A Smooth Ride: Managing Nanny Driving Responsibilities

Jun 3, 2025 | GTM Blog, Household Employee Management

nanny-driving

When a nanny is trusted with driving around children, it requires clear communication to ensure a safe experience for everyone. Whether a nanny uses their own vehicle or the family’s, establishing safety standards and reimbursement policies is essential. This blog discusses how to approach these important aspects.

Decide Whose Vehicle and Ensure Proper Coverage

The first step is to clarify whether the nanny will be using their own car or a family vehicle. If a family car is used, make sure the nanny is listed on your insurance policy and that the vehicle is properly maintained and safe. If the nanny will be driving their own car, confirm it is inspected, safe for child car seats, and covered by an insurance policy.

Once the vehicle arrangement is clear, focus on ensuring everyone is protected. If you don’t already have one, request a copy of the nanny’s driver’s license. If they will be driving the family’s car, your insurance company may also be able to pull a driving record. Check references specifically for feedback on safe driving habits. It’s also important to confirm that the nanny carries active insurance with sufficient liability coverage if they will be using their own car to transport the children, and to agree on how deductibles will be handled in the event of an accident, documenting this in your work agreement.

Set Expectations for Driving

The nanny’s work agreement is also the perfect place to outline your expectations regarding driving. This might include they adhere to NHTSA car seat recommendations and having a policy on no phone use while driving. Making sure your expectations are clear from the beginning is very important.

Reimbursement

It is crucial to have clear guidelines for how driving expenses will be paid for. If a family car is used, reimburse for gas, parking, and tolls if the nanny pays out-of-pocket, or consider providing them with their own credit card to use for driving related expenses. If the nanny is using their own car, reimburse mileage using the IRS standard mileage rate, which accounts for gas, wear and tear, and depreciation, in addition to reimbursing for parking and tolls.

Consider Workers Compensation

Finally, consider workers’ compensation coverage. If the nanny is injured in an accident while driving for work, this insurance can cover medical expenses and lost wages, regardless of who owns the vehicle. Workers’ comp is required for household employers in many states, and we always recommend having it, especially when driving is involved, as it protects both you and your nanny.

Conclusion

There are many ways you can create a safe, respectful, and professional working relationship to ensure the well-being of both your child and your nanny when driving is part of their job. For more information on the process of hiring a nanny, insurance and reimbursement, call GTM today at (800) 929-9213 or book a complimentary, no-obligation consultation.