Seniors' escort driver service in your own car

Older adults and their families, often adult children living elsewhere, plus home care agencies and retirement residences.

Hourly rate or per-trip fee, plus a charge for waiting time and distance, often with regular weekly clients.

• Patience and good communication
• Safe driving, including in winter
• Trustworthy and reliable
• Basic knowledge of safe assisting and lifting

• Personal car insurance usually does not cover paid passenger trips, so confirm cover first
• Check whether your municipality requires a vehicle-for-hire or taxi licence for this kind of service
• This service cannot take passengers who need to stay in a wheelchair, be clear about what you can do
• Physical strain from helping passengers, know your limits
• Winter weather can lead to cancellations and unsafe driving days

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on insurance, marketing and any equipment you choose to add. You use your own car, which is why the estimate is lower than for a specialized van.

Personal car insurance usually does not cover paid passenger trips, so confirm your cover first. Check whether your municipality requires a vehicle-for-hire or taxi licence for this kind of service. Be clear about what you can and cannot do for passengers.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $700 to $3,500, depending on how many hours you drive and how many clients you have. At least about 8 hours a week is estimated. Winter weather can lead to cancellations and unsafe driving days.