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House Sitter Insurance: Cost & Quotes From $15/mo

Table of contents
1. House Sitting Insurance Requirements2. General Liability Insurance for House Sitters2.1. Add-Ons to General Liability Insurance for House Sitters2.2. Does General Liability Insurance Cover Injuries to Pets Under the Care of the House Sitter?3. Professional Liability Insurance for House Sitters3.1. Add-Ons to Professional Liability Insurance for House Sitters4. Commercial Property Insurance for House Sitters5. Add-Ons to Commercial Property Insurance for House Sitters6. Business Owner's Policy for House Sitters6.1. Add-Ons to  a BOP policy for House Sitters7. Tools and Equipment Insurance for House Sitters7.1. Add-Ons to Tools and Equipment Insurance for House Sitters7.2. What Are the Common Exclusions in a Tools and Equipment Insurance Policy for House Sitters?8. Commercial Auto Insurance for House Sitters8.1. Components of Commercial Auto Insurance for House Sitters8.2. Add-Ons to Commercial Auto Insurance for House Sitters8.3. Will My Personal Auto Insurance Cover Me While I’m House Sitting?9. Workers Compensation Insurance for house sitters9.1. Add-Ons to Workers' Compensation Insurance for House Sitters9.2. What Should I Do if I’m Injured While House Sitting?10. House Sitter  Insurance Cost11. Best House Sitter Insurance Companies11.1. NEXT House Sitter Insurance 11.1.1. Pros11.1.2. Cons11.2. CoverWallet House Sitter Insurance 11.2.1. Pros11.2.2. Cons11.3. The Hartford House Sitter Insurance 11.3.1. Pros11.3.2. Cons11.4. Tivly House Sitter Insurance 11.4.1. Pros11.4.2. Cons11.5. Thimble House Sitter Insurance 11.5.1. Pros11.5.2. Cons11.6. Hiscox House Sitter Insurance 11.6.1. Pros11.6.2. Cons

House sitter insurance can cover various situations. This can help cover expenses if a house cleaner causes some damage to the client’s house but you get blamed instead. Your policy will also come with a coverage that will cover lost income and workplace accidents. The client might also ask you to perform as a pet sitter and the animal may sustain injures.

House Sitting Insurance Requirements

When it comes to house sitting insurance coverage, there are certain requirements that you should keep in mind. One important aspect is lost key liability insurance, an add-on to general liability insurance.

Lost key liability insurance covers the cost of replacing lost or stolen keys and rekeying locks if necessary. This type of coverage can be especially important for you since you may have access to multiple properties and sets of keys.

An example scenario where this coverage could be useful is if you lose a set of keys while out running errands. With lost key liability insurance, you can cover the cost of replacing the lost keys and changing the locks rather than paying out of pocket.


General Liability Insurance for House Sitters


CoverWallet NEXT (Best)ThimbleHiscoxThe Hartford
Per occurrence limit $1,000,000$1,000,000$1,000,000/$2,000,000$2,000,000$1,000,000/$2,000,000
Aggregate limit $2,000,000$2,000,000$1,000,000/$2,000,000$2,000,000$1,000,000/$2,000,000
Products and completed operations aggregate limit $2,000,000

$1,000,000$2,000,000$1,000,000$1,000,000
Advertising injury coverage aggregate limit $1,000,000$1,000,000$2,000,000$1,000,000$1,000,000
Tenant’s legal liability coverage limit 
$300,000/$1,000,000
$300,000$100,000$100,000$1,000,000
Waiver of subrogation included?YesNoIncludedCan be includedNo
Hired/non-owned auto liability coverage included?YesNoNoCan be includedCan be included
Equipment breakdown floater included?No YesYesCan be includedCan be included
Can you get a certificate of insurance online?YesYesYesYesYes
Name additional insureds?YesYes
YesYesYes
Deductible$0$0$0$0$0


This insurance provides coverage if a third party is injured or their property is damaged while you are working as a house sitter. This policy helps protect you financially from potential lawsuits and legal fees.

