Nanny pranged the car twice in three months

[namelessposter]

Our nanny has pranged the car twice in three months - the first time just smashed a headlight and cracked the bumper, and it looks like this time she's driven into a low object and crumpled the bottom wing. The first damage cost £250 and we just dealt with it. This new damage will prob be around £350-£500. Neither time has she realised she's done it til we've pointed it out. We'll pay again for htis second repair as it's not worth claiming on insurance. Looks like both times were careless parking to me. Would you say it was fair to tell her that if there's a third similar incident in the same year that she will have to pay next time?

Yes. You've already paid twice- three accidents in someone else's car would be unbelievably careless. Maybe she'll pay more attention when she realises you aren't a free insurance company! I'd ask her for half of the cost of this repair, too.

Also, there is no way she has done that damage and not realised. I think that is a lie. She would feel some impact if she drove into an object.

Have you been out in the car and actually watched her drive? I'd be most concerned about her not noticing that she had damaged the car - is she for real, or is she lying to you? Either way, it's not good. Could she do the job without using the car? How essential is it? Do you trust her to drive your kids around?

Driving is essential to the job - we live in a rural location. The first time she thinks someone must have driven into her in a car park, an from the location of the damage it's possible, so let's say a 50/50 chance she's absolved. The second time she knows was her. I'll let her know that any subsequent prangs we'd like her to pay for.

I have been driving other peoples cars for 15 years + as a nanny and have never had a prang! Careless if you ask me. Yes, tell her she will have to pay next time. Bet shes more careful then.

If the first incident wasn't her fault, then she's had one accident...

If the first one wasn't her fault then fine but you don't cause that much damage to a car without realising, which makes me think she is lying about both.

Driving may be essential but if she's a terrible driver I'd be more concerned about her driving with your DC.

But yes, get her to pay next time. Definitely!

Any chance you or dh did the damage and not reliesed it?

People do hit cars in car parks and drive off :(

So technically she has had one accident and they do happen

This should be covered in the contract - mine actually says the employer will pay all costs regardless who is to blame

Nope, the car is for her sole use, and she's had it 4 months.

Ok. Def her driving it then. Does she know how 2nd accident happened - you say she knows it was her

Did she hit an unmovable object ..... Or hit another car?

Either way twice in 3mths is bad

Maybe she needs to slow down / go on a driving course etc?

I drive 20k miles a year, have been driving for 20 years and had never had an accident that was my fault until last October..although it's debatable as I was struck by a lorry tyre.. then a few weeks ago I reversed into a wall and did over £1000 of damage.. just saying 2 accidents in 3 months could happen to anyone

I agree. Twice could be unlucky. I've had a prang in my own car this year, after 7 problem-free years. But I think 3 times in a year would be a trend. Hence my question..

Yes think 3rd accident she or any nanny should pay - maybe I will add that clause into my contrct - so fair to employer and nanny

Luckily only had 2 accidents in work cars - 12 years apart and 2 diff families

One totally my fault - hit a brick wall via their drive it moved somehow I misjudged it - worse thing was I went In and out that drive 6 times a day doing school/nursery runs so havnt a clue how

Other was when I rolled the car and was 50/50