Caused a fender bender on my parents' policy — trying to figure out what I actually owe them

Honestly respect that you're trying to make it right — a lot of people your age (and older tbh) would just pretend it didn't happen. I went through something similar when I was 19 and sideswiped a parked car. My mom's rate went up and I paid her back over about eight months. Just sit down with your dad, look at the actual dollar difference between the old premium and the new one, and split that out over the six-month term. That's the number you owe per cycle, in my opinion.

Also worth knowing: sometimes insurers inflate the post-accident premium more than is strictly justified, banking on the fact that most families don't shop around after a claim because it feels like 'too much hassle.' Your parents might want to get a competing quote at renewal. The increase you owe them could actually be smaller than it looks if they switch carriers.

Just checking — you said no one got hurt, but did YOU get checked out? Adrenaline after a collision masks a lot. Neck and back stuff can show up days later. Please don't ignore any stiffness or headaches.

From a purely practical standpoint: the premium increase is tied to the policy, not to you personally as an individual yet. Once you get your own policy, your new insurer will ask about your driving history and that at-fault accident will show up. So your rate as an independent driver will likely start higher than it would have otherwise — that's the part that follows you. Your parents' rate should gradually normalize after you're off, especially if they stay claim-free. No guarantees, but that's typically how it plays out.

Here's what I'd do: grab both declarations pages — the one before the accident and the renewal one — subtract the old six-month total from the new six-month total, and that difference is your starting point. Pay that amount to your parents every six months for as long as the increase lasts. Simple math, honest effort. They'll appreciate the gesture way more than you think.

The fact that you're even asking this question says a lot about you. Most people just shrug it off. Your parents are lucky you care enough to want to make it right. 💙

How do you know the entire premium jump is from the accident though? Did your parents add a new vehicle, change coverage levels, or move recently? Rates go up for a dozen reasons. I'd confirm with the insurer that the accident surcharge is specifically itemized before you commit to paying back the full difference — you might be over-paying yourself.