Coverage limits for general liability insurance typically range from $100,000 to $1 million. Specific situations where general liability insurance can help include:

  • Accidentally breaking a valuable item while cleaning or performing other duties

  • Accidentally spilling water or other liquids on expensive furniture or flooring

  • A visitor getting injured on the property due to a slip, trip, or fall

  • Damaging walls, doors, or windows while moving furniture or equipment


Add-Ons to General Liability Insurance for House Sitters

  • Lost key liability insurance–This coverage can protect you if you lose or misplace your client's keys. It can help cover the cost of rekeying the property or replacing locks if necessary

  • Damage to rented premises–This add-on can help protect you if you accidentally damage the property you're renting for your house sitting services. It can cover the cost of repairs or replacement for damages caused by fire, smoke, water, or other covered perils


Does General Liability Insurance Cover Injuries to Pets Under the Care of the House Sitter?

If you're a house sitter concerned about potential injuries to pets under your care, it's important to check with your insurance provider to see if pet injury liability coverage is available as an add-on to your general liability policy. 

This coverage can help protect you if a pet under your care is injured or becomes ill while you're house sitting. By understanding your house sitting insurance coverage needs and working with a trusted insurance provider, you can ensure that you have the right coverage to protect yourself and your clients.


Professional Liability Insurance for House Sitters


CoverWallet NEXTThimble (Best)HiscoxThe Hartford
Per occurrence limit $1,000,000$1,000,000$1,000,000/$2,000,000$1,000,000$1,000,000
Aggregate limit $2,000,000$2,000,000$1,000,000/$2,000,000$1,000,000$2,000,000
Name additional insureds?YesYesYesYesYes
Waiver of subrogation included?YesNoYesCan be includedNo


Professional liability insurance, also known as errors and omissions insurance, covers claims of negligence or mistakes in professional services. The insurance can help protect you if you accidentally damage the homeowner's property or fail to perform your duties correctly. 

Coverage limits for professional liability insurance typically range from $100,000 to $1 million. Specific situations where professional liability insurance can help include:

  • Accidentally spilling paint or staining the carpet in the homeowner's house

  • Not properly securing the house and allowing it to be broken into while you're house sitting

  • Forgetting to water the homeowner's plants and causing them to die


Add-Ons to Professional Liability Insurance for House Sitters

  • Abuse and molestation coverage–It's important to acknowledge that allegations of sexual abuse or molestation can happen. This coverage can help protect you in case of such allegations

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Commercial Property Insurance for House Sitters


CoverWalletNEXT (Best)ThimbleHiscoxThe Hartford
Building coverage limit (minimum)$50,000$260,000$25,000/$500,000$25,000$60,000
Contents coverage limit (minimum)$50,000$22,000$25,000/$500,000$25,000$60,000
Outdoor signsExcluded$2,500ExcludedExcludedExcluded
Accounts receivableExcludedExcluded$5,000/10,000IncludedExcluded
Money and securitiesExcluded$2,500$1,000IncludedExcluded
Lock and keysExcluded$2,500ExcludedExcludedExcluded
Business interruption floaterExcludedIncludedIncludedIncludedExcluded
Equipment breakdown floaterExcludedIncludedExcludedExcludedExcluded
Inland marine insurance floaterExcludedExcluded$10,000ExcludedExcluded
Employee dishonesty floaterExcluded$5,000$2,500IncludedExcluded


Commercial property insurance covers damages to your business property, such as equipment, furniture, and inventory. For house sitters, this insurance can help protect you if your equipment or other property is damaged due to fire, theft, vandalism, lightning, and other covered perils

Coverage limits for commercial property insurance can vary but typically range from $10,000 to $1 million. The cost of this insurance can also vary, depending on the house sitting insurance coverage limits you choose and your location.


Add-Ons to Commercial Property Insurance for House Sitters

  • Business income coverage–If you cannot perform your house sitting duties due to property damage, business income coverage can help cover your lost income when it takes to repair or replace your property.

