Liability insurance for cat sitters: How damage to rented property is securely covered
29/09/2025
8
Minutes
Katrin Straub
Managing Director at nextsure
You are looking after friends’ cat and discover a deep scratch in the door of the rented flat. Who now pays for the damage of perhaps 800 euros? This article clarifies the complex liability question in the case of damage to rented property caused by cat sitters and shows how to protect yourself properly.
The topic in brief and concise terms
As a private cat sitter, you are liable for damage if your own private liability insurance does not include the clause “caring for other people’s animals”.
Damage to rented property, i.e. damage to the rented flat, must be explicitly covered for a high sum in the sitter’s or keeper’s policy.
The legal basis is provided by Section 833 of the German Civil Code (owner liability) and Section 834 of the German Civil Code (animal supervisor liability), whereby the sitter must prove that they exercised due care.
The €700 misunderstanding: Who is liable for damage caused by the guest cat?
A typical case: While you are away, the cat in your care scratches a door frame, and the repair costs 700 euros. In principle, in Germany, the animal owner is liable for damage caused by their animal; this is governed by Section 833 of the German Civil Code (BGB). But as soon as you take on supervision, Section 834 BGB comes into play, the liability of the animal supervisor. Your private personal liability insurance often only applies if it explicitly includes looking after other people's animals. Without this protection, you could be left to cover the seven hundred euro cost yourself. It is crucial to clarify whether this is simply a favour between friends or regular care agreed by contract. This distinction has a significant impact on the insurer's obligation to pay benefits.
Protection for the Sitter: Why Your Personal Liability Insurance Is Essential
As a cat sitter, you are not automatically protected by the pet owner's insurance. Your own private liability insurance is your most important safety net. A good policy should offer cover of at least ten million euros for personal injury and property damage. Look specifically for the clause „caring for other people's tame pets“, because only then are you insured as a pet sitter. Many basic policies for under 50 euros per year already include this important cover. Without this addition, nine out of ten standard insurance policies will not pay out in the event of a claim. The right policy protects you against claims that can quickly reach four-figure amounts. That way, your love of animals does not become a financial burden.
Damage to rented property in focus: When scratches turn into four-figure sums
Damage to rented property is a particularly sensitive category, as it can quickly become very expensive. This includes damage to parts permanently connected to the flat. A knocked-over glass of red wine can ruin a carpet for €2,000. A scratched wooden door can result in repairs costing over €1,000. It is therefore essential that your insurance covers damage to rented property, ideally with a sum insured of at least one million euros. A good pet-sitter liability insurance policy explicitly includes such damage. Check the exact terms in your policy, as some insurers exclude damage caused by “excessive wear and tear”. This ensures that the insurance will also step in when more serious mishaps occur.
Legal Pitfalls: The Liability of Animal Owners and Animal Keepers in Detail
Our expert tip: Understand the difference between the keeper's strict liability and your own liability as a supervisor. Under Section 833 of the German Civil Code (BGB), the animal keeper is generally always liable, even without any fault of their own. As the animal supervisor, you are liable under Section 834 BGB if fault is proven against you, for example a breach of the duty of supervision. The crucial point is the reversal of the burden of proof: you must prove that you exercised the required care. A court ruling by the Hamm Higher Regional Court (OLG Hamm) showed that damage caused by cat urine is regarded as “excessive wear and tear” and may be excluded from insurance cover. A clear agreement and good liability and legal expenses insurance are therefore essential for both sides.
Designing the ideal policy: A checklist for sitters and owners
To close coverage gaps, both cat sitters and cat owners should review their policies. Here is a list of the key points:
For the cat sitter: Check your private liability insurance for cover including the “looking after other people’s tame animals”.
Cover amount for rented property damage: Is this explicitly listed and sufficiently high at at least one million euros?
Damage caused as a favour: Are damages covered that arise in the course of an unpaid favour for a friend?
Key loss: Is the loss of the flat keys covered? The cost of replacing a locking system can quickly exceed 2,000 euros.
For the cat owner:
Third-party carer risk: Does your insurance also cover damage caused by another person while caring for your cat?
Protection for damage to rented property: Is your own policy strong enough to cover damage in the sitter’s home?
Communication: Clarify the insurance cover with the sitter before you arrange the care. A short email can be worth its weight in gold in the event of a claim.
This careful review of both policies prevents later disputes and ensures clarity.
Three steps to comprehensive cover for cat care
With a systematic approach, you can minimise liability risks. A basic check can be carried out in less than 30 minutes. First, you should analyse your existing contracts carefully. Look specifically for the terms “animal keeper” and “damage to rented property”. Second: before you begin looking after the cat, speak openly about insurance cover. Clarify whose insurance would apply in the event of a claim. A simple conversation can prevent misunderstandings and costs of over 1,000 euros. Third: adjust your insurance cover specifically if necessary. Extending your private liability insurance often costs just a few euros a year. This small effort protects you from major financial worries.
Request an individual risk analysis now: Have your insurance situation reviewed free of charge and receive concrete suggestions for optimisation.
More useful links
Gesetze im Internet, an official source of the Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection, provides the German Civil Code (BGB), which contains the fundamental liability regulations in Germany, such as Sections 833 and 834 of the BGB.
Haufe offers a detailed specialist article that addresses damage to rented property and its coverage by private liability insurance, and highlights important aspects for policyholders.
FAQ
Who is liable if I look after a cat for a friend free of charge?
Even when providing an unpaid favour for a friend (a courtesy), you can still be held liable. A good personal liability insurance policy should therefore also include “damage arising from acts of courtesy” to protect you as a cat sitter.
How much cover should there be for damage to rented property?
As repairs to building components such as parquet flooring or doors can become very expensive, experts recommend a sum insured of at least one million euros for damage to rented property.
What is the difference between the liability of the animal owner and the animal keeper?
The owner of an animal is generally always liable for their animal (strict liability under Section 833 of the German Civil Code). The keeper of an animal is only liable in the event of their own fault, but must be able to prove that they acted with due care (liability based on fault with reversal of the burden of proof under Section 834 of the German Civil Code).
Does the insurance also cover it if the cat urinates on the carpet?
This is a borderline case. Insurers and courts may classify such damage as “gradual damage” or “excessive wear and tear” and refuse to pay out, as a ruling by the Hamm Higher Regional Court shows. Prompt reporting and rectification are crucial here.
Does the cat owner's insurance cover damage to the sitter?
Not always. The owner's insurance should cover the ‘third-party carer risk’. However, it is safer if the sitter has their own suitable liability insurance, as they can be held directly liable.
How much does private liability insurance with cover for cat sitters cost?
Good policies that include looking after other people's animals and damage to rented property are often available for as little as 50 to 70 euros per year. The small extra cost compared with a basic policy offers considerably greater cover.
