Are there any subscription services for house sitting that include insurance?

Ever stared at a homeowner’s antique vase, the one they casually mentioned is worth more than your van, and felt a cold shiver of "what if" run down your spine? Or looked at a hyperactive puppy near a white leather sofa and wondered, if disaster strikes, is it my bank account on the line, or does the platform have my back?

These aren't just paranoid thoughts; they are the financial realities of the nomadic life.

We need to talk about insurance.

I am not going to lie. I was under the impression that Trusted House Sitters provided comprehensive house insurance. I was so confident that I’d even told friends how good it felt knowing I was covered.

Then I read the fine print.

It turns out that what I thought was an ironclad insurance policy is actually a "discretionary goodwill guarantee." It is up to the platform to decide what deserves a payment and what doesn't. Needless to say, I felt stripped of my security blanket. Why was I paying extra for a premium membership if the safety net had holes in it?

Well, it’s too late now, we have a few years left on our membership, and honestly, we love the house sitting opportunities it provides. But that realization forced us to dig deeper.

We found that not all platforms are created equal. Specifically, Nomador offers something very different: an actual insurance contract with coverage up to €50,000 and a tiny €30 deductible per incident.

This article is the deep dive I wish I had read three years ago. We are going to tear apart the Terms & Conditions of the major platforms so you don't have to, and help you understand exactly where you stand when the red wine spills.

The "Goodwill" vs. "Insurance" Trap

This is the most critical distinction you need to understand before you book your next sit.

Most sitters assume that if a platform says "Insurance Included" or "Guarantee," it means the same thing as their car insurance. You crash, they pay.

That is rarely the case.

The "Goodwill" Model (e.g., TrustedHousesitters)
As we discovered, the Trusted House Sitters model is based on discretion. Their "Insurance Backed Guarantee" is designed to protect the homeowner if the sitter ghosts or trashes the place.

Here is the kicker: It is often a secondary layer. The homeowner is usually expected to claim on their own home insurance first. The platform’s coverage only kicks in if the homeowner's policy fails or doesn't cover the full amount.

For the sitter, this leaves a grey area. If you accidentally break something, the platform may cover it to keep the peace, but they are not legally obligated to do so in the same way a regulated insurer is. It’s a handshake deal, not a court-enforceable contract.

The "Regulated Insurance" Model (e.g., Nomador)
When we dug into Nomador, we found a different beast entirely. They partner with an actual insurance company (Mutuaide Assistance).

Here is why that matters:

This was a huge selling point for us. Knowing that a moment of clumsiness would cost us the price of a few pizzas (€30) rather than our entire savings is the kind of peace of mind that allows you to actually enjoy the luxury home you’re staying in.

The Devil in the Details: Analyzing the Fine Print

Because we are nerds for safety (and because we want to keep traveling forever), we analyzed the T&Cs to find the traps that catch sitters out. Whether you are using House Sitters Canada, Aussie House Sitters, or the big global players, these are the clauses you need to watch for.

1. The "Aesthetic Damage" Loophole

One of the most common exclusions in these policies, including Nomador’s, is "purely aesthetic damage."

What it means:
If you scratch a stainless steel fridge door, but the fridge still keeps the milk cold, the insurance might not pay to replace the door.

The Risk:
Homeowners can be rightfully protective of their property. If you leave a gouge in a hardwood floor, they might see it as destruction of property. The insurance company might see it as "wear and tear" or "aesthetic" because you can still walk on the floor.

The Solution:
This is where communication saves you. If an accident happens, don't try to hide it. Most house sitting legal issues arise from surprises. We always recommend documenting the condition of the house when you arrive. If there are already scratches, take photos. You don't want to be blamed for "aesthetic damage" that was there in 1999.

2. The 15-Day Reporting Window

We noticed a strict clause in the Nomador insurance terms: You must report a claim within 15 days of the sit ending.

Why this is a trap:
Imagine you finish a sit, but the homeowners aren't returning for another three weeks. You lock up and leave. They come home a month later, find a stain on the rug, and try to claim.
Because it’s past the 15-day window, the insurance might deny it.

User Insight:
I think this incentivizes the house sitters and homeowners to talk, so that the insurance claim can be made as soon as possible. But it also means you cannot rely on the homeowner to "check things later." You need to do a handover. If you can't do it in person, do it via video call before you leave the property.

3. The "Subrogation" Clause (The scary legal one)

We found a clause called "Subrogation" in the insurance documents. This is a fancy legal term that effectively means: If the insurance company pays the homeowner for damage you caused, the insurance company gains the right to sue you to recover that money.

