Did you know that 10% of pet walkers in the UK paid £6.73 a month or less for their business insurance between January and March 2023? This fact shows how crucial it is to know the cost of insurance for dog walking pros. The right insurance is key to protect your business from many risks, like customer injuries or damage to property.
Key Takeaways
- General liability insurance for dog walkers ranges from $5 to $27 per month.
- A bundle of general and professional liability coverage can cost between $9 and $51 per month.
- Factors like location, coverage limits, team size, and duration of coverage influence the cost of dog walking liability insurance.
- Additional insurance options for dog walkers include auto liability and workers’ compensation.
- Dog walking insurance policies can be found for as low as $150 per year, but lower-cost plans may offer less comprehensive coverage.
What Is Dog Walker Insurance?
Dog walker insurance is key for businesses that offer dog walking services. It shields your business from financial risks like accidents, injuries, and damage to property. These risks can happen while you’re taking care of your clients’ dogs.
General Liability Coverage
General liability insurance covers accidents that harm a client’s dog or damage their property. If you or your team is found negligent, this policy pays for medical bills, legal costs, and settlements. It protects your business from big financial losses.
Workers’ Compensation Coverage
If you have employees, you must have workers’ compensation insurance by law. It covers medical expenses and lost wages if an employee gets hurt on the job. This could be from a dog bite or another accident at work. Workers’ compensation keeps your employees safe and protects your business from being sued.
Getting comprehensive dog walker insurance is crucial for your business and your clients’ pets. Knowing about general liability and workers’ compensation helps you protect your business. This way, you’re ready for any unexpected problems that might come up.
How Much Does Dog Walker Insurance Cost?
Finding out how much dog walker insurance costs is key to protecting your pet care business. The cost for different coverages can change a lot. So, it’s important to know what you might pay.
General Liability Insurance Costs
General liability insurance is a must-have for dog walking businesses. It usually costs between $10 to $15 a month. But, the price can change based on your business’s location, how many people work for you, and how much coverage you need.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance Costs
If you have employees, you’ll likely need workers’ compensation insurance. This can cost more, with a monthly price around $90 on average. The exact cost depends on how many employees you have, their jobs, and how risky their work is.
Commercial Property Insurance Costs
Commercial property insurance is also key for pet care businesses. It usually costs about $25 to $30 a month. The price depends on your business’s property value, any special equipment, and where your business is located.
The cost of dog walker insurance can really vary based on your business’s specific needs and where you are. To get a good idea of the cost, it’s smart to ask for quotes from several insurance companies. Then, compare the coverage and prices.
“The total paid for a dog attacking and biting another dog during a walk was $22,669.”
Getting the right insurance coverage is crucial for your dog walking business. It helps you handle risks and keeps your business financially stable.
How to Get a Quote for Dog Walker Business Insurance
Getting a quote for dog walker insurance is easy and fast online. You just need to share some basic details about your business. This includes the services you offer, where you are located, how many employees you have, and if you use vehicles.
After you have this info, start the online quote process. Many insurance companies give instant quotes. This lets you see different coverage options and tailor a policy to your needs. After answering a few questions, you’ll know the cost of your insurance and can buy the policy right away.
This process is great because your insurance can start right after you buy it. You’ll get a digital certificate of insurance that you can look at anytime. This makes it easy to show proof of coverage to clients or authorities when needed.
To begin, go to the website of an insurance company that focuses on dog walking and pet sitting coverage. Look for options like getting a quote for dog walker insurance, online dog walking business insurance quotes, and instant dog walking insurance policy. Enter your business details, check the coverage, and finish the purchase. It’s simple to protect your dog walking business with the right insurance.
“The insurance policy can begin immediately after purchase, and you’ll have access to your certificate of insurance digitally.”
Remember, having the right insurance is key to protecting your dog walking business. By spending a few minutes to get an online quote, you make sure you’re covered. This way, you can work with confidence and peace of mind.
Types of Pet Sitting Insurance Providers
Protecting your pet sitting or dog walking business is key. The pet care industry has many trusted insurance providers. They offer policies that fit the unique needs of pet professionals. Let’s look at some top pet sitting insurance providers in the United States.
Business Insurers of the Carolinas
Business Insurers of the Carolinas has been an expert in insurance for dog trainers since 2001. They work closely with the biggest pet care groups and their members for almost 25 years. This gives them insight into common claims in the industry.
They improve their liability programs every year with feedback from clients. They offer many coverage options. These include general liability insurance, care, custody or control coverage, bonding, workers’ compensation, commercial auto insurance, commercial property/inland marine insurance, and employment practices liability coverage for dog trainers.
