AITAH For Refusing To Let My Sister Borrow My Car Again

Family and finances—two things that should never mix, right? Yet here I am, stuck in a moral dilemma after telling my sister she can’t borrow my car anymore. Was I too harsh, or was I justified? Let me explain the situation, and you tell me: AITAH?

The First Few Times

When my sister first asked to borrow my car, I didn’t think twice. It was just a quick errand—no big deal. But then it happened again. And again. Soon, “just this once” turned into a weekly habit. I didn’t mind at first because, well, she’s family. But then things started adding up.

Gas was never refilled. The car was returned with empty tanks more than once. When I brought it up, she’d laugh it off: “Oh, I forgot! I’ll get you next time.” Next time never came.

The First Incident

Then came the scratches. I noticed a long scrape along the passenger side door after she borrowed it. When I asked, she shrugged. “I don’t know how that got there. Maybe it was already like that?” Except I know it wasn’t. I take pride in keeping my car clean and undamaged.

I let it slide—mistakes happen, right? But then the next time, there was a dent in the bumper. “It was just a tiny bump!” she said. No apology, no offer to help cover repairs. Just another shrug.

The Final Straw

Last week, she asked to borrow it again—this time for a weekend trip. I hesitated but said yes. Big mistake. She returned it late, with mud all over the interior, a cracked cup holder, and—wait for it—a parking ticket stuffed in the glovebox.

When I confronted her, she rolled her eyes. “You’re overreacting. It’s just a car.” Just a car? The car I pay for, insure, and maintain? That was it. I told her no more.

The Family Backlash

Now my parents are involved. “Can’t you just help her out? She’s struggling right now.” My sister doesn’t have a car because she can’t afford one—but she can afford weekend trips and takeout every night?

I get that family helps family, but where’s the line? I’m not a free rental service. Yet now I’m being painted as the selfish one for enforcing basic boundaries.

Setting Boundaries

I finally sat her down and explained: “If you treat my things with respect, I’d be happy to help. But until then, no more borrowing.” She called me petty. My mom sighed about “keeping the peace.”

But why is the peace always my responsibility? Why do I have to sacrifice my property—and my sanity—just because she won’t take accountability?

Was I Wrong?

So, AITAH? Should I have kept letting her use my car despite the damage and disrespect? Or was I right to finally say no?

I love my sister, but love shouldn’t mean being a doormat. If she needed emergency help, of course I’d be there. But this wasn’t an emergency—it was entitlement.

What Would You Do?

Have you been in a similar situation? How did you handle it? Let me know in the comments—I could use some perspective (or validation!). And if you think I was right, share this with someone who needs to hear it: It’s okay to say no, even to family.

Thanks for reading. Stay tuned for more real-life dilemmas and unfiltered opinions.