Insurance and bonding are designed in such a way that they provide protection and build trust between service providers and their clients.

In the house sitting industry, these two elements play a crucial role in safeguarding both the homeowner and the house sitter.

Insurance helps cover unexpected incidents such as property damage, theft, or accidents, while bonding reassures clients that they are financially protected in case of dishonest acts or negligence by the sitter.

The truth is that insurance and bonding benefit house-sitting businesses in several ways.

They not only offer financial protection but also help boost credibility, making it easier to attract new clients and retain existing ones.

If you own a house sitting business and are curious about how insurance and bonding can benefit your business, we are going to give real examples of these benefits.

7 Real Examples of How Insurance and Bonding Benefit House Sitting Businesses

1. Liability Protection for Accidental Damage (Hiscox)

House sitting businesses can get general liability insurance through providers like Hiscox, covering accidental damage to a client’s home or belongings.

For example, if you break a homeowner’s antique vase worth $3,000, the policy can cover repair or replacement costs.

Premiums typically start around $30 to $40/month for small operations. Requirements usually include registering your business (LLC or sole proprietorship) and providing basic business details.

Hiscox policies can be purchased online and tailored to cover multiple sitters under one plan.

2. Client Theft Bonding Protection (Surety Bonds Direct)

Bonding through companies like Surety Bonds Direct protects clients if a sitter steals or damages property intentionally.

For example, if a house sitter steals $1,500 in jewelry, the bond compensates the homeowner, and the sitter must repay the bonding company.

A $10,000 janitorial bond suitable for house sitters costs about $100 to $150 annually, depending on credit and state.

Requirements often include business registration, ID verification, and a clean background check.

3. Pet Injury or Accident Coverage (Pet Care Insurance)

Many house sitters also care for pets. Pet Care Insurance (PCI) offers pet sitter liability insurance, which includes coverage for pet injuries, lost pets, or accidental death while under the sitter’s care.

For example, if a dog escapes and is injured, the policy can cover vet bills. Premiums typically start at $139/year for $1 million coverage.

Requirements include being over 18, providing service information, and passing a basic background check. This coverage is ideal for sitters who offer pet services.

4. Business Interruption and Income Protection (NEXT Insurance)

If you operate a registered house sitting business and can’t work temporarily due to a covered loss (e.g., a client’s home fire or legal closure), NEXT Insurance offers business owner’s policies (BOP) with interruption coverage.

Premiums start at $25–$60/month, depending on revenue and location. Requirements include business registration and operational history.

This type of insurance ensures you still receive income during downtime, keeping your business stable.

5. Professional Liability Coverage for Negligence (Thimble)

If you fail to perform expected duties (e.g., forgetting to lock a door leading to theft), professional liability insurance from Thimble can cover legal fees and damages.

Policies start around $17/month for $1 million coverage, and can be purchased by the job, month, or year.

Requirements include business name, services offered, and sometimes proof of prior work.

Thimble allows flexible coverage, making it ideal for part-time house sitters. This protection is crucial in avoiding lawsuits from unhappy clients.

6. Third-Party Injury Coverage (State Farm)

House-sitting businesses can add liability endorsements to business policies from State Farm, covering third-party injuries on a client’s property.

For example, if a visitor slips while you’re house sitting and sues you, the policy can cover medical expenses and legal costs.

Premiums vary but typically range between $300 and $600 annually, depending on coverage limits.

Requirements often include being a registered business and disclosing services accurately.

This type of coverage prevents out-of-pocket costs for claims that occur while on duty.

7. Enhanced Trust and Client Acquisition (Travelers/CNA Bonds)

Securing fidelity bonds from reputable companies like Travelers or CNA Surety shows clients you are trustworthy. Many agencies require bonding before hiring house sitters.

For example, a $25,000 fidelity bond might cost $150 to $250/year, depending on credit and coverage amount.

Requirements include a clean criminal record, business registration, and identity verification.

Having insurance and bonding not only protects against loss but also helps win more contracts, especially with high-value clients who require formal proof of coverage.