Pet Sitters Associates
Pet Sitters Associates has been offering insurance for pet care pros since 1998. They have different policy options and extra benefits, like a Business Listing service. This helps pet sitters and dog walkers show off their services.
Their insurance packages protect pet care businesses from third-party claims, work injuries, and other risks in the industry.
Kennel Pro
Kennel Pro is a top provider of insurance for pet care businesses. They have three insurance packages. These cover general liability, property damage, and worker’s compensation.
Pet Care Insurance
Pet Care Insurance specializes in insurance and products for pet care businesses. This includes pet sitting, dog walking, and grooming services. Their policies protect pet care pros from liability, property damage, and other risks.
These are a few top pet sitting insurance providers in the United States. When picking an insurance provider, look at their coverage, customer service, and industry reputation. This helps you choose the best fit for your pet care business.
Tips for Choosing the Right Pet Sitting Insurance
Choosing the right pet sitting insurance is key for your dog walking business. You should look at several important factors:
- Make sure the policy includes general liability insurance and bonding. This combo protects your business from risks like property damage and client claims.
- It’s important to find an insurance provider that answers your questions and offers support later on. Good customer service is key for insurance issues.
- Check the coverage limits to see if they fit your business’s needs. Know about any exclusions or limits to avoid surprises.
- Look into the provider’s reputation and customer service. Read reviews and testimonials to see if they are trustworthy and quick to respond.
- Compare quotes from different providers to find the best deal for your dog walking business insurance. Prices can change, so shopping around helps you get a good rate.
By thinking about these tips for selecting pet sitting insurance, you can make sure your business is safe and ready for any unexpected issues or claims. Getting the right coverage is a key step in protecting your dog walking business.
The cost of pet sitting insurance can change based on your location, business size, and coverage needs. On average, it can cost between $250 to $500 a year. By looking at your specific needs and comparing options, you can find the best and most affordable insurance for your dog walking business.
Other Types of Insurance for Dog Walkers
General liability and workers’ compensation insurance are key for dog walking businesses. But, there are more coverage options to protect your pet care work. It’s important for dog walkers and pet sitters to look into these extra policies.
Worker’s Compensation Insurance
Worker’s compensation insurance covers employees who get hurt at work. It pays for medical bills and lost wages if an employee gets injured while with a client’s pet. Having this insurance is a wise move and might be needed by law in many places.
Commercial Auto Insurance
If you drive to meet clients or move pets around, you need commercial auto insurance. This insurance protects your vehicles and drivers in case of accidents, theft, or other issues. It covers repairs, medical costs, and liability claims.
Umbrella Policies
An umbrella policy adds extra protection to your business. It fills in coverage gaps, offering higher liability limits and more protection. These policies are great for pet care pros who want extra security against big lawsuits or claims.
Looking into these insurance types for dog walkers ensures your business is well-protected. The right policies give you peace of mind and financial safety as you care for your furry clients.
Additional Pet Sitting Insurance Resources
Pet care pros in Canada and the UK have special insurance options for their businesses. These options are designed for pet sitting and dog walking businesses outside the US. They offer valuable insights and coverage for the unique needs of these businesses.
Pet Care Insurance in Canada
In Canada, pet sitting and dog walking businesses can look into insurance from Binks Pet Sitters Insurance and PROfur Insurance for Pet Care Professionals. These companies offer comprehensive coverage for Canadian pet care businesses. They address the risks and liabilities these businesses might face.
Pet Care Insurance in the UK
In the UK, pet sitting and dog walking businesses can check out Pet Business Insurance and Cliverton. These UK insurers provide coverage options made for the pet care industry. They help dog walkers and pet sitters protect their businesses and clients.
By looking into these international pet sitting insurance options, pet care pros worldwide can find the right coverage. This helps them protect their businesses and give the best service to their furry clients.
how long does a dog bite stay on insurance
A dog bite can affect your insurance for years. Knowing how long a dog bite claim stays on your record is key. It affects your future premiums and coverage options.
In the U.S., how long a dog bite claim stays on your record varies by state. For instance, in Georgia, you have two years to file a claim, as stated in the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §9-3-33. It usually takes up to three months to settle a claim in Georgia. But, with a good lawyer, it might be quicker.
If a case goes to trial, it could take months or even years to settle. But, most dog bite claims are settled out of court to avoid long legal fights. A lawyer can help speed up the process and make sure you get fair compensation.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Time to Settle a Dog Bite Claim in Georgia | Up to 3 months |
| Time to Settle Out of Court with Legal Representation | About 1 month |
| Time for Cases Heading to Trial | Several months to years |
| Majority of Dog Bite Claims Settled Out of Court | Yes |
The length of time a dog bite claim stays on your record depends on many things. These include the injury’s severity, case complexity, negotiations with the insurance company, and legal steps. In some states, like Tennessee, you only have one year to file a claim.
