The clients were gone for a month. My job was “Walk dogs, water plants.” I walked the dogs perfectly. I watered the ferns. I completely missed the 50-year-old Bonsai tree in the study. When they returned, it was a stick. They presented me with an appraisal for $4,500.
Key Takeaways
- “Occurrence” vs. “Negligence”: GL covers accidents (knocking the tree over). It sometimes excludes “failure to perform duties” (forgetting to water).
- Care, Custody, Control: The plant was in your care. Standard GL excludes property in your care. You need the “Broadened Property Damage” extension.
- Flora and Fauna Exclusions: Many policies explicitly exclude “damage to trees, shrubs, and plants.”
- Bonding is Useless Here: A surety bond covers theft. It does not cover dead plants.
The “Why” (The Trap): The Gradual Damage Clause
Insurance likes “Booms” and “Crashes.” It hates “Slow Rot.”
Forgetting to water is a gradual event.
Also, the “Voluntary Parting” or “Breach of Contract” logic applies. You agreed to water it. You didn’t. That’s a contract dispute, not an accident.
However, a good “Broadened Property Damage” endorsement can cover this if it includes “Property in your care.”
[IMAGE: Screenshot of a policy exclusion list showing “Flora, Fauna, and Landscaping”]
The Investigation: I Called Them
I asked, “I killed a prize plant. Covered?”
1. BIC (Business Insurers of the Carolinas)
- The Answer: Their Broadened Property Damage coverage is designed for this. It covers property in your care.
- The Limit: Check the sub-limit. It might be $10k, which is enough for the Bonsai.
2. Standard General Liability (Generic)
- The Answer: Likely denied. “We don’t cover plants.”
3. Professional Liability (E&O)
- The Answer: This is where you might find coverage. It was an “Error” (forgetting). E&O kicks in when GL fails.
Comparison Table
| Carrier | Dead Plant Coverage? | Requirement |
| Generic GL | No | Excludes “Flora” |
| Pet Sitter Specific (Broadened) | Yes | Must have “CCC” extension |
| Surety Bond | No | Only covers theft |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Check for “Flora” Exclusions: Search your PDF policy for the word “Plant.”
- Add E&O: If you do house-sitting (not just walking), Errors & Omissions is vital for “forgotten tasks” (plants, mail, unlocking doors).
- Appraisal: Demand proof of value. A $4,500 Bonsai needs a paper trail. Don’t just pay what they ask.
- Settle Cash if Small: If it’s a $100 fern, pay cash. Don’t file a claim and raise your rates.
FAQ
What if the fish died?
Same rule. “Fauna” exclusion often applies unless you have the specific endorsement for animal bailee (which usually covers dogs/cats, not always fish).
What if I over-watered and ruined the floor?
The floor damage is “Water Damage” and is usually covered under Property Damage. The dead plant is the tricky part.
Does this cover the garden sprinkler system?
If you break the sprinkler head, yes (Physical Damage). If the grass dies? No.