Tag Archives: car

Photo: Kristina Zuidema

Photo: Kristina Zuidema (Flickr)

By Christine Connally  Does your au pair have to do a last minute supermarket run to buy milk; is she taking the kids to the zoo and needs to buy everyone’s lunch or pay for the carousel ride? Whether you use a cookie jar with random spare cash, a petty cash box with a set amount per week or give your her a credit or debit card while requesting receipts, it is important that you have a conversation about how to handle miscellaneous expenses as soon as your au pair arrives. This allows you to set the ground rules for what the money is and is not to be used for, etc. and will avoid money-related misunderstandings early on.

Host Families

  • It’s important to be clear about how long the money should last and what types of expenses are approved.
  • Let the au pair know whether or not you expect receipts.
  • Clarify any instances of perceived misuse or misunderstandings during your weekly meetings. Do not allow it to fester.

Au Pairs

  • Only spend the money on pre-approved expenses.
  • If there is a type of expense that you are not sure about, ask first.
  • Put your receipts in the cookie jar on the same day the expense occurs to avoid any confusion.
  • Clarify any misunderstandings during your weekly meeting.  Do not allow it to fester.

Gas and Fare Cards

Host families are responsible for the au pair’s transportation costs:

  • to and from classes and cluster meetings
  • driving the kids

It is a good idea to determine  how much gas an au pair will use for these trips and either put gas in the car or give a gas allowance.   If your au pair is riding to classes or cluster meetings with another au pair, you should offer to share the cost of gas.

Au pairs are responsible for their own transportation when they are off duty.  Au pairs should replace the amount of gas used for personal use.

What To Do In A Car Accident

By Christine Connally

Whether you are you new to driving in the US or a seasoned driver, never drive without your drivers license and remember to keep other essential documents in the car glove box. These items will be necessary if you are stopped by a police officer or have an auto accident. Not having these items can result in your receiving a ticket (citation) from a police officer. If you are involved in an accident, call the police and your Host Family immediately.

Car accident

Photo: Morgan (Flickr)

Essential Documents

If you have an accident: (from Edmunds.com)

  1. Keep Safety First. Drivers involved in minor accidents with no serious injuries should move cars to the side of the road and out of the way of oncoming traffic. Leaving cars parked in the middle of the road or busy intersection can result in additional accidents and injuries. If a car cannot be moved, drivers and passengers should remain in the cars with seatbelts fastened for everyone’s safety until help arrives. Make sure to turn on hazard lights and set out cones, flares or warning triangles if possible.
  2. Exchange Information. After the accident, exchange the following information: name, address, phone number, insurance company, policy number, driver license number and license plate number for the driver and the owner of each vehicle. If the driver’s name is different from the name of the insured, establish what the relationship is and take down the name and address for each individual. Also make a written description of each car, including year, make, model and color — and the exact location of the collision and how it happened. Finally, be polite but don’t tell the other drivers or the police that the accident was your fault, even if you think it was.
  3. Photograph and Document the Accident. Use your camera to document the damage to all the vehicles. Keep in mind that you want your photos to show the overall context of the accident so that you can make your case to a claims adjuster. If there were witnesses, try to get their contact information; they may be able to help you if the other drivers dispute your version of what happened.