Do I have to have liability insurance if I work as a cleaner?

If you work for a company that employs you as a cleaner then you will be covered under their insurance policy.If, however, you are a self employed cleaner or run a cleaning company then you will need to arrange your own liability insurance.

Working around the public in other people’s homes and businesses means that if you have an accident, it is likely to involve other people or their property. This leaves you open to claims being made against you.

When cleaning, if you move something that is then tripped over, if you have an accident with cleaning chemicals, if someone slips on a floor you’re cleaning or if you are blamed for damaging electrical or precious items then you may have to pay or be taken to court. Public liability covers you legal fees and any amount you are forced to pay up to the limit that you choose.

If you hire help or run a team of cleaners, then the law says you must take out employers liability insurance to extend this protection to your workers.

• For more information read the employers liability fact sheet or what is liability insurance.
• Why not try our liability insurance comparison system for tradesmen or professionals
• Help with our system can also be found in our liability insurance help menu