Cleaners insurance

Cleaning may not seem like a dangerous profession, but your clients trust you with their properties and their possessions, so you carry a lot of responsibility. We looked at how business insurance for cleaners can protect you against legal action and who can benefit from taking it out.

What is cleaners insurance?

Cleaners insurance is business insurance tailored to the needs of cleaning professionals. Cover varies by individual needs, but usually includes public and product liability covers, employers liability and contents insurance.

Do I need cleaning insurance?

Business insurance for cleaners is not a legal requirement, with the exception of employers liability cover if you employ staff.

However, considering your workspace is your clients’ properties and there are chemicals and wet floors involved, taking out some level of cover is a good idea. This is especially true of public liability insurance, which covers you in case you cause damage to a third party or their property (including clients).

What type of cleaning insurance do I need?

This depends on the type of cleaning business you run.

If you employ staff, you are legally required to take out employers liability insurance. If you have your own premises, business contents insurance and cover for equipment would be a good idea.

Public liability and product liability are recommended to all cleaners, as claims for these issues can run to extortionate amounts.

Public liability insurance for cleaners

One of the most important elements of cover for any business owner or professional, public liability cover protects you in case a member of the public is injured or their property is damaged and your business is legally liable.

This can be especially important for cleaners, as you work inside the homes or offices of your clients and use chemical agents and water as part of your duties – both can cause damage to people and their property.

This policy helps with legal fees and any compensation payments you are required to make.

You might also consider taking out product liability cover, which protects you in case one of the products you use causes harm to a client.

Employers liability insurance for cleaners

Employers liability cover is a legal requirement for anyone who employs staff. It protects you in case an employee claims they’ve been injured or fallen ill as a result of the work they did for you.

This includes former employees, part-time staff, unpaid interns and some freelancers.

Business contents insurance for cleaners

If you keep your equipment in dedicated premises or in your house, consider protecting it against damage and theft with business contents insurance. Note that your regular home insurance is unlikely to cover anything you use as part of your business.

The policy can include computers and other tech you use in the running of your business.

If you carry your equipment with you to clients’ properties, look at taking out a policy that includes cover outside of your premises or house.

You can also look at taking out commercial van cover, if you use one. Note that you must tell the provider of your car insurance if you use it for business purposes, including travelling to clients’ properties.

What isn’t covered?

Some elements may not be included as standard and will require additional fees. This often applies to things like lost key cover, equipment cover and business vehicle insurance.

Additionally, not every insurer will include cover for some accidents, such as spilled bleach and breakages. If you break an item in a client’s house, the item itself will normally not be covered (the home owners will need to use their own contents insurance for this).

Frequently asked questions

• What types of cleaners can be insured?

  You can find cover for all types of cleaners, whether you clean domestic properties or offices, or if you have a specialty cleaning business, for example, for carpets or curtains. Policies are available for independent cleaners and cleaning companies with multiple cleaners on their books.

• Are window cleaners insured under a cleaners insurance policy?

  Window cleaning is a riskier profession than regular cleaning (whether domestic or in offices), due to the height that is often involved. For this reason, you’ll have to get a separate policy as a window cleaner. It will probably include much of the same elements of cover, but might cost more due to the extra risk involved.

• How much is insurance for a cleaning business?

  The cost will vary by the size of your business and the level of cover you require. The best way to find the right deal for you is to shop around and compare policies.

• Will I be covered as a self-employed cleaner?

  Yes. Getting business insurance is even more important for self-employed cleaners, as they don’t have the protection of a large company behind them.

• Is cleaners insurance tax deductible?

  Yes. Any legitimate business expense can be offset against your tax as a cost, including public liability cover and business contents insurance.

• Will my insurance policy cover me if I spill bleach?

  Many policies will cover you for accidents that damage a client’s home under public liability insurance, including spilled bleach. Note that this isn’t always included, so check the policy details to make sure.

• What activities will my cleaning insurance policy cover me for?

  A domestic cleaner insurance policy will usually include cover for cleaning the oven and doing the ironing. Other activities may be included as well, but you might need to specify these to your insurer.

• What is the standard excess on a policy?

  Excess will vary by provider, but is usually around £200 for third-party damage claims. You can choose to lower your excess, but this will make your premium more expensive.

• Am I protected for lost keys?

  Many domestic cleaner insurance policies do cover you if you lose the keys to your client’s house. However, this is not always included as standard, so make sure to check the policy details before you buy it.