  • Flood insurance–This endorsement to commercial property insurance can cover financial losses in case a flashflood, coastal surge, or other similar events happen


Business Owner's Policy for House Sitters


CoverWalletThimble (Best)NEXTHiscoxThe Hartford
General liability aggregate limit$2,000,000$2,000,000$2,000,000$300,000$1,000,000/$2,000,000
Commercial property coverage limit$50,000$500,000$260,000$25,000$75,000
Optional policies can be added?YesYesYesYesYes
Name additional insureds for free?YesYesYesYesYes
BOP discount?YesYesYesYesYes


A business owner's policy (BOP) for house sitters is a comprehensive insurance policy that combines general liability insurance and commercial property insurance. This policy covers property damage, bodily injury, and personal injury to others that may arise during your house sitting work.

Coverage limits for a BOP policy can vary, typically from $500,000 to $2 million. This insurance can help in specific situations such as:

  • If a client or a third party is injured while on the client's property while you are house sitting

  • If you accidentally damage the client's property while house sitting


Add-Ons to a BOP policy for House Sitters

  • Employment practices liability insurance–If you have employees or work with independent contractors, EPLI can help protect you in case of an employment-related lawsuit or claim as discrimination or wrongful termination.

  • Customer property coverage–This will help you reimburse the losses of the client of his or her property got damaged while under your care, custody, and control


Tools and Equipment Insurance for House Sitters


NEXTThimbleHiscoxThe Hartford
Aggregate limit$3,000/$10,000$2,500/$5,000$15,000/$25,000$5,000-$10,000
Covers hired and borrowed equipment?$3,000/$10,000$2,500/$5,000NoYes
Miscellaneous equipment also covered?$5,000/$10,000NoYesYes
Offered as an endorsement to general liability insurance?YesYesYesYes
Deductible$500$500$0$0


If you use specialized equipment and tools for your house sitting services, such as gardening tools, cleaning supplies, or home security systems, you must protect them against damage, theft, or loss. Tools and equipment insurance is a type of insurance policy that covers the cost of replacing or repairing your tools and equipment in case they are damaged or stolen.

Coverage limits for this type of insurance will depend on your specific policy. However, typical coverage limits range from $1,000 to $10,000 per occurrence. Tools and equipment insurance typically provides coverage for a wide range of tools and equipment, including:

  • Lawnmowers

  • Gardening tools

  • Cleaning equipment

  • Power tools

  • Hand tools

  • Electronics such as laptops


Tools and equipment insurance can help in a variety of situations, including:

  • Theft or burglary of tools and equipment

  • Accidental damage to tools and equipment

  • Damage to tools and equipment caused by natural disasters

  • Loss of tools and equipment during transportation


Add-Ons to Tools and Equipment Insurance for House Sitters

  • Replacement cost coverage–This add-on covers the full cost of replacing your tools and equipment rather than just their depreciated value


What Are the Common Exclusions in a Tools and Equipment Insurance Policy for House Sitters?

Common exclusions in this policy include damages caused by intentional acts, normal wear and tear, or damage due to poor maintenance. Reviewing your policy carefully is important to understand what is covered and what is not.




Commercial Auto Insurance for House Sitters

If you use your car for business purposes, such as driving to and from your client's property, you need commercial auto insurance. This type of policy covers you in case of accidents, theft, or damage to your vehicle while working.

Coverage limits for this type of policy can vary depending on the level of coverage you choose. It's important to make sure that you have enough house sitting insurance coverage to protect your car and your business.

