House Sitting Insurance 101: What Every House-Sitter MUST Know
If you’re considering buying house sitting insurance, you’re in the right place!
We’re not insurance professionals but we’ve been house sitting since 2008. Plus, I dealt with insurance during my 16 years working in Human Resources, so I know the basics of the industry.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything there is to know about house sitting insurance – from its necessity to the types of coverage available, the platforms that offer it, and how to choose the right policy for your needs.
Whether you’re a seasoned house sitter or someone considering this path for the first time, understanding the ins and outs of insurance can help you protect your clients’ homes, peace of mind, and your wallet.
Note: This guide doesn’t offer professional insurance advice. We’re sharing our personal experience and insights to help you ask key questions and make informed decisions when shopping for insurance.
What is House Sitting Insurance & Why Do You Need It?
House sitting insurance, much like any other form of insurance, is designed to protect individuals – in this case, house sitters – from potential financial losses.
As a house sitter, you care for someone else’s property and sometimes their beloved pets. This involves a level of risk that can be mitigated through the security blanket of an insurance policy.
Essential Coverage
Your basic house sitting policy typically provides liability and property damage coverage, including accidents and injury to you or a third party.
It can also cover stolen or damaged personal property that belongs to the homeowner or the sitter. The implications of these coverages are vast, especially when engaging in long-term house sitting arrangements.
Highly Recommended, Not Required
While house sitting insurance isn’t mandatory, do understand that you, as a house sitter, are responsible for any accidents that may occur in the homes you’re looking after.
Whether it’s a broken antique vase or an injury to a pet, having an insurance policy in place can prevent what would otherwise be a costly liability claim against you.
Peace of Mind for All Parties
For both you and the homeowner, a house sitting insurance policy ensures that you’re proactively and responsibly approaching your roles.
It instills confidence, reflects professionalism, and ultimately eases the anxiety that comes with leaving one’s home in the hands of a relative stranger.
Types of House Sitting Insurance Coverage
Understanding the nuances of what your policy covers is key to being prepared for any scenario. House sitting insurance generally encompasses liability, pet liability, personal belongings, and medical coverage
Let’s discuss each one a bit more…
Liability Coverage
This is the most fundamental aspect of house sitting insurance, protecting you from the financial consequences of accidental bodily injury or property damage to a third party while you’re house sitting.
It’ll cover legal fees, settlements, and court awards if you’re found legally responsible.
Pet Liability Coverage
Many times, house sitting involves looking after pets. We’ve had very few house sits that are solely for the property.
This coverage specifically protects you from costs related to injuries or damages caused by the animals under your care, ensuring that vet bills and similar expenses are taken care of.
Personal Belongings Coverage
In the unfortunate event of theft, house sitting insurance can cover the cost of the stolen items. It may even extend to protecting the homeowners’ personal belongings while they’re away.
Medical Coverage
If you or a third party suffer an injury while you’re house sitting, medical coverage can take care of the steep medical bills and other related expenses.
Even if you don’t get full house sitting insurance, we always recommend getting good travel insurance!
-> We use Safety Wing for travel insurance. It’s quality coverage that doesn’t cost a monthly mortgage. Get a free quote!
Platforms That Provide House Sitting Insurance
Some platforms have recognized the need for house sitting insurance and have included it as a feature of their memberships, offering an extra layer of security for their users.
TrustedHousesitters
This international house sitting community provides its accident and third party liability insurance to housesitters as well as home and belongings insurance to homeowners, depending on the plan type they elect.
Benefits include veterinary coverage, emergency veterinary transportation, and more. We talk more about insurance and membership plans in our full Trusted HouseSitters review.
-> If you want 25% off your first-year membership, then click here for our Trusted House Sitters discount code!
International House Sitting Platforms
Other platforms catering to house sitters and homeowners also offer insurance options or recommendations, providing a variety of coverages, depending on their partnerships with insurance providers.
Choosing the Right House Sitting Insurance Policy
Don’t want to use house sitting platforms? Or maybe you want something more robust? Private insurance for house sitters is a thing, too!
With several options available, it’s important to select a policy that matches your needs as a house sitter and traveler.
Factors to Consider
Some of the factors that should influence your decision include how often you house sit, where you house sit, the number and type of pets you typically care for, and the duration of your assignments.
A sporadic house sitter who tends to stay in their home geographic area or home country will have vastly different needs than global house sitters like us who spend over 50% of a calendar year house sitting.
Comparing Options
Look carefully at what each insurance provider offers. Ensure the coverage is comprehensive enough to fit the risks you may encounter.
Some providers may also have add-on options that could further tailor the policy to your specific needs.
Cost of Insurance
The cost of house sitting insurance can be influenced by the factors mentioned above. Additionally, the length of your policy and the deductible you choose can also impact your premiums.
Be sure to pick a deductible you’re comfortable actually paying if you end up needing to use your insurance down the road.
Cost-Saving Tips
You may be able to save on your policy by bundling your house sitting insurance with other types of insurance, such as travel insurance, or by taking advantage of any available discounts.
Not all insurance companies offer this, or have bundles that will suit you. But it never hurts to ask!
Claims Process & Documentation
Understanding how to file a claim and what information you need to provide is essential should an incident or accident occur during your house sitting assignment.
When you elect house sitting insurance, be sure to ask them on enrollment for the claims reporting website or phone number.
Immediate Steps After an Incident
Take immediate action to mitigate any further damage or injury. This might involve seeking medical help, securing the property, or getting in touch with the homeowner if they’re reachable.
Documentation Requirements
You’ll need to document the incident thoroughly, including taking photographs, obtaining witness statements, and keeping a record of all correspondence. Accurate and timely documentation is crucial for the claims process.
The Importance of Record-Keeping
Maintain detailed records of your house sitting assignments and any incidents that occur. Should a claim be filed, these records will support your case and expedite the process.
Alternatives to Dedicated House Sitting Insurance
In some cases, there may be alternative ways to protect yourself and the homeowner’s interests without purchasing separate house sitting insurance.
Relying on Existing Homeowner’s or Renter’s Insurance
If you have a homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy, it may provide some level of coverage while house sitting.
However, it’s important to confirm the specifics with your insurer as these policies were not designed for house sitting scenarios.
Homeowner’s Property Insurance
In some cases, the homeowner may be willing to extend their insurance to cover you during the sit. It’s always best to have a discussion about insurance before you commit to a house sitting assignment.
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Mitigating Risks and Avoiding Claims
The best insurance is often the kind you never have to use. Here are some strategies for minimizing the likelihood of needing to file a claim…
Thorough Property Inspections
Before the homeowners depart, thoroughly inspect the property for any existing damage or hazards. Documentation of the state of the home can prevent disputes over liability.
Following Instructions to the Letter
Abide by all the homeowner’s instructions and guidelines, especially when it comes to managing their property and caring for their pets. Deviating from these could result in avoidable claims.
Maintaining Open Communication
Clear, consistent communication with the homeowners can also prevent misunderstanding and assure both parties that everything is in order. Discuss any concerns immediately to avoid issues down the line.
Final Thoughts on House Sitting Insurance
House sitting insurance is a critical consideration for anyone engaging in this unique and rewarding lifestyle.
By understanding what it is and how it works, you’re taking the necessary steps to protect yourself and the homeowners’ interests.
While it may not be required, the professional and peace-of-mind benefits it offers make it a wise investment for any house sitter.
Protecting your clients, their homes, and your interests ensures you can continue to enjoy the incredible opportunities that house sitting provides, without the worry of unforeseen financial burdens.
