Services
PriceProtect™
DriveShield™
GarageGuard™
Insurance
Car Insurance
Compare Car Insurance with Jerry
Jerry’s Expert Advice
Car Insurance Estimates
Home & Renters Insurance
Home 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
Recent Studies
Comprehensive Data Reports
Reviews
About
FAQ
MenuIcon
BACK

What safety components should I check when I buy a used car?

I want to buy a used car for my son, but I'm concerned about safety. I know how to look up reports and reviews online, but what do I actually do when I get to see the car in person?

avatar
Eric Schad · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
“If you want to make sure that the car is in prime condition and safe, start by looking at the vehicle history report. The vehicle history report will determine if the car has been in any accidents that may jeopardize its safety.
You should also:
  • Check the windshield for cracks
  • Make sure no dashboard warning lights are on, especially the one for the airbags
  • Check that all seat belts work
  • Check for open recalls with the
    National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
  • Test drive it to see how it feels
  • Check the tire treads and tread depth
If you do all of these things, you should have a better chance of getting a safe car.
And to protect your son even further, you may want to consider full coverage
car insurance
 as well as
medical payments
. It might be worth the little extra money for peace of mind.
Jerry
 can help you find the best deals on car insurance. We compare rates from the top 50 companies and deliver them to your phone in minutes.”
MORE:
What is a CARFAX report?
Car BuyingbuyingNHTSARoad SafetyVehicle Safety Ratings
View full answer 
Jerry user testimonial avatar
rating primary
“My experience with Jerry has been absolutely incredible. It took my car insurance from about $400/month to about $80. The entire experience is seamless.” - Gregory R.
Lower my car insurance too
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

Find insurance savings

You Might Also Be Interested

card cover

What To Look For When Buying A Used Car: From Hood To Trunk

When buying a used car, use online pricing guides to find its value. Consider the wear and tear on the vehicle, damages, mileage, and make sure it’s inspected. Read this guide to learn more.
avatar
Jason Tushinski
card cover

Used Car Warranties, Explained

If you buy a used car, ask about a used car warranty and find out what it covers, how much it costs, and whether the manufacturer or the dealer will honor it.
avatar
Jason Tushinski
card cover

Determining the Retail Value of Your Used Car

To determine your used car's retail value, do some research to determine the value of comparable models and then examine the condition of your own car.
avatar
Jason Tushinski

Read Advice From Car Experts At Jerry

card cover

How to Build a Custom Ford Expedition

You can build a custom Ford Expedition to achieve a sleeker look, a stronger engine, and even sport-tuned suspension.
avatar
Brenna Swanston
card cover

DIY Headlight Restoration Guide

You can remove and replace the protective film lenses to restore your car headlights.
avatar
Talullah Blanco
card cover

Does Progressive Have a Low Mileage Discount?

Progressive currently doesn’t offer a low-mileage discount, but there are many other ways you can save on insurance with the provider.
avatar
Maria Cruz

What Others Are Asking

Does a 2006 Honda Accord have Bluetooth?
I just got a used car, and I’d like to connect its Bluetooth to my iPhone, but I can’t figure out how to do it or if I’m even able to. Does a 2006 Honda Accord have Bluetooth?
avatar
Mary Alice Morris
What’s the best year for a used Subaru Crosstrek?
I’m moving to upstate New York, and I’ve had several people there tell me about Subarus and how great they are in the snow. I’m looking for a used one as a winter car, and to occasionally take camping. What’s the best year for a used Subaru Crosstrek?
avatar
Matt Terzi
How many liens can you have on a car?
I got into a bit of trouble, and now I have two liens on my car. I didn’t even know you could have more than one! So how many liens can you have on one car?
avatar
Macy Fouse
Browse All Questions

Browse More Content

Car Repair Resources

Insurance for Your Car

Insurance in Your State

    Insurance In Your City

    Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

    √
    No long forms
    √
    No spam or unwanted phone calls
    √
    Quotes from top insurance companies
    Find insurance savings
    Car Insurance by Make
    Audi
    BMW
    Dodge
    Ford
    GMC
    Honda
    Hyundai
    Jeep
    Kia
    Lexus
    Mercedes-Benz
    Mitsubishi
    Subaru
    Tesla
    Toyota
    View all
    Car Insurance by Model
    Chevrolet Silverado
    Chevrolet Malibu
    Ford Escape
    GMC Sierra
    Honda Accord
    Honda Civic
    Hyundai Tucson
    Jeep Cherokee
    Jeep Wrangler
    Kia Forte
    Mazda 3
    Nissan Altima
    Subaru Outback
    Subaru Crosstrek
    Toyota Camry
    Toyota Corolla
    Toyota Tacoma
    Toyota Highlander
    Toyota Rav4
    Volkswagen Jetta
    View all
    Car Insurance by State
    AL
    AZ
    AR
    CA
    CO
    CT
    DE
    FL
    GA
    ID
    IL
    IN
    IA
    KS
    KY
    LA
    ME
    MD
    MA
    MI
    MN
    MS
    MO
    MT
    NE
    NV
    NH
    NJ
    NM
    NY
    NC
    ND
    OH
    OK
    OR
    PA
    RI
    SC
    SD
    TN
    TX
    UT
    VT
    VA
    WA
    WV
    WI
    WY
    Car Insurance by City
    Austin, TX
    Boston, MA
    Charlotte, NC
    Chicago, IL
    Columbus, OH
    Dallas, TX
    Denver, CO
    Houston, TX
    Indianapolis, IN
    Jacksonville, FL
    Las Vegas, NV
    Los Angeles, CA
    Nashville, TN
    New York, NY
    Philadelphia, PA
    Phoenix, AZ
    Portland, OR
    San Antonio, TX
    San Francisco, CA
    Seattle, WA
    View all
    Car Loan by Make
    Audi
    BMW
    Chevrolet
    Ford
    GMC
    Honda
    Hyundai
    Kia
    Lexus
    Nissan
    Mercedes-Benz
    Subaru
    Tesla
    Toyota
    View all
    Car Insurance by Company
    AAA
    Allstate
    Aspire Advantage
    Assurance America
    Bristol West
    Commonwealth
    Dairyland
    Encompass
    Infinity
    Kemper
    Mapfre
    Mercury
    National General
    Nationwide
    Plymouth Rock
    Progressive
    Safeco
    State Auto
    Travelers
    Car Loan by State
    AL
    AZ
    AR
    CA
    CO
    CT
    DE
    FL
    GA
    ID
    IL
    IN
    IA
    KS
    KY
    LA
    ME
    MD
    MA
    MI
    MN
    MS
    MO
    MT
    NE
    NV
    NH
    NJ
    NM
    NY
    NC
    ND
    OH
    OK
    OR
    PA
    RI
    SC
    SD
    TN
    TX
    UT
    VT
    VA
    WA
    WV
    WI
    WY
    Car Repair by Service
    AC Compressor Replacement Cost
    Battery Replacement Cost
    Fuel Injector Replacement Cost
    Fuel Pump Replacement Cost
    Ignition Coil Replacement Cost
    Oil Change Cost
    Oil Pan Replacement Cost
    Power Steering Fluid Service Cost
    Rotate Tires Cost
    Spark Plugs Replacement Cost
    Timing Belt Replacement Cost
    Valve Cover Gasket Replacement Cost
    Water Pump Replacement Cost
    Wheel Bearings Replacement Cost
    View all