I left the beagle alone for 45 minutes to grab lunch—well within the “4 hours alone” rule the owner set. When I came back, the living room looked like a demolition zone. He had chewed through the drywall, ripped up the baseboards, and shredded a customized smart-home wiring panel. The owner is quoting me $6,500 for repairs and rewiring.
Key Takeaways
- The “Occupied” Exclusion: Many General Liability policies exclude damage to property you are currently “occupying” or renting. Since you are staying in the house, standard liability might say “No.”
- You Need “Broadened Property Damage”: This is the specific endorsement that covers damage to the client’s home while you are working there.
- Negligence vs. Accident: If the dog has a history of chewing and you left him uncrated, the insurance might call this “preventable” and deny it.
- Smart Home Costs: In 2026, walls aren’t just gypsum. They contain sensors and fiber optics. Repair costs are triple what they used to be.
The “Why” (The Trap): Care, Custody, Control (Again)
The CCC exclusion strikes again. Standard General Liability covers you if you burn down a neighbor’s house. But it often excludes the client’s house because you are effectively the “tenant” at the time.
To get paid, your policy must have “Property Damage Extension” or “Broadened Property Damage”.
Furthermore, check the “Damage to Premises Rented to You” limit. This is usually high ($50,000+), but it often applies to fire damage, not a dog eating the wall. You need the specific extension for “pet damage.”
[IMAGE: Photo of a wall with exposed wiring and chewed studs]
The Investigation: I Called Them
I asked, “If the dog eats the couch and the wall, am I covered?”
1. Pet Sitters Associates
- The Verdict: They offer a “Broadened Property Damage” add-on.
- The Detail: It’s vital to add this. Without it, their basic liability only covers things like you knocking over a vase, not the dog destroying the house.
2. PCI
- The Verdict: Their policy covers damage to the “premises” but often has sub-limits for personal property (like the couch).
- The Detail: Read the definition of “Real Property” (walls) vs “Personal Property” (couch). Limits usually differ.
3. State Farm / Allstate (Personal Renters Insurance)
- The Verdict: I checked my personal renters policy.
- The Detail: ABSOLUTELY DENIED. Business pursuits exclusion. Never assume your own home insurance covers damage you do at a client’s house.
Comparison Table
| Carrier | Property Damage Limit | Broadened Coverage Avail? | Deductible |
| PCI | $1M (Aggregate) | Yes (Included in higher tier) | $500 |
| Thimble | $1M | Varies by state | $0 – $1000 |
| BIC | $10k – $25k specific limit | Yes | $100 |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Document the Damage: Take video. Show the crate (if you used one) or the closed door.
- Check the “Crate Instructions”: Did the owner tell you to crate the dog? If they said “He’s fine to roam” in the app chat, screenshot that. It proves you followed instructions and the damage wasn’t your negligence.
- File Under “Property Damage”: Submit the claim immediately.
- Mitigate: Clean up what you can, but do not attempt to repair electrical wiring yourself.
FAQ
Does it cover the expensive rug?
Yes, under “Personal Property of Others” coverage. But beware of depreciation. They will pay the current value of a 5-year-old rug, not the price of a new one.
What if I forgot to crate the dog?
That is negligence. Insurance should still cover it (that’s why you buy insurance, for when you screw up), but your premium will likely double next year.
Is there a cap on electronics?
Yes. If the dog chewed a $3,000 VR headset, check your policy’s “Electronics sub-limit.” It might be capped at $500.