Wait, what?

Yes. If you were grossly negligent, say, you left a candle burning and went to the pub, the insurance company pays the owner (great for them) but can then come after you for the bill (bad for you).

This highlights why, even with platform insurance, you should check your own personal liability coverage. Many travel insurance policies or personal liability plans (like those offered by banks such as N26) cover you for damage to third-party property.

How to Protect Yourself (Beyond the Subscription)

So, is house sitting worth it despite these risks? Absolutely. We have saved thousands on rent and lived in palaces many dream about. But we treat it like a professional exchange, not just a free holiday.

Here is our protocol for keeping our bank account safe, regardless of which platform we use.

Step 1: The "Pre-Sit" Documentation

When we arrive and settle in, we do a quick video walkthrough. We aren't being weird; we are being safe. We film the floors, the appliances, and the furniture.  We keep it on file as it is time stamped. 

Step 2: The "Panic" Protocol

If something breaks, and trust us, eventually a glass will break. Your instinct will be panic.
I think if there is an emergency, your primary focus is not on taking photos but securing everything and stressing less. That is natural.
However, once the immediate danger is over (the water is turned off, the glass is swept up), you must take photos.
The terms usually require photos from at least two angles. Without them, your claim is dead in the water.

Step 3: careful Admission of Fault

This is a tricky grey area.
The problem is, it's very hard to be proven negligent unless admitting to it outright.
If you text the owner saying, "I was so careless and stupid, I smashed the window," you have just handed the insurance company a reason to use that Subrogation clause against you.

Better approach: "An accident occurred where the window was broken due to a sudden gust of wind." Be honest about what happened, but avoid emotive language that legally admits negligence.

Are There Other Options?

While Nomador and Trusted House Sitters are the big names discussing insurance, what about the others?

If you are looking for house sitting near me to get started, don't let the lack of platform insurance stop you. Just be aware of it.

The Verdict: Security Blankets vs. Real Armor

I think insurance is an added blanket of security over the house sit. In most cases, nothing will ever happen besides a few glasses being broken. But when a big expensive piece is ruined or the pet is injured, insurance cover makes life just that little bit more comfortable.

Even if it is Nomador's €50,000 coverage versus the THS $1 million goodwill payment, the certainty of the contract makes a difference to us.

We are sticking with Trusted House Sitters because the volume of sits is unmatched, and we are confident in our ability to manage pets safely. But we have stopped relying on their "Guarantee" as our only safety net. We carry our own travel liability insurance now.

The Golden Rule:
If you follow the instructions of the homeowner and something does happen, it's best to communicate with them immediately. Figure out the best action to be taken so that you can both be happy with the outcome. Most homeowners are reasonable people who know that accidents happen.

Don't let the fear of liability stop you from this lifestyle. Just make sure you know exactly what your subscription fee is buying you, and what it isn't.

Now that you know how to protect your wallet, you are ready to build a profile that lands the best sits. In our next guide, we are going to break down the psychology of a winning application message, because being safe is useless if you never get the sit.

Caro & Konrad 🐾🚐
DM us @housesittersguide if you have questions — we answer everyone!

• Does Trusted Housesitters provide actual insurance for sitters?

  No, Trusted Housesitters provides a "Goodwill Guarantee." This is discretionary, meaning they decide if a claim is valid based on their internal judgment, rather than a regulated insurance contract. While many sitters have had positive experiences with it, it is not the same legally as a binding insurance policy.

• What makes Nomador’s insurance different from other platforms?

  Nomador offers a regulated insurance contract underwritten by a major insurer (Mutuaide Assistance). It provides coverage up to €50,000 for material damage with a specific €30 deductible. Because it is a contract, you have clearer legal rights and a defined claims process compared to discretionary guarantees.

• Can an insurance company sue a house sitter for damages?

  Yes, under a legal clause called "subrogation." If an insurance company pays a homeowner for damages caused by your negligence, they legally inherit the right to sue you to recover that money. However, this typically requires proof of gross negligence, which is why documenting incidents carefully is vital.

• Why are "aesthetic damages" usually excluded from house sitting insurance?

  Insurance covers functionality, not perfection. If you scratch a table surface but the table can still be used, it is considered "aesthetic damage." Insurers exclude this because valuing the loss of a scratch is subjective and difficult to prove compared to a shattered item that no longer works.

• What should I do immediately if something breaks during a sit?

  First, secure the safety of any pets and the property. Then, take photos of the damage from at least two different angles before cleaning anything up. Contact the homeowner immediately to inform them, as most policies have a strict 15-day reporting window from the end of the sit to file a claim.