Question

For those of you with teen drivers: how much does your teen share the added expenses? I will purchase a used car with cash but then just looking for ideas as to what’s reasonable for my teen to contribute.  

Answer 1

Our daughter works approximately 15 hours a week and is in her senior year. She pays her own gas and $50 a month towards insurance. Her insurance money I put in a separate envelope and will use to help pay towards her needs for her college dorm/graduation gift. It’s not the full amount of the insurance cost, however, it’s taught her a little about being responsible for bills.  

Comments

@bootless I love this idea. I've always said if after college our kiddos need to move back in I'll charge "rent" if you will but will be set aside and given back to help purchase home, or deposit for apartment etc

Answer 2

I paid gas and insurance. Also shared the car with my sister and we had to put in a combined $1000 for purchase (it was a beater cheap car so that was about half the purchase price).  

Answer 3

My kid doesn’t have to pay for anything, her job is school and soccer. She plays competitive soccer (practice 5x a week) and helps drive her siblings around when she’s not practicing. She also needs a car to get to school because she goes to a school outside our boundaries.  

Answer 4

None. For us (and everyone is different) we expect our kids to do well and work hard in their academics and extra-curriculars. The second they graduate high school they have to get a job and once they are 21 they are to be fully independent financially, but until then we don't require they contribute to the family financially.  

Answer 5

I paid for my car payment and gas but if you’re purchasing in cash you could have them pay for their own gas. you could also have them pay you a “car payment” every month but put it in a savings account for them and give it back to them once they graduate i sometimes wish my parents had done that because it’s so easy to be irresponsible with money as a teen

Answer 6

Our son worked several summers with his Dad. We agreed to match whatever be saved. He ended up saving over two thousand and we matched that. We covered his insurance until he graduated and got a job to pay for it.  

Answer 7

We provided the car, and he is responsible for maintenance. He did have some very expensive repairs that needed done and we made him work off the money paid. He also gets $20 a week-that’s to pay for gas. If he chooses to spend it elsewhere and not put gas in his car then he better hope his friends will drive him  

Answer 8

My children were responsible for gas and insurance on the car.  

Answer 9

I didn't get my first car until I graduated college - I had no way of paying for anything that large when I was 16, even used, I was too busy with school & sports to have a job that could cover the expense. I used the family car when it was available & paid for my gas with money from a part-time job.  

Answer 10

My son saved for his car. I gave him $1500 for his birthday and he was able to purchase a cash car. He works and pays his own insurance. I offer several times a month to fill up his gas because he helps get the younger to and from practice, most times he declines. He pays for repairs, tires, things like that. Part of having a vehicle. He sets aside an set amount each month to prepare for stuff like that.  

Answer 11

My son is about to turn 17 and will need a car next year after graduation. I may help with some of it (trying to save $1, 000 to give him a a surprise at Xmas towards it), but it’s on him to work and pay for the expenses and upkeep. I had to do that When I started driving many years ago & I think it will help him value it more.  

Comments

He worked last summer and saved all but a couple hundred dollars. and has put his tax Return and Xmas money towards future car.  

Answer 12

My son purchased his car from us for $1000, way under market value. It “came” with a parts car and an attic full of parts (long story). He is responsible for all gas and maintenance/repairs (within reason). So far any repairs he’s needed to do, he’s had the part needed and my husband has helped him do the repair. We pay his insurance. Once he’s in college and working more, he will pitch in for insurance . His next car will be his responsibility.  

Answer 13

My responsibility was to pay for gas. Keep my grades up in high school. I got a junker but it was alright I didn’t mind. My graduation present was a new car (well new to me) for college. During college my responsibilities were car insurance and gas. My parents helped pay any maintenance during college. Everyone is different.  

Answer 14

My daughter pays for her gas and car insurance .  

Answer 15

My teen takes care of gas, maintenance and repairs.  

