Uninsured House keeper

Question

What liability issues do I need to be aware of by hiring and uninsured and un-bonded house keeper? They will be treated as an independent contractor who will clean the house either weekly or twice a month. I spoke to my insurance company (usaa) on three seperate occasions and got two different answers. The first was that independent contractors are covered under my home owners liability insurance and today I was told that independent contractors are not covered and that I need to get a commercial policy for the home.

Answer 1

Hire an insured and bonded one and problem solved.

Answer 2

Well, you have an issue of injury.  Depending on what state you are in, you could be required to provide her with lost wages and medical payments, if she's injured working for you (workers comp style).  Depending on what state you are in, and your homeowners policy, it may or may not cover you, if she gets hurt on your property, and sues you over it.

Her being unbonded is irrelevant - bonds only cover employee theft.  If SHE was bonded, and she stole, she's not an employee of herself - no coverage.

Put the question in writing to USAA, and ask for a response in writing.  YOu'll have to be a lot more specific than "is she covered" or "am I covered".  I'd say something like, "If I have someone in to clean my house twice a week, and they are injured on my premises, does my policy provide me with defense costs if she sues?"  or "What coverage does my policy provide for me, for a domestic worker (housekeeper) who comes in two days a week?"  

The more specific your question, the more accurate the answer will be.  Also, don't forget to search the workers comp website for your state, to see if you'll have an obligation there.