If you’ve been wondering, “Should I provide a nanny car for my nanny?” — the short answer is yes, and there’s a very good reason why.

Let’s break down the key benefits of providing a nanny car, including safety, insurance, maintenance, and control over car seats. We’ll also cover why this choice benefits both you and your nanny.

1) Why Providing a Nanny Car Matters

Providing a nanny car might feel like a luxury, but it’s more than that. It’s a smart, practical decision for families. When your nanny relies on their own car, you have little say over the condition, safety, or reliability of the vehicle. But providing a nanny car ensures you’re offering a dependable mode of transportation that meets your standards and that will keep your kids safe.

From everyday errands to school pick-ups and doctor appointments, if your nanny is transporting your children, they need a safe, reliable car, and you need the peace of mind that comes with knowing they have it.

2) Safety and Insurance: Peace of Mind

One of the biggest advantages of providing a nanny car is knowing the car is safe and properly insured. Your nanny’s personal car may or may not be up-to-date on maintenance or have sufficient insurance coverage.

By providing a nanny car, you control the vehicle’s maintenance schedule. You can be sure the brakes, tires, engine, etc., are all in good working order, minimizing unpleasant surprises. Plus, you can set up a car insurance policy that covers both the nanny and your children, eliminating any grey areas about liability.

3) Car Seats and Proper Installation

Let’s talk car seats—one of the most overlooked (yet critical) reasons to provide a nanny car. When your nanny uses their own vehicle, car seats are often installed and removed regularly. This constant moving can lead to improper installation, loose fittings, or even damaged seats.

Providing a nanny car means car seats can stay properly installed at all times. No more worrying whether the straps are too loose or the seat isn’t latched securely. You can even have a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) install the seats, ensuring they’re up to safety standards—and that they stay that way.

4) The Control and Convenience You Gain

One of the biggest benefits of providing a nanny car is the control and convenience it gives your family. When your nanny drives their own car, you’re dependent on their vehicle’s reliability and availability. But when you provide the car, you set the standards.

You decide on the type of vehicle, the safety features, the maintenance routine, and even details like fuel efficiency or eco-friendliness. You also avoid potential conflicts over wear and tear on the nanny’s car or mileage reimbursement.

Providing a nanny car isn’t just a nice perk—it’s a smart investment in your family’s safety, convenience, and peace of mind.

For more tips, check out this resource on car seat safety from the American Academy of Pediatrics.