Answer 16

When I was a teen driver my parents made a deal with us, they would contribute $2500 (which back in the day got you more than it would today lol) and if we wanted a nicer car we had to pay the rest. They paid for insurance and routine maintenance on the vehicle. If any unexpected expenses came up because I was misusing the vehicle or not obeying the rules they put in place I was responsible for paying those. For example, I was out after my curfew one night and hit a deer so I had to pay the insurance deductible. They gave me a weekly gas allowance to get to and from school and sports practices and for driving my sibling around because they viewed that as gas money they would have had to put in their own vehicle to drive us around if I wouldn’t have had my license. I did have a part time job because they would not pay for gas money if I wanted to go to the movies or out with my friends. I am getting into the years of having to think about how to handle things with my teen and I think I will take the same approach my parents took with me. It worked out well for both the parents not having the entire financial burden of adding another vehicle to the household and it worked out well as the teen not having to juggle everyday life of school, sports, and a social life while also trying to be financially stable enough to maintain a vehicle.  

Answer 17

We chose to pay for it all but we also didn’t have them work during the school year.  

Answer 18

I have an 18 year old and she is not ready to drive! I will be purchasing a fuel efficient car soon with cash but the moment she starts driving, I will ask her to pay for her * car insurance and I will help out with gas and alternate car maintenance with her. This will be a great time to implement the envelope system to save for these expenses.  

Answer 19

When I was growing up my parents allowed me to drive one of the family cars. I was responsible for gas and half of the insurance for the year. I would have to pay for oil changes as well

Answer 20

My hubby is a mechanic so we purchased an older truck and will maintain it. My son has to pay for his gas and his portion of the insurance. That way we control if he can use it or lose it, and his responsibility (gas money) has a direct effect on what he can do with friends.  

Answer 21

My son is 16 and in 10th grade. Right now his focus is school and making sure he gets into dual enrollment. He has theatre after school so he barely has time for 3 AP classes, theatre, and a job. Next year will most likely be worse if he gets accepted to the dual enrollment program. But he also doesn’t have a car. I want to make sure he gets as far as he possibly can with his degree, unlike me. I’m now completing my AA at 37 years old. Better late than never but I want him to try to finish sooner than later.  

Answer 22

I paid for my own gas and car insurance.  

Answer 23

I paid for the car and everything to do with it. If I couldn't afford it I shouldn't have gotten the vehicle! I believe thats how it should be. They need to learn the upkeep and expenses! Plus it's so much more rewarding to save and purchase something yourself.  

Answer 24

We bought a used car for our twin boys to share, they paid for gas while in high school. Now they each ( age 19) have their own cars which they pay the car payment, gas and maintenance and we pay insurance while they are taking college classes My daughter will drive soon and we are considering letting her use my paid off vehicle and getting a “ new “ to me vehicle while she is in high school as she wants to save up for her own. she would pay for gas and we’d pay for other stuff as long as she is in highschool, maintaining grades, sports and some part time job

Answer 25

We have 8 kids so our drivers are responsible for getting the kids to and from school and sports. That being said, they only have to contribute if they are doing a ton of extra activities with friends, if not I need them more than they need me. The minute they refuse to run siblings around, that child is responsible for paying for gas and insurance. As they get older I make them purchase their own vehicle. I feel like for our family situation the above is fair.  

Answer 26

My parents let me use their vehicles. Senior year was when I purchased my own car. Prior to that all gas cost was mine. My parent would fill up. At the end of any trips, I was to fill up. Once it was mine, all costs were mine.  

Answer 27

We kept it simple- if our kids buy their first car and we will pay for the insurance OR we buy their first car- they pay the insurance. We pay for gas to/from school, but any running around with friends- that is their gas money :)

Answer 28

My parents made me pay for my gas if I was out and it was for work they would cover if I had good grades and did extra house work

Answer 29

My teen paid for his gas and his insurance. We purchased the car. When he graduated we got something a little more reliable and he now pays the note and we pay the insurance.  

Answer 30

I paid half my insurance while I was in High School, and had a part time job. Once I graduated and worked more, I eventually bought my car from my parents by making small monthly payments.  

Answer 31

My daughter who still lives at home bought her first car with cash after high school. We pay the insurance ( it so so expensive here in FL) she pays the gas. When she used our car previously during high school we paid everything as she was saving me from driving her an extra 30 min to school after dropping the other kids.  

