MB wants to switch cars is this normal?

[Anonymous]

Op here. She said that it was because the kids were used to that car. And that she didn't know if I would be safest in my car, I'm not sure why not. But they live in Columbia heights part of DC and her job is in the west virginia. I am not familiar with the area and my friend thinks that she will put a lot of tearing in my car even though I have her car

[Anonymous]

What does she do in WV? I never heard of going to a job there from DC. They usually go to DC from WV to work.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Op here. She said that it was because the kids were used to that car. And that she didn't know if I would be safest in my car, I'm not sure why not. But they live in Columbia heights part of DC and her job is in the west virginia. I am not familiar with the area and my friend thinks that she will put a lot of tearing in my car even though I have her car

That is the most ridiculous excuse ever. I've never once met a kid who was so attached to a car that they had a difficult time riding in someone else's car. Most kids I know love the opportunity to ride in someone else's car. Heck, one of my charges has declared my car his favorite car ever.

As far as the safety comment my guess is that she was thinking you would be extra conscientious while driving her car since it doesn't belong to you. That's also kind of silly. A safe, conscientious driver will drive the same no matter what car is being driven. I'm a careful driver, but I've noticed that I am even more so when I have the kids in the car (regardless of the car I'm driving) so if you're anything like that it won't matter what car you're driving...you'll be extra careful b/c you have the kids with you.

Stand your ground on this one. Her explanation makes things even stranger.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Stand your ground on this one. Her explanation makes things even stranger.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Stand your ground on this one. Her explanation makes things even stranger.

+1

+2

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Op here. She said that it was because the kids were used to that car. And that she didn't know if I would be safest in my car, I'm not sure why not. But they live in Columbia heights part of DC and her job is in the west virginia. I am not familiar with the area and my friend thinks that she will put a lot of tearing in my car even though I have her car

That is the most ridiculous excuse ever. I've never once met a kid who was so attached to a car that they had a difficult time riding in someone else's car. Most kids I know love the opportunity to ride in someone else's car. Heck, one of my charges has declared my car his favorite car ever.

As far as the safety comment my guess is that she was thinking you would be extra conscientious while driving her car since it doesn't belong to you. That's also kind of silly. A safe, conscientious driver will drive the same no matter what car is being driven. I'm a careful driver, but I've noticed that I am even more so when I have the kids in the car (regardless of the car I'm driving) so if you're anything like that it won't matter what car you're driving...you'll be extra careful b/c you have the kids with you.

Stand your ground on this one. Her explanation makes things even stranger.

The other explanation is that she thinks there is something wrong with your car and thinks the kids are better off in another one.

If so, it's still weird. I think its very strange and unfair to propose to drive an employee's car to your job every single day, esp. when the commute is into WV.

[Anonymous]

Say NO! The wear and tear alone on your care won't be worth it. Tell her for insurance reasons it wouldn't work out and that her commute would put more wear on your car than driving the kids. If she doesn't want you using your car than she needs to buy herself a new one.

[Anonymous]

I agree that it is a weird request, and that you politely let her know that for insurance purposes, you are not comfortable with her driving your car. Besides, was she going to pay you for the mileage she puts on your car during her commute?

Personally, I feel like I drive the safest in my own car, because I know it best. I'm much less comfortable driving an unfamiliar car. But, if she wants you to drive her car, then she should use the "nanny car", and if she doesn't want to switch seats around, then either she lets you use the nanny car, or she buys you carseats for your car.

Sounds like she's trying to take advantage of you. I would not be OK with this request.

[Anonymous]

OP, which car insurance company do you use?

[Anonymous]

Op here I have the all states insurance. I just don't understand for why would it be benefitting her to drive my car I suppose

[Anonymous]

Is it possible there is a parking issue in your employer's neighborhood? If she lives in a RPP area with zone parking, then your car would not be able to be parked on the street for more than two hours without getting ticketed. In other words, is it "easier" for your car to pull over for a few minutes and then she leaves her properly registered and permitted car with you for the day. That is one rationale argument. (I used to live in an area with very tightly enforced zone parking, and you could not get a permit for live-out employees.)

That said, it still would not be a good plan for you. Particularly if she really is driving to the state of West Virginia and not some western part of a VA suburb.

[Anonymous]

There is no good reason for this - just say no. Say no for insurance purposes, wear and tear on the car, or just because.

But no.

Her request is ridiculous.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is it possible there is a parking issue in your employer's neighborhood? If she lives in a RPP area with zone parking, then your car would not be able to be parked on the street for more than two hours without getting ticketed. In other words, is it "easier" for your car to pull over for a few minutes and then she leaves her properly registered and permitted car with you for the day. That is one rationale argument. (I used to live in an area with very tightly enforced zone parking, and you could not get a permit for live-out employees.)

That said, it still would not be a good plan for you. Particularly if she really is driving to the state of West Virginia and not some western part of a VA suburb.

But then wouldn't she have stated this as an issue?

I worked for a mom in this situation once, and after a few parking tickets we just worked it out so that on days I was coming over, she moved her car out of her driveway an onto the street (which she had a permit for) ahead of time. That way, I could park in her driveway without any issues while I was there. I suppose she could be in a place with only street parking, but even then, you'd think she would have mentioned this as an issue (even if she really did just want to drive Nanny's car)

[Anonymous]

I have heard of this once before, and the nanny and mom swapped for insurance reasons. The nanny was covered by the parents' insurance when driving the mom's car, but not when in her own car as their employee. In that case, however, the mom's work was much closer, so the nanny's car was getting less use than the mom's.

The big red flag for me would be West Virginia. WTF? Seriously, that would be putting at least 500 miles on your car a week. Sounds to me as though the mom is hoping to keep her own milage lower, and you should just say no. IRS tax reimbursement rates can be mentioned if she insists - that would cost her an additional few hundred dollars a week.