For example, your commercial auto policy may have a liability coverage limit of $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident and a separate limit of $50,000 for property damage. Commercial auto insurance can help you in situations such as:

  • Accidents while driving to and from your client's property

  • Damage caused by vandalism or theft of your vehicle while working

  • Liability for damage or injury to other people or their property while driving


Components of Commercial Auto Insurance for House Sitters

  • Liability coverage–Covers damages and injuries you may cause to others or their property while driving for work

  • Collision coverage–Covers damages to your vehicle in the event of a collision

  • Comprehensive coverage–Covers damages to your vehicle that are not caused by a collision, such as theft or weather damage

  • Personal injury protection–Covers medical expenses and lost wages for you and your passengers in the event of an accident

  • Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage–Covers damages and injuries you may sustain in an accident caused by someone who doesn't have insurance or doesn't have enough insurance


Add-Ons to Commercial Auto Insurance for House Sitters

Commercial auto insurance for house sitters can come with additional coverage options that can provide extra protection. Some common add-ons that may be available include:

  • Rental reimbursement coverage–This coverage reimburses rental car expenses if your vehicle is damaged and requires repairs

  • Towing and labor coverage–This coverage provides reimbursement for towing and labor expenses if the house sitter's vehicle breaks down or is stranded


Will My Personal Auto Insurance Cover Me While I’m House Sitting?

It depends on your specific policy. Personal auto insurance policies may exclude coverage for accidents while using your vehicle for business purposes. You should review your policy or speak with your insurer.


Workers Compensation Insurance for house sitters

Workers compensation insurance is a type of insurance that provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill due to their job. It typically covers medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs.

It may also provide death benefits to the employee's family. Workers compensation insurance can help in various situations where you are injured or become ill due to your job, this may include:

  • When you slip and fall while performing house sitting duties

  • Injuries from lifting heavy objects or performing manual labor tasks

  • Exposure to hazardous materials, such as mold or chemicals


Add-Ons to Workers' Compensation Insurance for House Sitters

Some workers' compensation policies may offer add-ons to provide additional coverage. These can include:

  • Employer's liability insurance–This can help protect you if an employee sues you for damages related to a workplace injury or illness

  • Disability insurance–This can provide additional benefits if you become disabled due to a workplace injury or illness


What Should I Do if I’m Injured While House Sitting?

If you are injured while house sitting, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention if necessary. Then, you should report the incident to the homeowner and your house sitter insurance provider that wrote the workers compensation policy.

It's important to document the incident and any injuries sustained, as well as any medical treatment received. Your insurance provider can guide you through the claims process and provide assistance with any necessary paperwork.

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House Sitter  Insurance Cost


Cost per MonthCost per YearDeductible
General Liability Insurance$40$480$0-$500
Professional liability insurance$45$540$500-$1,000
Commercial property insurance$49$588$1,000-$2,000
Business owner’s policy$89$1,068$1,500
Tools and equipment insurance$43$516$500-$1,000
Commercial auto insurance$55$660$500-$1,000
Workers compensation insurance$61$732$2,000-$5,000


The average house sitter insurance cost is $40 per month or $480 per year for a $1 million general liability coverage.  Premiums depend on the type and extent of coverage you need and your chosen insurance company. Some factors that can affect the cost include:

  • Policy type–Different insurance policies will have varying costs, depending on what they cover. For example, workers' compensation insurance may cost more than general liability insurance

  • Coverage limit–The higher your coverage limit, the more you will typically pay in premiums

  • Deductible–The deductible is the amount you must pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. Generally, the higher your deductible, the lower your monthly premiums


Different insurance companies may offer different rates for the same type of coverage, so it's worth shopping around to compare prices. Here’s a table showing the cost of a $1 million general liability insurance from carriers we recommend:


Cost per MonthCost per YearBest for
NEXT$20$240Best overall; Fastest general liability insurance for house sitters
CoverWallet$25$300Comparing house sitter insurance quotes online
The Hartford$30$360Workers compensation insurance for house sitters
Tivly$32$384Comparing house sitter insurance quotes over the phone
Thimble$34$408House sitters aiming for the lowest coverage for professional liability insurance
Hiscox$36$432House sitter insurance with automatic renewal

Compare House Sitter Insurance Quotes Online

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Best House Sitter Insurance Companies

When searching for the top house sitter insurance companies, various aspects must be taken into account, such as the coverage alternatives, pricing, quality of customer service, and claim handling. 

Here are the leading insurance providers you might want to consider. Read some of the reviews below to know their pros, cons, and average rate for a $1 million general liability policy.