Answer 32

Nothing. Until they graduate from high school! As long as they are saving their money for their future. It’s a personal choice for me, when I was their age my parents got me a car without asking, told me I had to get a job and pay for the payments, insurance, gas, a cell phone, then later my own senior stuff. I was going to high school, doing community service for school, had a non paying job placement for my career center, then having a after school job from 4pm when my community service was over until 11pm! I was up until 1 or 2 am doing homework. Up by 6am and now since I had a car expected to get my siblings to school at another school because we didn’t go to the same school. I was exhausted all the time. My gpa slipped and I had no time for sports or to be a kid with friends! I cannot do that to my kids. It’s a choice if they want to work in high school. My son is an extremely hard worker and chose to work and bought his own vehicle. I just wanted to give them a choice as I didn’t have any. My daughter is at that age now and decided to drive the family car and focus on school and community service projects and apply to scholarships in her free time.  

Answer 33

We required our boys to pay for their insurance , gas, and repairs . They also paid for their cell phones.  

Answer 34

My son is in early college high school, his day is from 6- 6. Monday - Saturday, he doesn’t have time to work. So I cover his expenses, but he isn’t allowed to take advantage of it.  

Answer 35

When I turned 16 I paid $300 on an $800 car. I paid my insurance when I was asked and gas when i wasn’t driving my brother around lol. I also paid for my oil changes but not for my tires or when it needed big work done

Answer 36

I think it depends on the teen and what their current workload and expectations are. My son was a three sport athlete involved in multiple clubs and activities that were school related. He would get home at 9pm and still have homework so he rarely worked. But school was the most important thing to us so we didn’t ask him to contribute to gas or insurance.  

Answer 37

I used my parents car and they paid gas and insurance. Main reason- now they didn't have to drive me to and from school or sports practices. In college I had no car the first year and then bought my own for second year. My mom still paid for my insurance until I graduated college. I worked in High School but they let me save it. I never spent it until I bought my own car.  

Answer 38

My mom, dad and grandma bought me a used car but insurance and gas were my expense. I was on my mothers policy but she charged me exactly what her increase was which was $1000+ every 6 months. Maintenance was also for me to take care of. She never helped me out with that. I always met that responsibility.  

Answer 39

My parents bought me my first car. a little beater. They paid for my insurance. I was responsible for oil changes and my own fuel. I worked part time but they wanted me to focus on school so they didn't want me working but so many hours. The car was "theirs" matter of fact when I decided to move out before high school was over they took the car. When I moved back in the car became mine again. Not quite sure how we will approach it we have 4ish more years to think on it. But it is helpful my husband is a mechanic and our son will he taught to properly maintain his own vehicle.  

Answer 40

As a teen, I paid for insurance, gas, and maintenance. My parents bought the car for me to use, but it was not mine to keep.  

Answer 41

My dad put 2k down on a car anything more was up to me or payments after the 2k insurance was up to me gas maintenance ect

Answer 42

No own car for our son. He can use our car if he needs it for some sports events but the school is on the way to our work and pick up time is the same as our little ones. At the moment that saves us all some money.  

Answer 43

I was 18 when my parents leased a car for me, but I made every payment $125 for the car they covered insurance. I’m so glad I ended up paying the car, later I added more for insurance as well.  

Answer 44

They pay for insurance, gas and oil changes.  

Answer 45

I made her pay insurance and gas. We got a cheap used vehicle from my parents for her.  

Answer 46

They pay for all insurance and gas and oil changes

Answer 47

I don’t have a teenager yet but helped to take care of my sister. When she moved in with my husband and I in high school we gave her the car and added her to insurance. She was working but put her gas in the car. She has done for us just as much as we have done for her and I felt that was the least we could do. My son will get the same treatment as long as he is responsible enough and does well in school and at home.  

Answer 48

We paid for the carn insurance and gas (we have a good kid) however, if she has an accident due to irresponsibility, it will be all on her.  

Answer 49

We pay car insurance and gas as long as she helps with picking up younger brother and dropping him off when I can't.  

