Which Insurance Do You Need to Start a Cleaning Business?

Whether you are keen to hit the ground running with your start-up cleaning business, or are simply considering your options, it can be easy to forget some of the critical elements of self-employment in the hustle and bustle of set-up.

Whilst there are different sectors within the cleaning industry and processes can differ between a residential and commercial cleaning business, one thing they all have in common is the need for insurance.

Take a look at our guide to all-things cleaning insurance and limit the risks of being self-employed in the cleaning industry.

Why do you need insurance to start a cleaning business?

Before diving into the different types of insurance you may need, first it is important to understand the importance of being adequately insured when you have your own cleaning business.

Put simply, within the cleaning world, unavoidable mistakes happen, and things get broken. In some situations, a company, homeowner or even an employee may ask you to pay compensation for what you have done, which can be extremely costly without protection. Fortunately, having the right insurance in place will protect your business and clear up any compensation costs of a claim against you, allowing you to continue concentrating on your business and loyal customers.

Insurance for cleaners – what do you need?

So, what insurance do you need to cover your cleaning business? Here’s everything you need to know!

Employers Liability Insurance

To really lift your business off the ground, you are likely to enlist the help of some employees. Employer’s Liability Insurance is a legal requirement under the Employers’ Liability Act 1969 for any business that recruits employees to work for them.

In a whirlwind of dusting, chemicals and plenty of liquids, accidents happen, and this doesn’t just apply to furniture and breakables, but humans too! If an employee were to slip on a wet floor for example, they could claim against your cleaning company. Employers’ Liability Insurance covers injuries or illness experienced by your staff due to them being employed by you.

Not only does having the correct insurance in place give you up to £10 million in compensation cover but operating without this insurance in place could result in some very heavy legal costs – so, it’s a no brainer really!

Public Liability Insurance

Next on the list of must-haves is Public Liability Insurance. Whether you go into your customer’s home as a domestic cleaner, or clean business premises as a commercial cleaner – you will encounter the public. This policy covers you if a member of the public, or in this case, your clients, get hurt or experience property damage whilst you’re carrying out professional works.

Every setup is different, and the amount you pay for public liability insurance varies from business to business depending on the nature of the business and level of risk associated with the work. However, through some suppliers, you can purchase up to £10 million in legal and compensation costs, ensuring you are protected even in the worst-case scenario claims.

Business Use Car Insurance

If you use your vehicle for business use without letting your car insurer know, you may find yourself driving without cover and committing a criminal offence. As the owner of a cleaning services business, you are likely to find yourself travelling from client to client. As such, you are using your car for ‘business use.’ Therefore, insurance of this kind is a must.

Whilst business car insurance is often more expensive due to you being seen as more of a risk to insurance providers, it can save you significant money in the long run. For instance, if you had an accident whilst driving to a client, or were to scrape a client’s car, you wouldn’t be able to claim without business insurance.

Personal Accident Insurance

Accidents happen when you least expect them. Whether that be on the job or in your free time, injury to yourself or a key staff member can wreak havoc on your business, and for self-employed cleaners, can result in significant financial damage. Whilst not mandatory, we recommend investing in Personal Accident Insurance which will give you the time off work you need to recover, ensuring your business (and income) survives.

Business Equipment Insurance

From professional vacuum cleaners to cleaning chemicals, cleaning supplies don’t come cheap. Could you do your work without them? Absolutely not! That’s why Business Equipment Insurance is there to help.

Whilst we hope that it doesn’t happen and try and protect our equipment at all costs, things can get stolen, lost or damaged on the job. You don’t want to be in a position where the day-to-day running of the business is in jeopardy without certain supplies to hand, or worse, out of pocket for repair or replacement costs. Business Equipment Insurance is tailored to the level of cover you need to protect you from damage, loss and theft.

Get the help of Jani-King

Setting up your own specialist cleaning business and ensuring you have all the right insurance in place doesn’t have to be daunting. With over 50 years of experience, Jani-King are armed with all the expertise you need and global business back up to lift your business off the ground.

Have you considered becoming the owner of a Jani-King franchise? Not only does being your own boss give you bucket-loads of independence and flexibility, but as a franchisee owner, you also get access to ongoing training, business skills, cleaning techniques and a monthly business turnover guarantee.

Get in touch today and take the first step towards setting up your own business.