NEXT House Sitter Insurance

Pros

  • Best overall

  • Issues an online proof of insurance instantly

  • Fastest general liability insurance for house sitters

  • Great customer service and reputation

  • Excellent rates

  • Outstanding value for money

  • Get a 10% discount if you buy two or more policies 

Cons

  • Couldn’t find any

NEXT Insurance is considered one of the leading house sitting insurance coverage providers. The company offers comprehensive coverage options tailored to your needs and financial capabilities. They provide additional coverage for business interruption, equipment breakdown, and other related issues. 

Best for: Best overall; Fastest general liability insurance for house sitters

Average cost: $20 per month

Our rating: 10/10


CoverWallet House Sitter Insurance

Pros

  • It can save time and effort by allowing businesses to compare policies and pricing from multiple insurers in one place

  • Offers 24/7 customer support and claims assistance

  • Simple, easy-to-use online platform for obtaining and managing insurance coverage

Cons

  • Not an insurance company but an insurance broker

CoverWallet is another excellent choice for house sitting insurance coverage. They offer a variety of policies to suit your unique needs, including general liability, property damage, and professional liability coverage. 

Best for: Comparing house sitter insurance quotes online

Average cost: $25 per month

Our rating: 10/10


The Hartford House Sitter Insurance

Pros

  • Hartford provides various discounts to its customers, such as multi-policy, safe driver, and good student discounts

  • Multiple coverage options, including home, auto, and business insurance, you can bundle your policies to save on costs

  • Their rating for financial stability assures that they can settle claims and maintain their reputation as a dependable insurance provider

Cons

  • There are more than expected complaints regarding their auto policies

The Hartford is a renowned insurance provider that provides various insurance coverage options. Their policies offer extensive options, including professional liability insurance. In addition to that, they provide extra coverage options such as cyber liability insurance, equipment breakdown, and business interruption coverage.

Best for: Workers compensation insurance for house sitters

Average cost: $30 per month

Our rating: 10/10


Tivly House Sitter Insurance

Pros

  • Additional insureds can be added to the policy at no extra cost

  • They offer some of the lowest rates for house sitter insurance, making it an affordable option if you are just starting out in your career

  • A partner of many reputable insurance companies

Cons

  • Limited coverage options 

Tivly is a newer entrant into the insurance market, but they have quickly gained a reputation for providing affordable and comprehensive coverage options. They offer general liability, property damage insurance, and additional coverage options such as business interruption. Call now to compare quotes over the phone. 

Best for: Comparing house sitter insurance quotes over the phone

Average cost: $32 per month

Our rating: 9/10


Thimble House Sitter Insurance

Pros

  • Thimble's policies are competitively priced, making it an affordable option for small businesses and freelancers

  • Thimble simplifies the insurance process for house-sitting businesses, enabling them to acquire the necessary coverage without incurring unnecessary expenses

Cons

  • You can’t reach customer service by calling

Thimble is a distinctive insurance company specializing in providing on-demand coverage. They offer general liability insurance that can be tailored to your specific needs and can be purchased for a specified period: hours, days, or weeks. Thimble's coverage is flexible and customizable, so you can choose the coverage that suits your house sitting insurance requirements.

Best for: House sitters aiming for the lowest coverage for professional liability insurance

Average cost: $34 per month

Our rating: 9/10


Hiscox House Sitter Insurance

Pros

  • Policyholders who combine multiple policies may be eligible for discounts of up to 5%

  • This insurance company has been in the industry for almost 120 years, demonstrating a long-standing presence and extensive experience

  • Professional liability policies cover work done globally, regardless of where the policyholder is located or where the work is performed

Cons

  • You may not be able to purchase all the necessary insurance coverage directly from Hiscox

Hiscox is a top-rated insurance company that offers various insurance products. It is based in Bermuda and has a large presence in 14 countries Their policies offer various options, including business interruption and cyber liability insurance.

Best for: House sitter insurance with automatic renewal

Average cost: $36 per month

Our rating: 9/10


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