Does Your Home Watch Company Need to Be Insured?

When you hire a home watch company, you're giving someone access to your home, your property, and everything inside it. That level of trust requires more than a handshake agreement — it requires proper insurance and professional credentials. Here's what you need to know.

Why Insurance Matters for Home Watch

A home watch professional is in your home regularly, often when you're not there. If something goes wrong during an inspection — an accident, property damage, or a dispute about the condition of the home — you need to know that the company you hired has the financial backing to make it right.

More importantly, uninsured home watch providers create liability risk for you as the homeowner. If an uninsured worker is injured on your property, you could be held liable. That's a risk no second homeowner should take.

What Insurance Should a Home Watch Company Carry?

General Liability Insurance

This is the most important coverage. General liability insurance protects against property damage and bodily injury claims arising from the company's operations. The National Home Watch Association recommends a minimum of $1 million in general liability coverage. Ask for a certificate of insurance before signing any agreement — and make sure it's current.

Bonding

A surety bond provides protection against theft or dishonest acts by the home watch professional or their employees. While theft claims against home watch professionals are rare, bonding is a standard professional credential that signals legitimacy and accountability. Any company that can't provide proof of bonding should be approached with caution.

Workers' Compensation

If the company has employees (rather than just the owner), they should carry workers' compensation insurance. This protects you from liability if an employee is injured while working at your property.

What About Your Homeowners Insurance?

This is a critical point that many vacation homeowners overlook. Standard homeowners insurance policies often have provisions regarding vacant properties. If your home sits unoccupied for more than 30 to 60 days — the threshold varies by policy — your coverage for certain types of damage may be reduced or denied.

Some policies require proof of periodic inspections for coverage to remain in full effect for vacant homes. A professional home watch company that provides dated, documented inspection reports can be essential for demonstrating compliance with these requirements in the event of a claim.

What Is NHWA Accreditation?

The National Home Watch Association accredits home watch companies that meet their standards for insurance, bonding, professionalism, and business practices. NHWA accreditation is not a guarantee of quality, but it is a baseline indicator that the company has met minimum professional requirements.

When evaluating home watch companies, NHWA accreditation is a useful screening criterion — but don't rely on it alone. Check references, read reviews, and ask detailed questions about their inspection process and documentation practices.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Home Watch Company

• Can you provide a current certificate of general liability insurance?
• Are you bonded? Can you provide proof?
• Do you carry workers' compensation insurance if you have employees?
• Are you accredited by the National Home Watch Association?
• What does your inspection report look like? Can I see a sample?
• How do you document your visits?
• What happens if you find a problem during an inspection?
• Do you have references from homeowners in my area?

The Bottom Line

Never hire a home watch company that cannot provide proof of current general liability insurance and bonding. These aren't optional extras — they're basic professional requirements that protect both you and the company. A reputable home watch provider will have these credentials readily available and will be happy to share them.