[blparent] Hiring a Driver to Drive Your Car

[Star Gazer]

				Jessica, 
Get whatever car meets your needs. Don't get a hybrid to "save on gas" if
there are no mechanics in your area that work on hybrids. Don't get a cool
looking two seater sports car as fun as that would be if you're going to
have your or other people's kids with you. 
My husband doesn't like driving what we call "my car" to the point that if
it's just him or my older daughter, he'll drive what we call "his car". We
say that that's the car Daddy drives when he takes us on dates. Our toddler
is still in a carseat and while we can move it, he doesn't like to. I don't
either and that was one reason for getting a second car, I didn't like
installing and deinstalling the carseat anymore then he did. 
Another advantage to two cars is that you aren't dead in the water when one
car is in the shop. This didn't matter so much before kids, and it wasn't so
bad when our older daughter didn't much care if she missed an activity. It
really began to be a problem when she became emotionally invested in an
activity and when we had two kids. I can remember our old  Honda breaking
down the day before one of her friend's birthdays, and she was in tears
because we knew we wouldn't have a car to drive to get her to the party. I
was also annoyed because at our income level, we didn't need to "get by"
with just one vehicle. If we chose to have one vehicle that was fine, but we
shouldn't have to "prioritize" or "make due" on that issue. 
Julie's suggestions on paying the driver per day make sense depending on the
trips you're doing. I keep the cars because I don't think it's necessary
that the driver keep them. It's not so much a matter of trust, just not
something I feel is necessary, kind of like how I love and trust my parents,
but I don't have them listed on my bank account, nor am I listed on theirs. 
In any event, do what makes you comfortable and what works for you. 

-----Original Message-----
From: blparent [mailto:blparent-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Jessica
Reed via blparent
Sent: Wednesday, September 9, 2015 12:07 PM
To: 'Blind Parents Mailing List' <blparent at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Jessica Reed <jessicac.kostiw at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [blparent] Hiring a Driver to Drive Your Car

Thank you for your response.  This was helpful.  May I ask what type of car
do you have and what prompted you to pursue this option?  Would you say this
is overall a more expensive option?

Jessica  

-----Original Message-----
From: blparent [mailto:blparent-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Star Gazer
via blparent
Sent: Wednesday, September 09, 2015 12:00 PM
To: 'Blind Parents Mailing List'
Cc: Star Gazer
Subject: Re: [blparent] Hiring a Driver to Drive Your Car

			Hi. We do this. Yes, it feels like your own car
because it is. I have possession of the keys when they are not in the
ignition. Depending on the activity, my drivers will either participate
(like if it's grocery shopping) or they'll read or play on their phones. 
You will want insurance that covers anybody driving the vehicle. 
I usually pay between $10 and $12 an hour. 
To respond to Rob, of course you'd take your child with you and not leave
them in the car. I don't know why you wouldn't, the purpose isn't to run
erands in and of themselves but to teach your child about what you're doing
and why. 
I don't think you need or want a friend driving you, of course you can, but
personal relationship doesn't have anything to do with driving record.
Remember the adage don't mix money with family or friends. 
Remember that you're in charge and if someone ssuggests something you aren't
comfortable with, "no" is always a good answer. 

-----Original Message-----
From: blparent [mailto:blparent-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Jessica
Reed via blparent
Sent: Wednesday, September 9, 2015 10:15 AM
To: blparent at nfbnet.org
Cc: Jessica Reed <jessicac.kostiw at gmail.com>
Subject: [blparent] Hiring a Driver to Drive Your Car

Good morning List,

As the subject states, I am wondering if any of you have ever hired a driver
to drive a car that you own?  This option was mentioned in a previous
thread, and it is one that my husband and I are pursuing.  It will be great
being able to leave Lila's car seat and diaper bag and such all in one car!
I have a few questions though.  How much do you pay the driver since it's
your car?  What do they do while you are at your destination?  Someone
mentioned you should take back the keys so they don't drive around?  I would
love to hear any experiences, lessons learned, whether or not it actually
felt like your car.  

 

Thanks,

Jessica

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