Orlando Harmon
Leaving your home vacant for an extended period of time can be a risky endeavour. Not only is your empty house more vulnerable to burglaries and vandalism, but your home insurance policy may also become null and void after a certain period of time, typically 30 to 60 consecutive days. To mitigate these risks, many homeowners opt for hiring a house sitter. House sitters provide a range of services, from maintaining the property and caring for pets to simply occupying the home to deter potential intruders. While house sitting insurance is not mandatory, it is a critical consideration for house sitters to protect themselves and the homeowners' interests. This insurance can cover liability, property damage, accidents, injuries, and stolen or damaged personal property. Homeowners' insurance policies may also provide coverage in certain scenarios, such as when a house sitter directly causes damage to the property.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| House-sitting by a friend or neighbour | Less reliable than a professional house-sitter; may affect your insurance if keys are lost and used to enter your home |
| House-sitting by a professional | More reliable than a friend or neighbour; should have public liability insurance to cover damage to the property |
| Length of absence | Home insurance may not cover damage if the house is left unoccupied for 30–60 consecutive days |
| House-sitter's responsibilities | Caring for the property, valuables, and pets; forwarding mail and messages; maintaining security |
| House-sitter's risks | Accidents, injuries, property damage, stolen or damaged personal property, liability claims |
| House-sitter's insurance | Covers liability, property damage, accidents, injuries, stolen or damaged property |
| Homeowner's risks | Damage to property, belongings, or pets caused by the house-sitter |
| Homeowner's insurance | May cover damage caused directly by the house-sitter; may not cover damage caused indirectly |
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What You'll Learn
Home insurance policies may not cover houses left vacant for 30-60 days
Home insurance policies may not cover houses left vacant for 30–60 days. This is due to a vacancy clause in the policy, which restricts or excludes coverage after a certain period. The exact time period varies based on the insurer, with some policies only covering vacant homes for 30 days, and others for up to 60 days.
Vacant homes are considered higher risk by insurance companies because no one is there to monitor for issues like theft, vandalism, or water damage. For example, a small leak in a pipe can turn into a major problem if left unattended for weeks. Because of these risks, standard policies often exclude coverage for vacant homes.
If you plan to leave your home vacant for an extended period, you may need to purchase vacant home insurance. This type of insurance is designed to protect homes that sit empty for long periods, typically more than 30–60 days, depending on the policy. It can provide coverage for various risks, including inclement weather, fire, plumbing leaks, theft, and vandalism. The cost of vacant home insurance is typically higher than standard home insurance, reflecting the increased risks associated with vacant properties.
To ensure your home is protected while vacant, it is crucial to review your insurance policy and understand the coverage limitations. You may need to purchase a separate vacant home insurance policy or add an endorsement to your existing homeowners insurance. Alternatively, you can consider hiring a house sitter to occupy your home while you are away, reducing the risk of issues and maintaining your standard home insurance coverage. A house sitter can also provide additional benefits, such as pet care and regular communication regarding any issues with your property.
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Home insurance may cover damage caused by a house sitter
House-sitting is a popular option for many homeowners going on holiday. It is a good way to ensure that your home is secure and that your pets are cared for. However, accidents can happen, and it is important to understand what your insurance covers in the event of damage caused by a house sitter.
Home insurance policies typically include a ''vacancy clause' that nullifies coverage if a home is unoccupied for 30 to 60 consecutive days. This period varies depending on the insurance provider. One way to avoid this issue is to hire a house sitter, as their presence in the home can help maintain insurance coverage.
In the event of damage caused by a house sitter, your home insurance may provide coverage. If the house sitter directly caused the damage, such as through negligence or purposeful actions, your insurance company may step in to provide legal and financial assistance to pursue damages from the house sitter. This is similar to how vandalism claims are handled. However, it is important to note that each insurer will determine fault and their willingness to cover damages on a case-by-case basis.
To ensure adequate coverage, it is recommended that house sitters also have their own insurance policy. House sitter insurance can provide liability coverage for accidents, injuries, and property damage caused by the sitter. It can also protect the house sitter from financial liability in the event of a claim by the homeowner. This type of insurance is not mandatory, but it provides peace of mind and protection for both the house sitter and the homeowner.
