When you hire a Home Watch company, you’re trusting them with the safety, security and condition of your home while you’re away. That’s why hiring a professional who is bonded and insured isn’t just a formality, it’s an essential layer of protection. In this post, we’ll break down what “bonded and insured” means, why it matters for you as a homeowner, and the risks you take when working with someone who isn’t properly covered.
What Does Bonded and Insured Mean?
Being bonded and insured means your Home Watch company has taken steps to protect its clients, and itself, from liability, theft or accidents.
Bonded refers to a company that holds a surety bond. This bond serves as a financial guarantee that the Home Watch company will fulfill its duties ethically and responsibly. If they commit theft or fail to meet the terms of a contract, the homeowner can file a claim against the bond to recover losses. To become bonded, the Home Watch company typically must undergo background checks, secure references and be approved by a bonding agency.
Insured means the Home Watch business carries liability insurance that covers accidental damage or injuries that may occur while the property is under their care. This might include general liability coverage as well as workers’ compensation if the company has employees. Insurance protects both the homeowner and the service provider from costly incidents that could occur during routine visits.
Together, surety bonds and insurance demonstrate that the company is operating professionally and with accountability. “There are no shortcuts when it comes to protecting people’s homes. This is our way to honoring our responsibility with professionalism and care,” says Dan Lender, owner of Golden Rule Home Watch & Concierge in Northern Virginia.
Why This Matters for the Homeowner
Hiring a bonded and insured Home Watch company is about your peace of mind. Should something go wrong during a visit—such as a broken window or water leak caused by an oversight—insurance can cover the damage. Without it, these costs could fall directly on you.
In cases of theft of negligence, the surety bond gives you a financial pathway to recoup losses. Just as important, these credentials show the company is legitimate and serious about protecting your interests. They’ve gone through the necessary steps and expense to be vetted and approved by third parties.
Most of all, you’ll feel more confident handing over the keys to your home, knowing you’re working with professionals who stand behind their work and are prepared to make things right if something goes wrong.
Your Risks of Hiring a Company That Isn’t Bonded or Insured
If a Home Watch company you’re considering using isn’t bonded or insured, you could be putting your home—and your finances—at risk. If a water leak damages your floors and walls and there is no liability insurance, you might be left footing the bill.
Worse yet, if someone is injured on your property while it’s under the care of an uninsured provider, YOU could be held responsible for medical costs or legal claims. And in cases of theft or neglect, there’s no bond to turn to. You have no backup plan, support or easy recourse.
Uninsured and unbonded companies may cut corners. They may not be properly registered or may be working under the radar. And these are not the kinds of businesses you want accessing your home—especially when you’re not there to oversee them.
“If a company skips these steps, what else are they skipping?” Lender says. “Whether a Home Watch company is bonded and insured is a question homeowners should always ask.”
When it comes to safeguarding your home while you’re away, cutting corners on who you hire can come at a high cost. Choosing a provider that is bonded and insured ensures your home is in qualified, reliable hands. It is one of the simplest ways to help protect your property—and your peace of mind.
See our related post: Always Ask Whether Your Home Watch Company is Bonded & Insured.
Golden Rule Home Watch is Bonded & Insured
“In this line of work, reputation is everything. But reputation alone isn’t enough. You need real safeguards. Bonding and insurance are the behind-the-scenes tools that support everything we do. That’s just part of how we do business,” Lender says.
Golden Rule Home Watch & Concierge is proudly bonded and insured, giving Northern Virginia homeowners the confidence and protection they deserve when entrusting someone with their unoccupied home. We’ve taken the necessary steps for licensing, bonding and comprehensive insurance coverage because we believe your home should only be in the hands of professionals who take that responsibility seriously.
Being bonded and insured is a reflection of our values. At Golden Rule, we live up to our name by treating every client’s property as if it were our own. That means honoring your trust, communicating openly and operating with integrity. Although they are quite rare, we know that accidents can happen or situations can arise while you’re away, which is why we carry the right coverage to handle any issues swiftly and professionally without putting you at risk.
As Northern Virginia homeowners ourselves, we are deeply rooted in the community and committed to providing reliable, respectful care for your property, whether you’re gone for a week or a season. When you want trusted eyes on your home, choose Golden Rule Home Watch.
Contact Golden Rule Home Watch
Contact Golden Rule Home Watch & Concierge today to schedule your Home Watch services.
Photo by Roger Starnes Sr on Unsplash.