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<p>I have strong opinions on this. Just because of how I was raised. I’m a huge believer that if the kid can’t pay for the insurance they shouldn’t be driving. Same with gas, maintenance, inspections, repairs, etc. heck same with the car itself. I’m assuming you’re in NJ based on your posting name and I know car insurance is ridiculously expensive there, but still.(I remember in college I had full coverage on my car and my rates were a third of a friend with the same coverage on a car in NJ) Driving is a privilege. If kids want to drive then they better figure out a way to pay for it. </p>
<p>I hear parents say all the time oh they are doing me a favor by driving so I don’t have to take then everywhere so I bought them a car and blah blah. Trust me, if the kid wants to get where they are going they will find a way to make it work.</p>
<p>I managed to be in a club, play a sport, work a job for fifteen hours a week, and get good grades.</p>
<p>Having an extra car for the family to drive and letting the kid drive it is completely different… Assuming the kid is still paying for the gas and helping with repairs that they attributed to. That’s a family car, not an overly expensive gift to a teenager. And I’d be willing to guess that family car wouldn’t be going to college with a kid… </p>
<p>Op, my thought is If your kid owns their car and wants to take it to college, it comes down to them. You have every right to make suggestions… But bottom line, if they bought it, it’s their decision to take it and if they leave it unlocked that’s a learning experience. </p>
<p>For what it’s worth, cars don’t need to be unlocked to be broken into. I had stuff stolen out of my car a few years ago and they broke the window to get in.</p>
<p>My parents suggested that I didn’t take my car first semester because I didn’t know the roads in the area and they thought I should use that time to settle in. I agreed and took my car the second semester of freshman year. Also, many schools don’t even have freshman parking.</p>
<p>If you paid for that car, then it’s up to you where it stays. It’s your car.</p>