With this in mind, let's take a look at some of the safest vehicles available on the market today:
Subcompact
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety - a group devoted to roadway safety - ranked the 2016 Scion iA, as the safest subcompact car in its 2016 Top Safety Pick rankings. This car is also highly fuel efficient and easy to maintain.
Small Sedan
The 2016 Honda Civic 4-door was recognized by the IIHS as an exceptionally safe automobile. This is also a long-lasting, affordable vehicle, making it a great choice for younger drivers who look to get as much value as possible for their dollar.
Midsized sedan
The 2017 Ford Fusion is another affordable vehicle granted the highest possible safety rating from the IIHS in this year's awards.
Full-sized sedan
The 2016 Toyota Avalon stood alone in the full-sized sedan category of the IIHS' power rankings for safety this year.
Small SUV
If you're on the adventurous side and need a car that will take you into the mountains, the 2016 Subaru Forrester earned a Top Safety Plus rating from the IIHS this year and is a highly affordable option available to younger drivers.
General tips
When seeking out a car and prioritizing reliability and safety, but wanting to browse a bit more, check out this chart from consumer expert Clark Howard on the vehicle brands that tend to offer the best experiences to owners.
Once you select the right vehicle for you, it will be time to get automotive insurance.