September 11, 2025 · 3 min read

Additional Au Pair Program Costs to Consider

Beyond program fees¹ and weekly stipends², hosting an au pair involves additional costs that families need to plan for upfront. From cell phone plans to car insurance and transportation, understanding these expenses helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises. Here's what you need to know about additional costs and how to handle them smoothly.

Do I need to provide my au pair with a cell phone?
Should I add my au pair to the family car insurance policy?
Am I responsible for my au pair’s transportation after hours?

Cell phone costs

When you welcome a new au pair to your home, establishing acceptable phone usage is important to discuss right away. Phone bills can be a source of friction between host families and au pairs but can be avoided if the rules are clear from the start. International calling can be extremely expensive when calling from a landline or a cell phone but luckily there are many options for calling these days that are free or very inexpensive.

Many families provide a cell phone and add their au pair to the family plan. If there are any restrictions on data or minutes, it is important that you clearly outline what the au pair is responsible for.

Alternatives for calling internationally

Whatsapp is an affordable alternative and allows au pairs to connect with family and friends instantly. It can be installed on smart phones and make calling either free or very inexpensive.

Car insurance

Driving is an important part of an au pair’s program. While a family may or may not require an au pair to drive as part of their childcare responsibilities, most host families provide their au pair access to a car to meet friends during free time, attend monthly LCC meetings, or travel to class.

If an au pair will be using the host family car for any reason, the family is required to add the au pair to their auto insurance policy and is responsible for the associated costs. Because insurance companies have different requirements (some require a state license or a social security number), we advise host families to look into this as soon as they select their final au pair.

By agreeing to allow an au pair use of a family car, the family is taking the risk that the au pair could get into an accident. The au pair’s insurance does not provide coverage for any liability or property damage. The family is responsible for ensuring that they have added proper insurance to their own policy if they require the au pair to drive. The au pair’s insurance is secondary to the auto insurance policy in case of an accident that results in an injury.

If the au pair is involved in a car accident while on duty, which includes travel to and from LCC meetings and classes, the family will be responsible for all associated costs. If the accident occurs while the au pair is off-duty, the au pair is responsible for paying the deductible up to $500. The au pair is not responsible for a deductible of more than $500. Remember, the au pair’s stipend cannot be withheld for this or any reason.

Please note: Cultural Care Au Pair cannot be held liable for any damage or loss resulting from the au pair’s use of a vehicle.

If you have any questions or concerns about driving, please contact us via chat on the support tab of the host family smartphone app or by phone at 1–800–333–6056.

Transportation after hours

If a host family cannot provide their au pair with a car for after-hours use, they may consider covering the cost of alternative transportation to ensure that their au pair can experience all the community has to offer. Covering the cost of local public transportation or of a ride app can be a great solution.

¹Monthly minimum average cost to host an au pair, regardless of the number of children the au pair cares for. This cost includes the agency fees and the minimum weekly stipend paid directly to the au pair for 52 weeks, including 2 weeks of paid vacation. Does not include incidental costs of hosting an au pair, such as meals, insurance, and other amenities.

²The U.S. Department of State has determined that au pairs are required to receive from their host families atleast $195.75 per week. Host families and au pairs are free to discuss and agree to compensation higher than the required stipend minimum; however, this cannot be in exchange for the au pair exceeding the regulatory limits on working hours (10 hours per day; 45 hours per week) or performing duties beyond childcare-related tasks. The State Department formula is based on the federal minimum wage and applicable room and board credits. Any change in the federal minimum wage or the applicable credits will result in an increase in this minimum stipend amount. Please note, should a family extend beyond the first year, they would be responsible for the stipend for each week of the extension term.

¹Monthly minimum average cost to host an au pair, regardless of the number of children the au pair cares for. This cost includes the agency fees and the minimum weekly stipend paid directly to the au pair for 52 weeks, including 2 weeks of paid vacation. Does not include incidental costs of hosting an au pair, such as meals, insurance, and other amenities.

²Au pairs pay a smaller program fee to the foreign company that screens them, but no portion of that fee is used to pay for the costs of their international airfare or domestic U.S. transportation. Au pairs may be charged additional fees in the event of special travel requests.

³The U.S. Department of State has determined that au pairs are required to receive from their host families at least $195.75 per week. Host families and au pairs are free to discuss and agree to compensation higher than the required stipend minimum; however, this cannot be in exchange for the au pair exceeding the regulatory limits on working hours (10 hours per day; 45 hours per week) or performing duties beyond childcare-related tasks. The State Department formula is based on the federal minimum wage and applicable room and board credits. Any change in the federal minimum wage or the applicable credits will result in an increase in this minimum stipend amount. Please note, should a family extend beyond the first year, they would be responsible for the stipend for each week of the extension term.

⁴This contribution towards an au pair’s education requirement is determined by the U.S. Department of State, and families agree to comply with any increase that is issued.