Answer 50

100% insurance and gas. Borrowed our car until they bought their own. I paid for phone until they turned 18. They learn to be more accountable and responsible if they pay for it. I did not pay for drivers ed either, driving is a choice, not necessity before graduating.  

Answer 51

I have a 12 and 8 yo, so not driving yet but they are already required to put a portion of their allowance away in a saving account for when it’s time for them to buy a car. We will match them up to 2000 dollars. They will pay gas and we will pay insurance, the insurance assistance is contingent upon A/B honor roll

Answer 52

We provided the original car if they wanted something different they were responsible for that purchase. And they have to pay whatever the insurance went up for adding them/said vehicle to our policy. My 19 son currently pays $91 per month for full coverage on his pickup truck!  

Answer 53

Me + my siblings all had cars when we first got our license & it was expected of us too pay the petrol & some minor maintenance. Dad always done our registration for the first 3 years & any kind of maintenance we couldn’t cover. we were all lucky to have Jobs!  

Answer 54

My son is 18 and only starting out hes working so he'll be paying

Answer 55

My parents bought my first car and I was responsible for insurance, gas and minor repairs/oil changes.  

Answer 56

My parents purchased my first car (I had to maintain a 3. 0 GPA for 2 semesters before they did though) I paid for my own gas, and gave $20 per paycheck to put towards registration and insurance. I also had a jar in the cup holder and made anyone I gave a ride to pitch in towards gas. I joked that I didn’t care if they picked a penny off the ground they had to do it. But I never had a problem with anyone. I should add that this was while my dad was active duty, so while he was deployed, I had to help my mom out with transporting my sister to school, extracurriculars, etc, since she had to work as well.  

Answer 57

She has a part time job and pays for her gas and wants. I do occasionally give her gas money but 90% is paid for by her. Her dad and I are divorced and split the cost of her insurance and cell phone bill. It's working out great so far.  

Answer 58

My 17yo is about to get her first car. She's paying for 1/3rd of it, but we'll pay tax/title/tags and we'll pay her insurance for now. She's responsible for all gas and upkeep (unless it's really expensive, but like oil changes and stuff). Her car will also be a backup vehicle for my husband's beater. We know his will die soon, but he plans to drive it up until that day. Her vehicle will give us the chance to shop around for his next vehicle instead of being in panic mode. She's still in high school and only works about 8-10 hours a week, so we feel this is fair, especially if she's taking her sister to school and helping run local errands.  

Answer 59

We always took a percentage when they were working, but not in college when they were using their income for college expenses. Summers, a percentage.  

Answer 60

Mine is a straight A student. She is in sports and clubs. So all she has time for is babysitting jobs here and there. I figured she has her whole life to work. Her sitting money helps with her outings, food and little gas.  

Answer 61

My mom paid for my insurance, but I paid for my car. I would pay monthly for it. She gave me gas for school since I took my brothers to school as well, but for fun, I would pay for my own gas.  

Answer 62

My parents brought my car and paid insurance but I paid for all my own petrol and used it to go to school from 16, plus work, sporting activities and whatever else I was doing - i drove a lot as we lived in the country but was a 25-30min drive to the next town for sport.  

Answer 63

My LO isn't driving yet, but my dad gave me a car we already had in the family and it remained titled in his name (he still owns it, actually). He paid insurance, and I paid gas and repairs for damage I caused. I also paid maintenance if I chose not to do it myself (like oil changes) and he paid major maintenance. If I blew a tire, I paid for that too. And, when I hit his car with his car, I paid the repairs and completed the repairs myself (bought the parts at a junk yard, put them on, sanded the paint, and painted the stupid thing ).  

Answer 64

My boys paid nothing towards their gas/ins. They built their cars from ground up. They used all of their b-day and Christmas money for parts for several years. They did all their own maintenance. They were not the type of teens who were on the road non stop (like I was ).  

Answer 65

I pay insurance and tabs, he pays everything else.  

Answer 66

We pay insurance and gas (set amount monthly) which once that's gone he'll be back riding the bus.  

