When a nanny accepts a new job with a family, driving the children around is almost always a requirement. If your own vehicle is utilized to transport the children you will need a "commercial" policy. Please call our office for more information.
The International Nanny Association recently prepared a response to this issue:
When a nanny transports children as part of her job requirements it is considered "on the job" or business travel. She would need to talk to her insurance agent and question them about increasing her coverage. If an accident occurred and she did not secure this additional coverage, the insurance company could refuse to pay the claim when they found that the nanny's employer directed her, as part of her job duties to transport her charges. It is so much safer to be sure than sorry. In many cases that additional premium that she pays for business use of her car could be covered by her employer. If the children were passengers and were injured in an accident in the nanny's car, and the insurance company denied the claim (use of the car was not reported honestly) then the benefits would not kick in for the children's medical needs either. The family could possibly even sue the nanny for not taking care of this detail. After all it is her responsibility since she knew what the job requirements were.
All of this is the absolute extreme of how things could turn out, in my 19 years of nanny placement I have never heard of a single case going to this level (or even of a claim being denied) but it is all a possibility.
That is why it is always safer for the nanny to drive the family owned and family insured vehicle for transporting the children.
Sincerely,
Pat Cascio, President
International Nanny Association
www.nanny.org
Trusted and respected by both nannies and agencies worldwide, the International Nanny Association is an excellent recource to enhance and evolve your skills as a nanny. Joining as a nanny has several benefits, including professional networking opportunities and a nanny mentor program.
