House Sitting Car Use Agreement

Fill in the details below before the sit begins. Once complete, download a copy for both homeowner and sitter to keep.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER: This document is a template for record-keeping purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, does not create a binding legal contract, and does not replace or modify any insurance policy. Konrad, Caro, and House Sitters Guide are not responsible for any liability, accidents, or denied insurance claims resulting from the use of this vehicle. Both parties must verify coverage directly with their insurance provider.
1

Parties and Sit Details

2

The Vehicle

Describe any existing marks, dents, or scratches. Attach photos separately.
3

Insurance


Many UK/US policies allow ~12 days. For longer sits, the sitter must be named.

Telematics / Black Box Policy
In 2026, many policies are usage-based. A black box may void coverage if the sitter drives outside curfew hours or above recorded speed thresholds.

International Driving Permit (IDP)
Many EU and UK insurers require an IDP to validate permissive use coverage for non-resident licence holders. A foreign licence without a valid IDP may void coverage entirely.
4

Terms of Use

5

In the Event of an Incident

Agreed steps in the event of any incident

  1. Stop safely and ensure all parties are safe
  2. Do not admit liability at the scene
  3. Photograph all vehicles, positions, and any damage
  4. Collect the other party's name, contact details, and insurance information
  5. Contact the homeowner as soon as possible
  6. Contact the insurer's claims line and report the incident
6

Condition at Return

Describe any damage not present at the start of the sit. Attach photos.

Both parties confirm the vehicle was returned in the agreed condition.

and

Tip: once downloaded, photograph this completed form and save it to your phone.

Why This Actually Matters

The single biggest risk isn't the driving itself, it's the assumption that a homeowner saying "feel free to use the car" automatically means you're covered if something goes wrong. Insurance doesn't work that way. Most policies restrict who's legally permitted to drive a vehicle, and permissive use, being allowed to drive occasionally under someone else's policy, usually comes with real limits. Many UK and US policies cap this at around 12 days a year. If a sit runs longer than that and you're expected to drive regularly, you likely need to be added as a named driver, confirmed directly with the insurer, not assumed.
2026 adds a genuinely new complication worth knowing about: telematics and black box policies. If the car has a black box fitted, driving outside agreed curfew hours or above recorded speed thresholds can void coverage entirely, even for a fully permitted driver. This is worth checking specifically, not assuming a car doesn't have one just because it looks ordinary.
For international sitters, a foreign driving licence often isn't enough on its own. Many EU and UK insurers require an International Driving Permit to validate coverage for a non-resident licence holder. A missing IDP can void coverage completely, something worth checking well before a sit starts, since IDPs typically need to be arranged in your home country in advance.

How to Use This Template

Fill it out together with the homeowner before the sit begins, ideally during the handover, not after you've already been driving for a few days. Confirm insurance details directly, including whether non-named driver coverage is actually confirmed in writing rather than assumed. Note the vehicle's existing condition and mileage at handover, with photos kept separately, the same principle as documenting a property on arrival. Once complete, download a copy for both homeowner and sitter to keep, and if anything happens during the sit, the incident steps built into the form cover exactly what to do in order.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Am I covered to drive a homeowner's car during a house sit?

    Not automatically. Most insurance policies have specific limits on non-named drivers, often called permissive use, and these limits vary by policy and country. Confirm coverage directly with the homeowner's insurer in writing before driving, rather than assuming a verbal offer is sufficient.

  • What are permissive use days, and how many do I get?

    Permissive use is the allowance many policies give for an occasional, non-named driver, commonly around 12 days a year on UK and US policies, though this varies by insurer. For a longer sit, being added as a named driver is usually necessary rather than relying on permissive use alone.

  • What is a telematics or black box policy, and why does it matter?

    A telematics or black box policy monitors driving behaviour, including hours driven and speed, and can void coverage if those terms are broken, even for a driver who is otherwise permitted. Ask directly whether the car has one fitted and what its specific restrictions are before driving.

  • Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive during a house sit abroad?

    Often, yes. Many EU and UK insurers require an IDP to validate coverage for a driver holding a foreign licence. A missing IDP can void coverage entirely, so this is worth arranging in your home country well before the sit begins.

  • Is this agreement legally binding?

    No. It's a record-keeping template, not a legal contract, and it doesn't replace or modify any insurance policy. Both parties should verify actual coverage directly with the relevant insurer.

Related Guides

House Sitting Agreement Template
What to Ask a Homeowner Before You House Sit
Do House Sitters Need Insurance?
House Sitting Legal Issues
What to Tell Customs When House Sitting Abroad