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.
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.
| CoverWallet | NEXT (Best) | Thimble | Hiscox | The 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? | Yes | No | Included | Can be included | No |
| Hired/non-owned auto liability coverage included? | Yes | No | No | Can be included | Can be included |
| Equipment breakdown floater included? | No | Yes | Yes | Can be included | Can be included |
| Can you get a certificate of insurance online? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Name additional insureds? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 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
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
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.
| CoverWallet | NEXT | Thimble (Best) | Hiscox | The 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? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Waiver of subrogation included? | Yes | No | Yes | Can be included | No |
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
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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| CoverWallet | NEXT (Best) | Thimble | Hiscox | The 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 signs | Excluded | $2,500 | Excluded | Excluded | Excluded |
| Accounts receivable | Excluded | Excluded | $5,000/10,000 | Included | Excluded |
| Money and securities | Excluded | $2,500 | $1,000 | Included | Excluded |
| Lock and keys | Excluded | $2,500 | Excluded | Excluded | Excluded |
| Business interruption floater | Excluded | Included | Included | Included | Excluded |
| Equipment breakdown floater | Excluded | Included | Excluded | Excluded | Excluded |
| Inland marine insurance floater | Excluded | Excluded | $10,000 | Excluded | Excluded |
| Employee dishonesty floater | Excluded | $5,000 | $2,500 | Included | Excluded |
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.
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
| CoverWallet | Thimble (Best) | NEXT | Hiscox | The 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? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Name additional insureds for free? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| BOP discount? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
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
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
| NEXT | Thimble | Hiscox | The 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/$5,000 | No | Yes |
| Miscellaneous equipment also covered? | $5,000/$10,000 | No | Yes | Yes |
| Offered as an endorsement to general liability insurance? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 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
Replacement cost coverage–This add-on covers the full cost of replacing your tools and equipment rather than just their depreciated value
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.
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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
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
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
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 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
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
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.
| Cost per Month | Cost per Year | Deductible | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 Month | Cost per Year | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEXT | $20 | $240 | Best overall; Fastest general liability insurance for house sitters |
| CoverWallet | $25 | $300 | Comparing house sitter insurance quotes online |
| The Hartford | $30 | $360 | Workers compensation insurance for house sitters |
| Tivly | $32 | $384 | Comparing house sitter insurance quotes over the phone |
| Thimble | $34 | $408 | House sitters aiming for the lowest coverage for professional liability insurance |
| Hiscox | $36 | $432 | House sitter insurance with automatic renewal |
Get all the best quotes from leading providers in a click of a button!
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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'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
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
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
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
Use anyone except Employers. Period. They are non-transparent and shameful. After I complained long enough to warrant a call from a supervisor, the supervisor called back from a PRIVATE NUMBER (no caller ID), left a message that they are not reversing their decision (without any communication with me), and failed to leave a phone number for me to call back. She was hiding! They also fact find via email and phone calls, which is terrific for speed and communication. However, after setting a precedence of email or phone calls, they send time sensitive information via email, without any heads up... they are hoping you miss it and forfeit via expiration. Evil policies. Go elsewhere.
This place is an absolute joke of a company and should be ashamed of the way they conduct business. I was hurt on the job at the end of July and it took them just shy of 7 weeks to issue out a paycheck to me. Yes the amount was back dated but still. Not many have the luxury of not receiving a paycheck for almost 2 months. To top it all off, the original adjuster marked me down for the wrong state which caused a problem from the get go, I've had 3 different adjusters now since each one can't seem to figure out the simplicity of my claim. All my paperwork which includes, my job, house, and drs visits all are from the same state and city but yet some how I have been filed under a completely different state 1500 miles away. They do not answer your phone calls or emails no matter how many you leave. I've had to escalate my frustrations to the supervisors of each of these individuals in order to even get some kind of response. I've had more communication and information given to me about my claim from the customer service representatives then the actual adjusters.......... please tell me how that works?! A serious overhaul needs to happen here in order to serve your clients the way they deserve to be taken care of. 10/10 do not recommend this company to a single soul on earth
I have never had the displeasure of working with a more incompetent and disrespectful person in my life. I’m an injured worker and the adjuster that was assigned to my case was named Carrie Furgeson. In the past 6 weeks that I’ve been injured and out of work I have only been able to get ahold of her twice, not for lack of trying. I have left countless voicemails, countless emails, and she ignores them all. When I am finally able to get ahold of her I’m greeted with terrible customer service. She is rude, she talks over me and I’m hardly able to get a word in edgewise. She spelled my name wrong on my documents even after I spelled it for her properly countless times, this caused a whole new issue with my bank. I have bill collectors from the hospital calling me demanding payment and Carrie Furgeson won’t do a single thing to help, or to get them paid. All of my documentation is in Colorado, my job is in Colorado, my address is in Colorado, all my Dr offices and appointments have been in Colorado and Carrie still managed to hold my claim because she wasn’t sure what state she needed to file it under. It’s been 6 weeks since my Injury and my company still hasn’t received the wage paperwork to fill out so they can get me my correct wages. When she’s not ignoring me she’s answering my questions with “I don’t know” well I don’t know how she got this job, because apparently she doesn’t know anything about it. She is a disgusting morose individual inside and out and I genuinely wish her the worst in all of her future endeavors. I highly recommend you don’t use this company. Please if you are a business owner and your looking into this company please don’t use them. I’m sure they have the cheapest payment and that’s why companies use them in the first place, but you will be doing your employees a grave disservice by forcing them to venture into this absolute dumpster fire of a company. I would rate 0/5 if possible but 1 was the lowest I was allowed.
Their general liability insurance purchase process is simply the best online experience I've ever had in my life!
As long as they cover your line of business, you're literally covered! best rates, best coverage, best online experience, best professionals, can't be happier that I chose them!
Not all those who wander are lost.
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