You snagged an amazing gig: house-sitting a mansion in California for six months while the owners are in Europe. You bring your expensive bikes, laptops, and clothes. While you are out, the house is burglarized. Your stuff is gone.
The Brutal Truth: Why Standard Policies Deny This Claim
You ask the homeowner to file a claim. The homeowner’s HO-3 policy denies your belongings under the Guest/Employee Property Limit. Most policies cap coverage for guest property at a miserable $500 or exclude it entirely if you are paying rent or considered a transient tenant.
The Platform Promise vs. Reality
If you used a platform like TrustedHousesitters, read the fine print. Their liability protection covers the homeowner if you burn the house down. It does not replace the house sitter’s stolen personal property.
How to Actually Protect Yourself (The Fix)
- Maintain a Renters Policy: Keep an active renters policy (HO-4) at your legal domicile. It covers your property anywhere in the world (usually up to 10% of the total limit).
- Buy a Personal Articles Floater: Schedule your specific high-value items (bikes, laptops) on a standalone floater that follows you regardless of residency.
The Claims Adjuster’s Secret
If you accidentally burn the mansion down, the homeowner’s insurance will pay to rebuild it—but then their insurance company will subrogate (sue) you personally for the $2 million loss. If you don’t have your own personal liability coverage, you will face bankruptcy.
The Verdict (TL;DR)
The Risk Level: High (Homeowners policies do not protect long-term guests). The Solution: Keep your own Renters Policy active and buy a Personal Articles Floater. Estimated Cost: $15/month for renters insurance.