Cleaning Business Insurance UK: What You Need

Checked October 2026

In short: if you employ anyone, employers' liability insurance is a legal requirement. Public liability insurance is voluntary, but many customers will ask for it. If you work alone, you may not legally need either, but check what your customers expect.

The two main types of cover

Employers' liability (a legal requirement if you employ people)

You must have it as soon as you employ someone, with cover of at least £5 million from an authorised insurer.
You can be fined £2,500 for every day you are not properly insured.
You must display the certificate where your employees can see it, and show it to inspectors if asked. Not doing so can mean a £1,000 fine.
You don't need it if you only employ a close family member, or someone based outside England, Scotland and Wales.

Full details are on the GOV.UK employers' liability page.

Public liability (voluntary, but often expected)

This covers claims from customers or members of the public, for example if you damage a customer's property or someone is injured because of your work. It isn't a legal requirement, but offices, schools, landlords and letting agents often ask to see it before they hire you.

Other cover to ask about

Your equipment: vacuums, floor machines and ladders if they were stolen or damaged.
Customer keys: if you hold keys or alarm codes, ask what happens if they are lost.
Product cover: relevant if you sell or supply products as well as cleaning.

Questions to ask before you buy

Does the policy cover the type of cleaning I do (domestic, office, end of tenancy, specialist)?
What is the limit on a single claim?
Does it cover my subcontractors and agency or casual staff?
Does it cover working at height, or specialist work such as high-level or window cleaning?
What is the excess, and what is not covered?

An insurance broker can compare policies for you. We do not sell or recommend insurance, and we cannot tell you which cover suits your business.