Roommate Shared Car Usage Checklist

Sharing a car with roommates can save money — but it requires clear rules to prevent arguments about who used it last, who's paying for petrol, and whose turn it is to get the tyres changed.

Scheduling: use a shared calendar (HomeCo has this built in) to book the car in advance. Last-minute requests should be a group chat discussion, not a assumption that it's free.

Fuel policy: agree on whether you'll split fuel equally or by usage. Keep receipts and reconcile monthly. If one person uses the car significantly more, a proportional split is fairer.

Maintenance: create a schedule for oil changes, tyre rotations, MOT, and servicing. Split costs equally regardless of who drives most — the car benefits everyone.

Insurance: verify that all regular drivers are listed on the policy. Driving uninsured in a shared car can void the entire policy. This is non-negotiable.

Cleanliness: return the car in the condition you found it. Remove rubbish, vacuum monthly, and report any damage immediately. A shared car only works with shared respect.

Keep all records — fuel receipts, service invoices, insurance documents — in HomeCo's shared expense tracker. Transparency prevents the 'I swear I paid for that tank' conversations.

Try HomeCo for Free

Download HomeCo today — the free app that makes living with roommates actually work. Track shared expenses, manage chores, set house rules, and keep everyone on the same page. Available on iOS and Android.