When you hire someone to run errands—whether it's grocery shopping, picking up prescriptions, or handling bank deposits—you're trusting them with your time, home access, and sometimes sensitive information. Understanding the liability and protection framework before you hire is essential to avoiding costly mistakes or disputes later.
What Liability Actually Means in Errand Services
Liability in errand running refers to legal responsibility if something goes wrong: a worker damages your property, loses money or items, gets injured at your home, or fails to complete the job. Unlike employees, most errand runners are independent contractors, which shifts certain protections and risks to you as the customer.
The distinction matters significantly. Independent contractors typically aren't covered under an employer's workers' compensation insurance, meaning if they're injured while working for you, they may pursue claims against your homeowner's or renter's insurance instead.
Insurance Requirements to Check
Before hiring, always ask what insurance the errand service carries. Here's what to look for:
- General Liability Insurance ($1–3M coverage is standard): Protects you if the worker damages your home, someone else's property, or causes injury while working
- Workers' Compensation Insurance: Required in most states if the service employs staff; protects both you and the worker
- Commercial Auto Insurance: Essential if the runner uses their vehicle for shopping, deliveries, or pickups—personal auto policies often exclude business use
Request proof of insurance in writing. A one-page certificate of insurance from their carrier takes 10 minutes to obtain and is a red flag if they refuse. Verify the policy is active and that your address is listed as an additional insured party.
Understanding Your Homeowner's or Renter's Insurance
Your existing home insurance may or may not cover incidents involving hired help. Call your insurance agent directly and ask:
- Am I covered if a hired errand runner damages my home?
- Does my policy cover theft or loss of items?
- What's my liability limit if they're injured on my property?
Many policies have exclusions for hired workers or limit coverage to specific scenarios. A typical homeowner's policy covers a visitor's accidental injury but may exclude intentional or negligent acts. The coverage gaps are where disputes arise.
Contracts and Written Agreements
Never hire without documentation. A simple contract doesn't need to be complex, but it should cover:
- Specific services and timelines (e.g., "weekly grocery shopping every Tuesday by 5 PM")
- Payment terms and any cancellation fees
- Who pays for damaged or lost items
- Confidentiality clauses if they'll access sensitive information
- Dispute resolution method (mediation vs. small claims court)
Even a text exchange confirming scope and rate is better than a handshake. If a dispute arises later, written records are your only defense.
Background Checks and Vetting
Services vary widely in vetting standards. Ask whether the provider conducts background checks and perform your own due diligence:
- Request references from at least two current or past customers
- Check online reviews on Google, Yelp, or industry platforms like Mercoly, where you can compare trusted errand running services in your area
- Verify they're licensed or bonded if your state requires it
- Ask how they screen and train workers if it's a company rather than a solo operator
A bonded service means a third-party guarantees financial restitution if the worker steals or damages property—this is valuable protection worth the slightly higher cost.
Handling Disputes and Claims
If something goes wrong—money goes missing, items aren't purchased, a delivery fails—document everything:
- Send a detailed written complaint via email or certified mail within 24 hours
- Include photos, receipts, or transaction records
- Propose a resolution (reimbursement, repair, replacement)
- Give them 7–14 days to respond
If they don't cooperate, file a claim with their insurance company directly if applicable, or escalate to small claims court (typical claims are under $10,000). Keep all communication records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happens if an errand runner gets injured at my house? A: If they're insured and working legitimately, their policy should cover it; if not, they may file a claim against your homeowner's insurance. This is why verifying their insurance upfront is critical.
Q: Can I hold them liable if they lose my grocery receipt and I can't return an item? A: Only if your contract explicitly assigns that responsibility. Without written terms, disputes over minor losses are difficult to enforce and often end up in small claims court.
Q: Should I pay cash or require invoices? A: Always require invoices and pay by card or check. Cash payments leave no record and eliminate your recourse if something goes wrong.
Start your search on a trusted platform that vets providers, verify insurance and references, and always use a written agreement—these three steps eliminate most risks.