Washington DC requires workers' compensation for household employees working 240 or more hours per quarter. Most au pairs easily meet this threshold.
DC Requirements
Required (for 240+ hours/quarter):
- ✅ Workers' Compensation Insurance
- ✅ Auto insurance addition (if au pair drives)
Recommended:
- 💡 Supplemental medical insurance
- 💡 Umbrella liability coverage
Workers' Compensation
The 240-Hour Rule
DC requires workers' comp for household employees who work 240+ hours per quarter (roughly 20 hours/week).
Quick math for au pairs:
- Au pairs can work up to 45 hours/week
- That's 585 hours/quarter (45 × 13 weeks)
- Way above the 240-hour threshold
Bottom line: If you have an au pair in DC, you need workers' comp.
Penalties
DC enforces workers' comp requirements:
- Fines for operating without coverage
- Personal liability for all injury costs
- Potential criminal charges for willful violations
How to Get Coverage
Private Market
Several companies serve DC household employers:
- GTM Payroll Services
- HomeWork Solutions
- NEXT Insurance
DC Resources
The DC Department of Employment Services oversees workers' comp and can help if you're having trouble finding coverage.
Cost Estimate
Expect to pay $700 - $1,300/year for workers' comp in DC. The District has higher costs than many states due to elevated medical expenses.
DC Metro Considerations
Living in DC, Working in MD/VA?
The DC metro area spans three jurisdictions. If your au pair:
- Lives and works only in DC: DC rules apply
- Works in multiple jurisdictions: Usually where they work most applies
- You have homes in DC and MD/VA: Check both states' requirements
Maryland (No Requirement)
Maryland exempts household employers from mandatory workers' comp. But if your au pair works primarily in DC, DC rules still apply.
Virginia (No Requirement)
Virginia also exempts household employers. Same caveat — if work is primarily in DC, get DC coverage.
Best Practice for Multi-State
If you're in the DC metro and your au pair might work in DC, MD, and VA:
- Get coverage that applies to all three
- Many policies can be written to cover multiple states
- Discuss with your insurance provider
Auto Insurance
DC has mandatory auto insurance with specific requirements.
DC Minimum Requirements
- $25,000 bodily injury per person
- $50,000 bodily injury per accident
- $10,000 property damage
- Uninsured motorist coverage required
Adding Your Au Pair
- Contact your auto insurance company
- Add au pair as a listed driver
- Provide foreign license documentation
- Consider higher limits (DC minimums are low)
Cost Impact
DC auto insurance is expensive. Adding an au pair typically costs $400 - $1,000/year extra.
Metro Area Driving
DC traffic is notoriously challenging. Consider:
- Whether your au pair really needs to drive
- Extra training for complex DC roads
- Metro (public transit) as an alternative
Medical Insurance
Agency Coverage
Your au pair agency provides basic medical insurance. This covers routine and emergency care but:
- May have low limits
- Often excludes dental/vision
- May not cover pre-existing conditions well
Why Supplemental Makes Sense in DC
DC has world-class medical facilities, but they're expensive. Major hospitals like Georgetown, GW, and MedStar charge premium rates.
Supplemental insurance provides:
- Higher coverage limits
- Dental and vision
- Better specialist access
- Lower out-of-pocket costs
Cost: $200 - $450/year (slightly higher than national average)
High Cost of Living
DC is one of the most expensive areas in the country. This affects:
- Workers' comp premiums (higher)
- Auto insurance (higher)
- Medical costs (higher)
- Everything else (also higher)
Budget accordingly when planning au pair insurance costs.
Compliance Checklist
- [ ] Confirm au pair works 240+ hours/quarter (almost certainly yes)
- [ ] Purchase workers' compensation insurance
- [ ] Verify coverage applies to DC (and MD/VA if applicable)
- [ ] Add au pair to auto insurance
- [ ] Review agency medical coverage limits
- [ ] Consider supplemental medical
Common Questions
Q: We live in Bethesda (MD) but sometimes go to our DC office. Which rules apply?
Where the au pair primarily works determines coverage. If they work mostly at your Bethesda home, MD rules apply (no requirement). If significant work happens in DC, get DC coverage to be safe.
Q: Do embassy families have different rules?
Diplomatic immunity can affect some employment rules, but most host families aren't embassy staff. If you work for an embassy, consult your HR department.
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