MY New 18 stepdaughter borrowed my car and it was in an accident! How do I cope ?

Having a flicker of OMG freaking out— what’s going to happen to my insurance now ???? So that’s two questions. But I’m more curious as to how to talk with her, to what degree do I hold her financially accountable?

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whowasthatmaskedman · 70-79, M

Start with the "Thank goodness you were not hurt" line, to let her know she is a priority. That sets the tone for the rest of the conversation. If you dont go in guns blazing there is a chance she wont get defensive and a rational deal can be struck.

Mindful · 56-60, F

@whowasthatmaskedman she’s being sweet and wants to pay, but how can I take her money? I’m the adult! She’s 18! She’s been saving all her baby sitting money for three years. Yet, this is her third and official mishap between her dads car and mine soooo... I am torn on the money thing...all teens have accidents!

whowasthatmaskedman · 70-79, M

Okay.. Been there, done that.. In your shoes here is what I would do. arrange an easy repayment schedule, assuming you can afford it. then take her money, be lenient if she hits hard times but expect her to repay it, over time.. (The it being your extra insurance cost) Then you have the option of handing back all or part at the end, once she gets the "responsibility" lesson.@Mindful

Mindful · 56-60, F

@whowasthatmaskedman I had actually thought th very though I It that! But if my rate goes up, I don’t think I’ll be giving back the money. She’s hit a bmw. My spare car is a 1998 toyota

whowasthatmaskedman · 70-79, M

(Laughs) The girl has style...😁@Mindful

Mindful · 56-60, F

@whowasthatmaskedman Thank y out for that!!!!! I do think I will use that line to add humor to this unhappy occassion

iamnikki · 31-35, F

@Mindful take the money and give it back as graduation present lol..