In short
Most self-employed cleaners need public liability insurance, which covers damage to customers’ property and injury to other people; it is not a legal requirement but customers expect it. Employers’ liability insurance is a legal requirement as soon as you employ anyone. Keys cover, equipment cover and business-use vehicle insurance are worth considering too.
Public liability insurance
This is the core policy for a cleaner. It covers claims from customers or members of the public if your work causes damage to their property or injury to someone — for example, a customer slipping on a floor you have just mopped, or a cleaning product marking a worktop.
It is not a legal requirement for a sole trader, but most customers, letting agents and landlords will expect you to have it, and a single claim without it could cost far more than years of premiums.
Policies are sold with different limits of cover. Choose a limit that fits the homes and properties you work in, and check whether any agency or landlord you work for asks for a particular minimum.
Employers’ liability insurance — a legal requirement if you employ staff
The moment you take on an employee — even part-time or temporary — you are normally required by law to have employers’ liability insurance. It covers claims from your staff if they are injured or become ill because of their work.
- gov.uk says the policy must cover you for at least £5 million and come from an authorised insurer
- You can be fined for every day you are not properly insured
- There are limited exemptions, for example some family businesses — check the gov.uk page for whether they apply to you
If you work alone as a sole trader, you do not need it. If you bring in helpers, check whether they are employees or genuinely self-employed — gov.uk explains employment status.
Keys and locks cover
Many regular customers give their cleaner a key. If you lose it, the customer may need their locks changed — and that bill lands with you. Keys cover (sometimes called loss of keys cover) pays for replacement keys and locks.
It is often an add-on to a cleaning public liability policy rather than included as standard, so check the policy wording.
Other cover worth considering
- Tools and equipment — covers your vacuum, carpet machine or window kit against theft or damage
- Personal accident or income protection — as a self-employed cleaner, you are not paid if you are injured and cannot work
- Business-use car insurance — standard social, domestic and pleasure cover may not cover driving between customers; tell your car insurer
- Property in your care — damage to the item you are actually cleaning (a rug, a sofa, an oven) is excluded by some policies; if that is the work you do, look for a policy that includes it
What to check before you buy
| Check | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| The work you do is listed | Carpet cleaning, end-of-tenancy work or window cleaning at height may need declaring separately |
| The limit of cover | Make sure it meets what customers, agents or landlords ask for |
| The excess | The amount you pay towards each claim yourself |
| Exclusions | Look for property in your care, keys, and damage from cleaning chemicals |
| Helpers and subcontractors | Some policies only cover you personally |
| Proof you can share | You will want a certificate or schedule to show customers |
Insurance is an allowable business expense, so it reduces the profit you pay tax on. See allowable expenses on gov.uk.
Show customers you are covered
Having insurance only helps you win work if customers know about it. On Holler, uploading your insurance and DBS certificates in the app gets you a verified badge on your profile, so customers can see it before they book. Read more about DBS checks for cleaners.
Questions people ask
Do cleaners legally need insurance in the UK?
A self-employed cleaner working alone does not legally need public liability insurance, though customers expect it. If you employ anyone, employers’ liability insurance is a legal requirement.
What insurance do I need for a cleaning business?
Most cleaners start with public liability insurance, often with keys cover added. Add employers’ liability as soon as you employ staff, and consider equipment cover, income protection and business-use car insurance.
Does public liability insurance cover lost keys?
Not always. Keys cover is often an optional extra, so check the policy wording before you rely on it.
Is cleaning insurance tax deductible?
Yes. Business insurance is an allowable expense for self-employed people, so it reduces your taxable profit.
Do I need employers’ liability insurance if I use a friend to help?
It depends whether they are your employee. If they are, you normally need it by law. gov.uk explains employment status and the limited exemptions.
Keep reading
DBS checks for cleaners
DBS checks for cleaners explained: basic vs standard and enhanced, how a self-employed cleaner applies for a basic check on gov.uk, and why customers ask.
How to become a self-employed cleaner in the UK
Become a self-employed cleaner in the UK: check your status, register with HMRC, keep records, get insured and DBS checked, set prices and find customers.
How to start a cleaning business in the UK
Start a cleaning business in the UK: registering as self-employed, insurance, DBS checks, pricing, supplies and finding your first customers — step by step.
How to start an end-of-tenancy cleaning business
Add end-of-tenancy cleaning to your business: what the job covers, building a checklist, kit, pricing by property size, and working with letting agents.