You're inviting someone into your home, entrusting them with your keys, passwords, and personal errands—so background checks and vetting aren't optional niceties for errand runners. They're essential safeguards that separate trustworthy service providers from risky unknowns. Before you hand over access to your life, here's what you need to verify.
Why Background Checks Matter for Errand Runners
Errand runners touch your most sensitive information: home addresses, payment methods, spare keys, and sometimes access to financial accounts. A thorough background check catches criminal history, fraud patterns, or dishonesty that could put you at real risk. Unlike hiring a plumber for a one-time repair, errand runners often develop ongoing relationships with clients, making trust verification upfront a practical necessity.
What Records Should Be Checked
Look for errand services that provide or verify:
- Criminal background checks (7-year minimum, ideally national database searches)
- Credit history (indicates financial responsibility and reduced motivation to steal)
- Employment verification (confirms claimed experience and references)
- Driving records (essential if they're using their vehicle for your errands or transporting you)
- Sex offender registry clearance (non-negotiable)
Don't settle for services that claim they "trust their team" without documentation. Legitimate providers conduct formal background checks through third-party screening companies like Checkr or Sterling.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
When vetting an errand runner, request clarity on:
Has a formal background check been completed? Ask for the screening company name and when it was conducted. Checks older than a year may need refreshing.
Can you provide references? Legitimate errand runners should have 3-5 client references you can contact. Call them—they'll tell you whether someone was punctual, trustworthy, and discreet.
What's your insurance coverage? Professional errand services carry liability insurance (typically $500K–$1M in coverage). This protects you if they damage property or lose items during errands.
Are you bonded? Bonding (usually $5,000–$10,000) is an additional layer of protection against theft or negligence.
Do you have any specialized certifications? Some errand runners pursue notary certifications or elder care training, which signals professionalism.
Red Flags to Avoid
Walk away if a provider:
- Refuses to provide documentation or "prefers cash only"
- Has no verifiable employment history or references
- Pressures you into hiring quickly without vetting time
- Won't sign a simple service agreement outlining duties and liability
- Seems evasive about background check details
Platforms like Mercoly help you compare and find trusted errand running services providers who meet these standards in one place, so you're not hunting across multiple sites.
What Vetting Typically Costs
Most professional errand services absorb background check costs themselves (averaging $50–$150 per employee). You shouldn't pay extra for verification—it's the provider's responsibility. Some platforms include vetting fees in their service rates; others offer discounts for background-verified runners.
If you're hiring independently rather than through a service, expect to pay $30–$75 for a basic background check through DIY screening platforms.
Beyond Background: Trial Runs
Even with clean background checks, start with low-stakes tasks. Let an errand runner handle grocery pickups or bill payments before trusting them with banking access or key management. A 1-2 week trial period reveals trustworthiness that no check can fully capture.
Request a written agreement specifying:
- What they're authorized to purchase or access
- How they'll communicate completion
- What happens if something's lost or damaged
- Payment terms and cancellation policy
Insurance and Legal Protection
Confirm the errand service or individual carries liability insurance. This covers accidents, lost items, or damage during service delivery. Request proof of insurance before the first appointment.
In many states, you can file claims through their bonding company if theft occurs—another reason to verify bonding upfront.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How recent should a background check be? Most employers refresh checks annually, so anything within the past 12 months is acceptable for ongoing errand runners; ask for updates if it's older.
Q: Can I run my own background check on an errand runner? Yes—services like TruthFinder or Spokeo cost $25–$50 per search, but professional screening companies provide more comprehensive results and legal protections.
Q: What if an errand runner has minor past charges but was cleared? Evaluate context: a 10-year-old misdemeanor differs from recent felonies, but clear patterns of dishonesty warrant caution regardless of legal outcomes.
Start your search by comparing vetted errand running services in your area to find providers who've already passed credibility checks.