Your au pair is coming soon. Is your insurance ready? Use this checklist to make sure you're covered before day one.
Pre-Arrival Insurance Checklist
1. Workers' Compensation
Check if required in your state:
| Requirement | States | |-------------|--------| | Always required | CA, NY, NJ, NH, HI, AK | | Required above threshold | MA, CT, DC, IA, MN, WA, UT | | Optional (but recommended) | All other states |
Action items:
- [ ] Determine if workers' comp is required in your state
- [ ] Get quotes from 2-3 providers
- [ ] Purchase policy before au pair arrives
- [ ] Keep policy documents accessible
Timeline: Complete 2-4 weeks before arrival
2. Auto Insurance
If your au pair will drive:
- [ ] Contact your auto insurance company
- [ ] Add au pair as a named driver
- [ ] Provide their license information:
- [ ] Home country driver's license
- [ ] International Driving Permit (if applicable)
- [ ] Date of birth and full legal name
- [ ] Review coverage limits (consider increasing if low)
- [ ] Get confirmation in writing
Timeline: Complete 1-2 weeks before arrival
3. Medical Insurance Review
Agency-provided coverage:
- [ ] Review what your agency's plan covers
- [ ] Note coverage limits (often $50K-$100K)
- [ ] Identify exclusions (dental, vision, pre-existing conditions)
Supplemental coverage (optional):
- [ ] Decide if you want higher limits
- [ ] Get quotes for supplemental plans
- [ ] Purchase if desired
Timeline: Review before arrival, can add supplemental anytime
4. Homeowners/Renters Insurance
- [ ] Review your policy for household employee coverage
- [ ] Ask about liability for domestic workers
- [ ] Consider umbrella policy if not covered
- [ ] Document any special endorsements needed
Timeline: Check 2-4 weeks before arrival
5. Payroll Setup
Insurance often connects to payroll. Make sure you're ready:
- [ ] Register as household employer (federal EIN)
- [ ] Register with state tax agency
- [ ] Set up payroll system or hire service
- [ ] Understand withholding requirements
Timeline: Complete before first pay period
Quick Reference by State
States Requiring Workers' Comp
Get coverage NOW if you're in:
- California
- New York
- New Jersey
- New Hampshire
- Hawaii
- Alaska
Check thresholds if you're in:
- Massachusetts (16+ hours/week)
- Connecticut ($1,000+/quarter)
- Washington DC (240+ hours/quarter)
- Washington State (40+ hours/quarter)
- Iowa, Minnesota, Utah (wage thresholds)
All States
Regardless of where you live:
- Add au pair to auto insurance if they drive
- Review agency medical coverage
- Consider supplemental coverage for gaps
Documents to Have Ready
For Workers' Comp Application
- [ ] Your contact information
- [ ] Au pair's name and start date
- [ ] Estimated hours per week (usually 45 max)
- [ ] Job duties description
For Auto Insurance
- [ ] Au pair's full legal name
- [ ] Date of birth
- [ ] Driver's license number and country
- [ ] Driving history (if available)
For Records
- [ ] Policy numbers for all coverage
- [ ] Emergency contact numbers for insurers
- [ ] Claims procedures
Timeline Summary
| Weeks Before Arrival | Task | |---------------------|------| | 4 weeks | Research workers' comp requirements | | 3 weeks | Get workers' comp quotes | | 2 weeks | Purchase workers' comp, contact auto insurer | | 1 week | Confirm all coverage is active | | Day 1 | Review policies with au pair |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Waiting Until After Arrival
Coverage should be active before your au pair starts work. Don't wait.
❌ Assuming Agency Coverage Is Enough
Agency medical insurance doesn't cover work injuries or auto accidents.
❌ Forgetting to Add Them to Auto Insurance
Even one drive without coverage is a risk.
❌ Not Keeping Records
You may need policy info quickly. Keep it organized.
❌ Ignoring State Requirements
"I didn't know" isn't a defense. Check your state's laws.
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