Do Private Caregivers Need Insurance? (Guide + Costs)

When you're working as an independent caregiver, insurance probably isn't the first thing on your mind. But if something goes wrong during a shift, you can find yourself in a difficult spot.

A client loses balance during a transfer. A family raises a concern about how care was handled.

These situations are rare, but they happen, and being covered means you're not left handling the fallout on your own.

In this guide, we'll walk through what private caregiver insurance covers, what it costs, and when you might need your own policy.

Key takeaways

• As an independent caregiver, you need insurance to help protect you from injuries and incidents to the clients you care for.
• Professional liability insurance covers claims tied to the care you provide and typically starts around $12 to $20 per month.
• On Herewith, professional liability insurance is included with every booking, but only applies to care arranged through the platform.

Do private caregivers need insurance?

Yes, many private caregivers do need insurance.

When you're working independently, there's no employer providing coverage for you.

Caregiving is physical work, and accidents can happen during a shift. A client might fall while you're helping them to the bathroom, a medication reminder could be missed leading to a complaint, or you might accidentally damage property while helping with daily tasks.

Private caregiver insurance helps protect you in these situations, and is intended to cover legal costs or claims tied to your work.

If you're working through an agency or online booking platform, some coverage may already be included. It's worth reviewing the details of that policy before you start, so you know exactly what applies to your work.

What type of insurance do private caregivers need?

Many private caregivers choose to carry professional liability insurance, and sometimes general liability insurance. They cover different situations, so it's worth understanding what each one typically protects.

Professional liability insurance

Professional liability insurance covers claims related to the care you provide.

If a client is injured during a transfer, or a family claims your care led to harm or negligence, this type of coverage may help pay for legal fees, settlements, or other costs tied to that claim.

For independent caregivers, this is usually the most important policy to have.

General liability insurance

General liability insurance covers accidental damage or incidents in the home that aren't directly tied to care.

If you break something valuable while helping with household tasks, or cause damage while assisting with mobility, this coverage may help pay for repairs or replacement. It can also apply to certain third-party injuries that fall outside the scope of your caregiving work.

Having both types of coverage in place can help reduce your exposure to care-related claims and everyday incidents that come up on the job.

Who provides insurance for private caregivers?

Insurance for private caregivers can come from a few different sources, depending on how you find work and who you're working with.

If you work independently

If you're finding your own clients, you're responsible for your own coverage.

There isn't an employer or agency providing protection, so you'll want a policy that helps cover you during each shift, including liability for injuries, claims, or property damage tied to your work.

If you work through an agency

If you're hired through an agency, insurance is often included as part of your role. The agency usually carries liability coverage that may apply to the work they assign to you, so it's worth confirming exactly what's included and when it applies before you start.

If you work through an online booking platform like Herewith

Online booking platforms connect independent caregivers directly with clients, and coverage varies by platform.

On Herewith, professional liability insurance is built into every booking.

Coverage applies when care is scheduled and paid for through the platform, which may help protect you if a client or family makes a claim related to your work.

It's important to understand when that coverage applies, especially if you take on work outside the platform.

How to get insurance as a private caregiver

You can get private caregiver insurance through independent insurance providers that offer liability coverage for caregivers and other service professionals.

If you're working on your own, professional liability insurance is usually the best place to start.

This is the core coverage that may help protect you if a client or family makes a claim related to your care.

Many providers also offer general liability insurance, which you can add to cover property damage or incidents in the home that aren't tied directly to caregiving.

To get coverage, you'll need to:

• Request a quote online
• Choose your coverage limits
• Pay a monthly or annual premium

Most policies are straightforward to set up and can be active within a day. You should also read the fine print before you commit, so you know exactly what's included and what isn't.

How much does caregiver insurance cost?

Professional liability insurance for a private caregiver usually starts around $12 to $20 per month, though costs can reach $50 or more depending on your location, coverage limits, and experience.

If you add general liability coverage, expect to pay closer to $40 to $50 per month combined.

When comparing options, it's worth looking closely at:

• Coverage limits (commonly up to $1 million per claim, with up to $3 million aggregate)
• What types of claims are included
• Whether legal fees are covered

Policies can vary quite a bit, so the cheapest option isn't always the most comprehensive.

Requesting a few quotes before committing gives you a better sense of what's available at your price point.

What insurance doesn’t cover

Private caregiver insurance can protect you from a lot, but it doesn't cover every situation that can come up on the job. Understanding what isn't covered helps you avoid surprises.

Your own injuries

Professional and general liability insurance typically don't cover injuries you experience during a shift. If you strain your back during a transfer or slip in a client's home, your policy won't cover your medical bills or lost income.

Lost wages

If you're unable to work due to an injury or illness, liability insurance doesn't replace your income. That type of protection would require a separate policy altogether.

Workers' compensation

Workers' compensation is designed to cover job-related injuries, but it's not something independent caregivers usually carry for themselves.

In some cases, the household you're working for may be required to provide this coverage, depending on local laws and how the working relationship is set up. It's worth checking what applies in your state.

How working through Herewith covers you automatically

If you book your caregiving jobs through Herewith, professional liability insurance is included with every booking as part of the platform's service fee. You don't need to find a separate policy or manage coverage on your own.

Here's what's included:

• Up to $1 million per claim for covered incidents tied to your work
• Coverage for incidents related to your work, such as client injuries during care
• Legal costs tied to covered incidents

This coverage only applies to bookings made through Herewith. If you accept direct payment or arrange care outside the platform, that protection doesn't carry over.

If you work with clients outside of Herewith, having your own private caregiver insurance helps make sure you're covered throughout all of your work.

Protecting your work from day one

Taking the time to understand private caregiver insurance helps protect your income, your reputation, and the clients you work with.

Families are also more likely to feel comfortable hiring someone who's prepared for situations that can arise during care.

Once you know how coverage works and get the right policies in place, you can focus on what you do best: providing safe, reliable support to your clients.

Frequently asked questions about private caregiver insurance

Do private caregivers need insurance?

Yes, many private caregivers do need insurance, especially if they work independently. Without coverage, you could be responsible for legal costs or claims tied to your work.

How much is liability insurance for a private caregiver?

Professional liability typically starts around $10 to $20 per month. Add general liability coverage and you'll likely pay closer to $40 to $50 per month combined. Costs vary based on your location, experience, and coverage limits.

What does in-home caregiver insurance cover?

It may cover claims related to your work, such as client injuries during care, negligence claims, and legal costs tied to those incidents. Some policies also include coverage for property damage.

Do I need insurance if I work through an agency or platform?

Not always. Many agencies and platforms, such as Herewith, include liability coverage, but it typically only applies to work arranged through them. Review the policy details so you understand exactly when coverage applies.

Can I work as a caregiver without insurance?

You can, but it carries risk. Without coverage, you may be responsible for costs if a client is injured, a claim is made against you, or property is damaged during your work.

How do I submit an insurance claim on Herewith?

For claims information, please contact the Herewith Customer Support team at support@herewith.com or call 415-506-9776 and we’ll connect you with the insurance provider.