I weighed 130 lbs. The Great Dane weighed 160 lbs. When he saw a squirrel, he launched. I didn’t let go (instinct), and he dragged me across the pavement for 20 feet. My shoulder was dislocated, and I needed surgery plus 6 weeks of physical therapy. I couldn’t walk dogs for two months. I called my business insurance, and they said, “We cover third parties. We don’t cover you.”
Key Takeaways
- GL is for Others: General Liability protects your client and the public. It never pays for your own injuries.
- Health Insurance Loopholes: Your personal health insurance will pay the medical bills, but they might subrogate (try to get money back) if they find out it was a work accident.
- Lost Wages: This is the killer. If you can’t walk dogs, you earn $0. You need Disability Insurance or Occupational Accident coverage.
- Solo Workers Comp: In some states, you can buy Workers Comp for yourself. In others, you are exempt, but that means you have no safety net.
The “Why” (The Trap): First Party vs. Third Party
Insurance is binary.
Third-Party Coverage (GL): Pays the guy you hit.
First-Party Coverage (Health/WC): Pays you.
Solopreneurs often skip First-Party coverage to save money. When you get hurt, you not only face medical bills but also Loss of Income. A broken ankle can bankrupt a dog walker.
[IMAGE: Chart showing “Income Drop” during 6 weeks of injury recovery with vs. without Disability Insurance]
The Investigation: I Called Them
I looked for “Income Protection” for walkers.
1. State Fund (Workers Comp)
- The Option: I can voluntarily buy into Workers Comp.
- Cost: Expensive (approx
600−600−1,000/year minimum in many states), but it covers medical + 66% of lost wages.
2. Occupational Accident Insurance (Gig Policies)
- The Option: Carriers like Thimble or specialized Gig insurers offer “Accident Medical + Disability.”
- Cost: Cheaper (~
20−20−40/mo). - Benefit: Pays a weekly stipend (e.g., $500/week) while you recover. Crucial for rent.
3. Aflac / Private Disability
- The Option: Short-term disability.
- The Catch: Often excludes “on the job” injuries if you are supposed to have Workers Comp. Read the fine print.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Health Insurance Only | Workers Comp (Solo) | Occupational Accident |
| Medical Bills | Yes (Deductibles apply) | Yes (100%) | Yes (up to limit) |
| Lost Wages | NO | YES | YES |
| Disability Payout | No | Yes | Yes |
| Cost | You already have it | High | Moderate |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Review Health Insurance: Check your “Out of Pocket Max.” Can you afford $5,000 if you need surgery?
- Quote “Occupational Accident”: This is the sweet spot for freelancers. It’s cheaper than full Workers Comp but covers the gap.
- Emergency Fund: If you are uninsurable, you need 3 months of expenses in cash.
- Drop the Leash: Seriously. Learn emergency release techniques. A broken arm isn’t worth saving a dog that will just run 50 yards and stop.
FAQ
Can I sue the owner?
Technically, yes, if the dog was known to be dangerous and they didn’t warn you. But this kills your reputation. Better to have insurance.
Does Rover cover this?
No. Their guarantee explicitly excludes injury to the service provider.
What if an employee gets hurt?
You MUST have Workers Comp by law in almost every state. If you don’t, and they get hurt, you go to jail or pay massive fines.