It’s vital for dog walking business owners and their clients to understand the long-term effects of a dog bite on insurance. Being proactive and getting legal advice can protect your business. It ensures fair compensation if there’s a dog-related incident.
Protecting Your Dog Walking Business
As a professional dog walker, it’s key to protect your business from risks. Insurance for dog walking can cover your pet care and prepare you for unexpected events. Let’s look at how insurance can shield your business.
Damage to Property
Accidents can happen, and your clients’ property might get damaged while in your care. Insurance with property damage liability coverage can protect you. It helps cover the cost of fixing or replacing damaged items, keeping your business safe.
Accidents and Injuries
Unexpected events, like a dog bite or an accident, can cause injuries. Liability insurance for dog walkers covers medical costs and legal fees if someone sues you. This protects you from huge financial losses.
Workplace Injuries
You must protect your employees from harm at work. Workers’ compensation insurance pays for medical bills and lost wages if an employee gets hurt. This keeps your business safe from liability for workplace injuries.
Vehicle Damage
If you use a vehicle for transporting dogs, commercial auto insurance is crucial. It covers accidents or damage to your company’s vehicles. This keeps your business running and helps replace or fix any damaged vehicles.
Property Damage
Your business might have valuable gear like leashes, harnesses, or an office. Commercial property insurance protects these from theft, damage, or disasters. It ensures your business keeps running smoothly, even when unexpected things happen.
Investing in dog walker insurance helps protect your business from many risks. It gives you peace of mind and financial security. With the right coverage, you can handle the pet services industry’s challenges and keep your dog walking business thriving.
Getting a Certificate of Insurance
When you buy certificate of insurance for dog walkers or proof of insurance for pet sitting businesses, you get instant access to your certificate of insurance (COI) online. This document proves you’re covered and can be shared with clients, landlords, or others who need to see your access to COI for pet care professionals.
The COI updates automatically if your coverage changes. This means you don’t have to worry about keeping your insurance info up to date. Your clients or landlords will always see the latest on your insurance, giving them peace of mind about your pet care business.
Getting a COI is key to protecting your dog walking or pet sitting business. It meets legal needs and shows you’re serious about responsible pet care. With this document ready, you can quickly prove you’re insured, making you look credible and trustworthy to clients.
| Key Benefits of a Certificate of Insurance | How to Get Your COI |
|---|---|
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With a certificate of insurance for dog walkers, proof of insurance for pet sitting businesses, and access to COI for pet care professionals, you can run your business with confidence. You know you have the right coverage to protect yourself, your clients, and their pets.
“Obtaining a certificate of insurance is a vital step in safeguarding your pet care business. It demonstrates your commitment to responsible and professional service.”
Filing Insurance Claims
As a dog walker or pet sitter, knowing how to file insurance claims is key. You might need to claim for an incident with a client’s pet or against a dog walker’s policy. The process changes with each insurance company. Learning about it helps protect your business and manage incidents well.
Filing a Claim as a Policyholder
If you have insurance for dog walking, you can file a claim anytime. Just log into your account and click “File a claim”. After submitting, the insurance company will call you to discuss the incident.
Filing a Claim Against a Provider’s Customer
If you’re not insured but need to claim against a provider’s customer, do it on their website. You’ll need to give details like the incident’s date, time, and place. Also, mention any damages or injuries that happened.
Submitting Claims for Pet Care Professionals
Whether you’re a policyholder or claiming against a customer, prepare well. Have your documents ready, like photos of damages, pet medical records, and other important info. This helps support your claim.
“Filing insurance claims can be a daunting task, but with the right knowledge and preparation, you can ensure that your business is properly protected and that any incidents are handled efficiently.”
Understanding the claims process helps you manage incidents well. It keeps your business safe and ensures pets are cared for. Being organized, clear, and quick to respond to your insurance is key to successful claims filing.
Conclusion
Dog walker insurance is key to protecting your pet care business. It covers risks like customer injuries, property damage, and workplace incidents. By choosing the right coverage, you keep your business safe and give your clients peace of mind.
Adding extra policies like commercial auto and umbrella coverage can boost your protection. This makes sure you’re covered in many situations.
Getting the right insurance is crucial for a successful pet care business. It helps you handle financial risks and shows you care about safety. This way, you can focus on great pet care while keeping risks low.
Key points for protecting your pet care business include having full insurance, knowing what’s covered and what’s not, and matching your insurance to your business needs. By doing this, you set your business up for success and keep it strong for the future.