Answer 67

My 19yo daughter works full time so even tho I bought the car, she pays for her own gas, oil changes and repairs and will pay for the registration renewal when it comes. As far as insurance goes, she is on my policy cause it's cheaper but she gives me half of the premiums (its only her and my car on there)

Answer 68

I have 2 teen drivers. They contribute toward insurance (ours doubled and we really struggled to pay twice the cost) , they make payments to buy back their cars from us, pay for gas though I give them some cash for getting back and forth to school, coming home from college, and also if they do errands for me or drive my younger one around for me. We pay for repairs and inspections.  

Answer 69

My daughter pays half of her car. As long as she has no tickets/accidents I pay for her insurance. And she covers all her maintenance and gas

Answer 70

My daughter does not have time for a job as she is very active in school and sports. She isnt contributing anything to the expense, we just know it is increasing. She will have a set amount on a gas card she can use and if it goes over then she will have to use her money (or make her friends chip in! )

Answer 71

My 17 year pays for her own gas and oil changes. We bought the car and take care of all other maintenance.  

Answer 72

He pays ins and we pay everything else

Answer 73

100% contributed by the teen. It is a privilege to drive and a serious responsibility. My kids have had to pay for their car/ insurance/maintenance for each of their cars. I gift them new tires and help with maintenance costs from time to time if they need help.  

Answer 74

At first my parents pay my insurance and gas. then when I got work I am paying for my insurance, gas and car maintenance (WOF once a year and others). Renting one of the rooms since they own the house

Answer 75

My kids pay half of the insurance and they pay for their own gas and oil changes.  

Answer 76

Mine pay their gas and insurance. If they get a good student discount, then we pay half of insurance. If they don’t, they pay the full amount.  

Answer 77

I paid half of the cost of my car and paid for my gas and all maintenance. Parents helped with insurance

Answer 78

I paid cash for the car after she was in a serious car accident that totaled the car she paid cash for. She gives me $100 a month for insurance. She covers oil changes and gas, I cover major repairs if there are any.  

Answer 79

My boys use a car we bought, which is a very used teenage car!  they pay for all gas. Our deal for insurance is that if they maintain a min of a B average in school we pay it, if not they pay us $45 a month as that is how much of a credit we get for the good student credit.  

Answer 80

When I turned 16 I had a choice- wait until I graduated and be gifted a car, during that time I would use my parents car and they would cover insurance and most gas or I could buy my own car with my own money and have to pay for my own gas and insurance. I chose the second option and got a job at a nursing home work 4-8:30 a few nights a week to make my car payments, insurance payments, and pay for my own gas. I still hung out with my friends, participated in extra curricular activities and kept my grades up.  

Answer 81

Auto Insurance is dependent on where you live but it will add about $1000-$1200 per year to my policy when the time comes I’m in AZ.  do not not add the teen driver as an licensed insurance professional if they were in an accident and not on the policy your insurance carrier can deny any claim and then you can be sued by the other party. just a heads up

Answer 82

We have bought the car and had the teens pay gas and insurance. Oil changes are important to think of and plan for

Answer 83

My son covers all his own gas, repairs and upgrades.  

Answer 84

I bought each of my kids a car (but told them they were going to have to pay half, they saved the money then I let them keep it. Just wanted the lesson of saving for a goal to be learned. while they are living with me I pay for every other tank of gas and their car insurance. Now that my oldest has moved out she pays her own gas and car insurance.  

Answer 85

Our children have used cars we bought. We cover maintenance on the cars, but they cover their own gas and insurance. We have six kids.  

Answer 86

I cover my kids car payment and insurance until they graduate high school. Their work money goes to gas and hanging out with friends. Once they graduate, they’re responsible for their insurance and gas.  

Answer 87

Ugh, this decision is stressing me out so much as my teen will start driving on Friday. I can’t decide between: 1) having her main focus remain on school, for which if she maintains her high GPA I’ll get a good student discount (plus the discount I’ll get for having her take drivers Ed) and having me foot the insurance bill 2) Recognizing this as the beginning of financial responsibility for her and having her contribute out of money she’ll earn from working over the summer (which will mean she’ll have to save almost all of her summer income to cover driving throughout the year) 3) a hybrid approach where I pay some and she pays a percentage based on her income. I’m leaning towards #3, but we’ll see. I have a week to decide.