🛡️ Do Cleaners Need Insurance? A Beginner’s Guide for Self-Employed Cleaners in the UK
💬 “I’ve just started my cleaning business. Do I really need insurance?”
If you’re new to cleaning or still building up your clients, insurance might feel like an unnecessary cost — especially when you’re not making much yet.
But here’s the truth:
Public Liability Insurance can protect your entire business — and in some cases, it could save you from a financial disaster.
In this post, we’ll break down why insurance is important, what it usually covers, how much it costs, and where you can get it — in clear, simple terms.
🧽 Why Do Self-Employed Cleaners Need Insurance?
Even the most careful cleaner can make a mistake.
You could:
Knock over a TV while dusting
Spill cleaning chemicals on a client’s carpet
Leave a wet floor that someone slips on
Accidentally scratch a surface or damage property
If the client decides to make a claim, they could ask you to pay for damages or repairs — and without insurance, you’d be personally responsible.
Clients Trust Insured Professionals
Many clients feel safer hiring a cleaner who’s insured — and some won’t hire you unless you have it.
It tells people you’re serious, professional, and protected.
🛡️ What Is Public Liability Insurance?
This is the most common and important type of insurance for cleaners.
It covers:
Accidental damage to property
Injury to the client or a third party during your work
Legal fees if someone takes you to court
What it usually doesn’t cover:
Damage to your own tools or supplies
You getting injured on the job (you’d need personal accident insurance for that)
Employees (you’d need employer’s liability insurance if you hire staff)
💸 How Much Does Cleaner Insurance Cost in the UK?
Good news — it’s affordable, especially for sole traders or small cleaning businesses.
Average monthly cost:
£5–£12 per month depending on:
Level of cover
Whether you do commercial or domestic work
Optional extras (accidental injury, legal cover, tools cover)
Example:
A sole trader doing domestic cleaning with £1 million public liability cover could pay around £60–£90 per year.
Many providers let you:
Pay monthly
Cancel anytime
Adjust your cover as you grow
📍Where Can You Get Cleaner Insurance?
Here are some popular providers in the UK who offer affordable public liability cover for cleaners:
1. Simply Business
Easy online quotes
Tailored for small businesses and sole traders
Can bundle other types of cover
2. AXA Business Insurance
Well-known brand
Offers flexible payment options
UK-based support
3. Tradesman Saver
Designed for trades and service-based workers
Often includes extra benefits like legal expenses
4. PolicyBee
Clean interface
Specialist insurance for freelancers, sole traders, and micro businesses
💡 Always compare quotes and read the fine print — make sure you’re only paying for what you need.
📌 When Should You Get Insurance?
We recommend getting insurance as soon as:
You have paying clients
You’re working in someone else’s home
You’re offering deep cleans, tenancy cleans, or working with chemicals
A client asks for proof of insurance
Even if you’re just starting out, the small monthly fee can give you peace of mind and protect the business you’re building.
📝 Kleana’s Take
At Kleana, we believe in empowering cleaners with tools, knowledge, and confidence.
Insurance isn’t just about paperwork — it’s about protecting your reputation, your clients, and your future.
If you want to grow your cleaning business seriously, insurance is a smart and affordable step to take early on.
⚠️ Disclaimer
The information in this blog post is for general guidance only.
It does not constitute legal, financial, or insurance advice. Always:
Do your own research
Compare policies and providers
Speak to an insurance advisor if you’re unsure about what coverage you need
Kleana is not affiliated with any providers mentioned, and we do not receive commission from links or suggestions in this article.