repairs and you won’t have to pay out-of-pocket.
We can’t make this decision for you, but we can advise you to price out different vehicles and insurance coverage options. Downloading the free
Jerry
app can help you select an insurance policy that fits your family’s needs by comparing dozens of competitive quotes.View full answer
- Gregory R.
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance
You Might Also Be Interested
Read Advice From Car Experts At Jerry
What Others Are Asking
Browse More Content
Insurance for Your Car
Insurance in Your State
Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance
No long forms
No spam or unwanted phone calls
Quotes from top insurance companies