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House sitters should have their own insurance
House sitting is a rewarding job that comes with a lot of responsibility. While it may not be a requirement, house sitters should strongly consider getting their own insurance to protect themselves and the homeowners' interests. A house sitter is responsible for any accidents that may occur in the homes they are looking after, and having insurance can prevent what would otherwise be a costly liability claim. For example, if a pool cleaner slipped on a rake you left out and punctured their foot, you could be held responsible for the costs of their emergency room visit.
Basic house-sitting insurance 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. This type of insurance is flexible and affordable, with options to purchase coverage by the hour, day, month, or year. You can also choose between different policy limits, such as $1 million or $2 million, to ensure you have the right amount of protection.
In addition to basic house-sitting insurance, house sitters may also want to consider general liability insurance and professional liability insurance. General liability insurance could protect against any third-party claims of bodily injury and property damage that may occur during their stays or when travelling between jobs. Professional liability insurance could protect you from any claims of negligence, errors, or mistakes related to your professional services.
While some house-sitting platforms offer insurance options, it's important to carefully review what is covered. For example, TrustedHousesitters offers third-party liability insurance in their standard and premium membership plans, but it's unclear how much coverage is provided. Ultimately, having your own insurance policy as a house sitter can provide peace of mind and protect you financially in the event of an accident or incident while on the job.
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Home insurance may not cover lost keys
It is important to check with your home insurance company to see if they cover lost or stolen keys. Some companies offer coverage for dwelling keys and garage door openers without charging a deductible, but this coverage may not apply to car keys. If your home insurance policy includes personal property coverage, it may cover stolen car key replacement, but you will likely have to pay your deductible, which is probably more than the cost of replacing the key.
Roadside assistance coverage does not typically cover the cost of lost keys, but some plans may offer key-related services, such as lockout assistance or locksmith services, as part of their package. If you have comprehensive coverage, your insurance may cover stolen keys in some circumstances. However, the cost of replacing the key itself is usually not covered, and you will likely need to pay for the replacement key.
To avoid the hassle and cost of losing your keys, it is recommended to always have a spare key and practice good habits, such as putting your keys in the same place each time and attaching a tracking tag.
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House sitters can prevent burglaries
House-sitting is a popular option for many homeowners going on holiday. Nearly half of UK households use some form of house-minding when travelling. While home security systems and alarms can help prevent burglaries, having a house-sitter can add a human dimension to security. A house-sitter can be a friend, family member, or a professional service, and their presence alone can deter intruders.
House-sitters can ensure the security of your home in several ways. Firstly, they can maintain the property's regular routine, such as putting out the bins and opening curtains in the morning, creating a sense of normality. Secondly, they can answer the door and phone, forwarding mail and messages, and dealing with visitors and callers. This helps to create a presence in the house and maintain a link to your usual life. Thirdly, house-sitters can also manage your heating, lighting, and TV timers, giving the impression that someone is home.
Before leaving your home, ensure all doors and windows are securely locked, and any tools, ladders, and garden furniture are stored away and covered. You should also check that your alarm system is functioning correctly and set it before you leave. Inform your house-sitter of any security measures you have in place, and any expectations you have regarding visitors and overnight guests.
Having a house-sitter can also help prevent burglaries by reducing the time your home is left vacant. Standard home insurance policies typically only cover vacant homes for up to 30 or 60 consecutive days. After this period, the home may be considered abandoned, and coverage may be nullified. By using a house-sitter, you can avoid the additional costs of specialist 'empty house' insurance, which can become very expensive the longer your house is unoccupied.
Overall, house-sitters can provide a valuable layer of security for your home while you are away, offering peace of mind and helping to prevent burglaries.
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Frequently asked questions
Homeowners insurance does not typically cover a house sitter. If you want to ensure your house sitter is covered, you will need to take out a separate house sitter insurance policy.
House sitter insurance typically provides liability and property damage coverage, including accidents and injuries to the house sitter or a third party. It can also cover stolen or damaged personal property that belongs to the homeowner or the house sitter.
No, house sitter insurance is not mandatory. However, it is a wise investment as it provides peace of mind for both the house sitter and the homeowner. Without insurance, the house sitter is responsible for any accidents that may occur in the homes they are looking after.
