For many families, a nanny who drives is essential: school pickups, activities, appointments. It’s also the part of the job with the highest stakes. Sort out these details before her first trip, not after.
| Your car | Her car | |
|---|---|---|
| Insurance | Ask your insurer about adding her as a driver | Ask whether her policy covers driving for work, and whether you need to be listed |
| Costs | You cover fuel and upkeep | Reimburse mileage; many families use the IRS standard rate |
| Car seats | Stay installed | Need a second set, installed and checked |
Tammy Gold, LCSW, spent years matching families with nannies before writing Secrets of the Nanny Whisperer (Penguin). Today she works beside families, and their agencies, as a neutral expert: defining the job, interviewing candidates, checking references and setting up the first 30 days.
Insurance rules vary by insurer and state. Call your agent before your nanny drives, and put the arrangement in your work agreement.
Pay, tax and labor rules vary by state and city. This guide explains common practice; a household payroll provider, accountant or your state labor department can confirm what applies to you.
If she uses her own car for work, yes. Many families reimburse at the IRS standard mileage rate and track trips in a simple log.
Often, yes, with her written consent and following the rules for background checks. See nanny background checks.
Do a few practice runs together on the routes she’ll use, at the times she’ll drive them.
One conversation covers the car, the insurance and the rules.
$189
Screening call, reference questions, clinical interview, and trial-day checklist.
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Tammy is not a placement agency and has no affiliation with, or financial interest in, any agency, daycare or payroll service. She provides independent expert guidance; decisions remain your family’s. Legal, tax and licensing questions belong with the appropriate professional or state agency.