What’s the one decision that can turn your dream holiday into a logistical and financial nightmare? Is the convenience you’re offering your house sitter worth the potential chaos of a crumpled fender and a battle with your insurance company?
These questions aren't meant to scare you. They’re the ones that flash through a homeowner’s mind the moment the topic of lending out their car comes up. You’ve navigated the best house sitting apps, vetted your sitter, and are ready to pack, but this one loose end feels heavy. It’s the ultimate gesture of trust, but it’s also a massive liability.
As we’ve traveled across Europe in our campervan, chaining sits together from the Netherlands to Italy, the car question has come up from both sides. We’ve been offered cars and we’ve seen homeowners stress about it. And after countless conversations, we’ve landed on a straightforward approach that protects everyone involved.
First, Let's Set the Record Straight: A Car is a Perk, Not a Prerequisite
When Caro and I are scrolling through sits on Trusted House Sitters, the inclusion of a car is never a dealbreaker. For us, and for many full-time sitters, it’s a nice-to-have, not a must-have. We have our own vehicle, and for sits that require a flight a process that has its own challenges, as we covered in our guide on what to tell customs officers we plan our logistics assuming we won't have a car.
So, as a homeowner, let this sink in: you are not obligated to lend your car. A refusal doesn’t make you a bad host. In fact, a clear and well-reasoned "no" is infinitely better than a hesitant "yes" that leaves everyone uninsured and anxious. The entire arrangement is built on an exchange of trust for free accommodation and pet care, not a free rental car.
The Only Question That Matters: What Does Your Insurance Say?
Before you even consider handing over your keys, there is only one place to start: your insurance provider. Everything else is just noise. A verbal agreement with your sitter means nothing if they get into an accident and your policy doesn't cover them.
Don't dig through your policy documents trying to decipher the fine print yourself. Call your insurance company directly. The conversation can be simple and direct. Ask them this specific question:
“Is my car covered if a friend borrows it for a few weeks while I am away?”
Using the word "friend" is often simpler than trying to explain the house sitter definition, which might confuse the agent. Their answer to this question will send you down one of three very clear paths.
Your Three Paths Forward: A Clear Framework for Your Decision
Once you have the answer from your insurer, you can make an informed choice. Here are the options, from most to least risky.
Path 1: Relying on "Permissive Use" Coverage
Some insurance policies include a "permissive use" clause. This means your insurance covers a driver who is not listed on your policy, as long as they had your permission to use the car.
The Upside: It’s easy. You don’t have to do any paperwork.
The Downside (and it’s a big one): This coverage is often limited. It might have lower liability limits than your standard coverage, or it may not apply if the sitter is found at fault in a serious accident. If something goes wrong, you are the one on the hook, and a claim will almost certainly affect your future premiums. It’s a gamble.
Path 2: Formally Adding the Sitter to Your Policy
This is the most secure way to lend your car. It involves contacting your insurer and adding the house sitter as a temporary named driver on your policy for the duration of the sit.
The Upside: The coverage is crystal clear. Everyone knows the sitter is insured to the full extent of your policy. This is the gold standard for peace of mind if you absolutely must provide a car.
The Downside: It’s work. You'll need the sitter's full name, date of birth, and possibly their driver's license information. There might be a cost associated with it, and it’s fair to ask the sitter to cover this fee. Some homeowners also worry that adding another driver, even temporarily, could flag their account and affect their insurance risk profile down the line.
Path 3: The "No, But Here's a Better Plan" Approach (Our Recommendation)
This is the option we are most comfortable with from both sides of the arrangement. It’s the safest, simplest, and eliminates all the insurance headaches. You politely decline to lend the car but proactively provide a comprehensive guide to getting around without one.
This isn’t just saying "no." It's saying, "I’ve thought about your needs, and here is a solution that keeps everyone safe."
How to make this work:
Be Upfront: Mention in your listing that a car is not included but that your home is well-serviced by other options.
Create a Transport Guide: As part of the welcome packet you prepare for your house sitter, include a detailed section on transportation.
- List the nearest bus stops and train stations with their schedules.
- Recommend the best local apps for public transport (like Citymapper, Moovit, or the local transit authority’s app).
- Include numbers for reliable local taxi services.
- Mention nearby walking and cycling paths.s.
This approach shows you’re a thoughtful and organized host, turning a potential negative into a positive. It respects the sitter’s need to explore while completely protecting you from the significant risks of loaning out a vehicle. After all, the sitter's main job is to focus on what house sitters usually do: caring for your pets and home, not navigating unfamiliar roads in your car.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. But by putting insurance first and understanding your options, you can make a decision that lets you relax on your holiday, knowing you’ve made the smartest, safest choice for everyone.
Caro & Konrad 🐾🚐
DM us @housesittersguide if you have questions — we answer everyone!
Is it standard practice for homeowners to provide a car for their house sitter?
No, it is not standard practice. Providing a car is considered a generous perk, but it is not expected by most experienced house sitters. Many sitters have their own transportation or are prepared to use public transport.
What's the biggest risk of lending my car to a house sitter?
The biggest risk is an accident occurring when the sitter is not properly covered by your auto insurance. This could leave you financially liable for damages and repairs, and it could significantly increase your future insurance premiums or even lead to your policy being voided.
How can I verify if my insurance policy covers a house sitter?
The most reliable method is to call your insurance provider directly. Ask them a straightforward question like, "Is my vehicle covered if a friend borrows it for a few weeks?" Their answer will give you a clear understanding of your policy's "permissive use" clauses and any limitations.
Can I ask the house sitter to pay for the cost of being added to my insurance?
Yes, absolutely. If you choose to add your house sitter as a temporary named driver on your policy and there is a fee, it is perfectly reasonable to ask the sitter to cover that cost in exchange for the convenience of using your car.
