Re: Legal issues??

Babysitting Children

Legal issues??

babysitterlaura 01-15-2008, 5:38 PM
Hi! I am 18 years old, have had my licence for about a 1.75 years, and have a clean driving record. I am to the point that I would feel comfortable transporting a well behaved child or two if requested by the parents. However, I was wondering what Liability issues I could face if something were to happen. My parents are ok with me transporting children also, but my Dad says it has to be in a vehicle they supply. He says if I get in an accident in my car, they can sue our insurance company and we could loose the house ultimatly. I think that is a little extreme, and all my friends who babysitt drive the children in their own car. I obviously won't drive children in my car without my parents permission, (and of course the kids parents permission) but I was just wondering if anyone knows anything about laws or liabliity issues that go along with transporting children. Any help is greatly appreciated! Thanks! -Laura

Re: Legal issues??

Chosen7Stone 01-20-2008, 4:58 PM
Hey Laura,

I don't know about losing your house, but there is certainly a risk in driving the children in your own personal vehicle. Because you are a teenager, it's understood that you are not a sole-proprietor who is self-employed and babysitting to pay the bills -- you're "just a babysitter" in the eyes of the insurance industry.

That said, your dad is right in that it's smarter to use the family's vehicle. If you were to get in an accident with the children in your own vehicle, you would be fine and covered, on the condition that the family agrees that your relationship with them is friendly and not solely professional -- which really, it is. If the insurance company was led to believe or told that you were operating the vehicle for a "commercial" or "business" trip, there would be an issue -- but again, you are not an incorporated entity, and so that's not the case.

It's safer to use the family's cars in any case -- whether you're a teenage sitter or a professional licensed childcare provider -- because the parents are the ones who installed the car seats, the kids are more comfortable there, there's no risk of sippy cup spills on your seats, etc. But it's also okay to use yours.

*Love in Christ from Mary*
1 Peter 2:4-5

Vote my agency, Seminole Sitters, the "Best Overall Business" in Tallahassee for the 2007 Tally Awards at EverythingTallahassee.com!!!

Re: Legal issues??

babysitterlaura 01-21-2008, 10:17 AM
Thank you Chosen7stone, I appreciate your advice.