If you run a cleaning business in London — whether domestic cleaning, commercial office cleaning, specialist deep-clean services or end-of-tenancy cleans — you face a range of risks: slips and trips, damage to clients’ property, theft of equipment, or staff injury. Having robust insurance in place isn’t just advisable, it’s vital.
At Fraser Bond, we guide cleaning companies on the right insurance structure, aligned with your service profile, contractual obligations and asset exposure in the London market.
“Cleaning company insurance” broadly refers to the set of cover types tailored to cleaning-business risk. Typical components include:
Public Liability Insurance – This covers claims if you or your staff accidentally injure a third-party or damage someone’s property while cleaning.
Employers’ Liability Insurance – Legally required in the UK if you employ anyone (full-time, part-time or seasonal). Covers claims from employees who are injured or become ill due to their work.
Tools & Equipment / Contents Insurance – Protects your cleaning kit (vacuums, polishers, chemicals, protective gear) from theft, damage or loss.
Professional Indemnity Insurance (optional in cleaning) – If your business gives advice or specialist cleaning services (e.g., restoration, heritage cleaning), this covers claims for negligence or faulty specification.
Business Equipment / Vehicle Insurance – If you use vans to transport staff/equipment it’s worth ensuring they’re appropriately insured for business use.
Legal Expenses / Fidelity Guarantee / Key Loss Cover – Some cleaning insurance policies offer extensions covering employee dishonesty, loss of clients’ keys, or legal cost cover for disputes.
Operating a cleaning business in London presents specific considerations that elevate the importance of insurance:
You may be working in high-value residential properties, offices or commercial premises where even a minor error (spill, damage to expensive surface, theft of client items) can lead to significant claims.
For commercial cleaning contracts, clients often require proof of certain insurance cover (public liability, employers’ liability) as part of contract compliance.
Your staff may work unsupervised, in clients’ premises, or use specialist chemicals/equipment — increasing risk of injury or property damage.
Equipment may be mobile, stored in vans or on site overnight, increasing risk of theft or damage in London’s context.
Operating in shared access buildings, multi-unit blocks, or high-density commercial environments adds complexity and heightened liability exposure.
Having the right insurance not only protects your business financially but also boosts your credibility and allows you to tender for larger contracts with confidence.
Here are benchmarks and what to look out for when choosing cover for your cleaning business:
Public Liability – Many policies for cleaners start with limits of £1 million or £2 million, and for larger commercial operations may go up to £5 million or more.
Employers’ Liability – As soon as you take on anyone (including seasonal staff, subcontractors) employers’ liability is legally required. Be aware of the fine (up to ~£2,500 per day) for non-compliance.
Cost drivers – Premiums will vary according to:
Size of the business (turnover, number of staff)
Type of cleaning (domestic vs commercial vs industrial)
Locations worked (access, height, risk)
Equipment value and whether mobile/stored in van overnight
Claims history
Whether you offer specialist cleaning (window cleaning at height, specialist stains or restoration) which may require higher cover or specialist endorsements.
Some typical cost indicators – For example, online quotes for cleaning insurance show premiums starting from around £5.64 per month for basic public liability cover for cleaners.
Policy features to check:
Are the limits sufficient for your customer base and contract size?
Does the policy cover damage to client property being worked on (often an exclusion) — some specialist policies include this.
Are mobile staff, tools in vans, travel between sites covered?
Do you have correct vehicle/business use cover if you drive between jobs?
Are your employees (including subcontractors) properly declared and covered under employers’ liability?
Review exclusions: For example, cleaning in hazardous environments, working at height, chemicals — may need endorsement.
Fraser Bond recommends this approach:
Define your service profile – What type of cleaning do you do? Domestic, commercial, specialist (carpet, window, heritage)? Each has different risk.
Check client and contract requirements – If you clean for large commercial clients or property managers, they may require certain insurance limits or types of cover.
Decide on required cover types and limits – Make sure you have at minimum public liability + employers’ liability (if you have staff). Add equipment, vehicle, key loss or treatment risk if required.
Review policy wording and exclusions – Make sure the cover is tailored to cleaning risks and not just a generic business liability policy. Confirm whether damage to property being worked on is covered, whether extension to mobile tools is included.
Compare providers specialising in cleaning – Some insurers/brokers offer specialist cleaning business packages (e.g., tailored for window cleaners, end-of-tenancy cleaners) which can give more relevant cover.
Ensure you’re legally compliant – Remember: if you employ staff, employers’ liability is required. Also ensure your vehicle insurance suits “business use”.
Keep documentation and evidences ready – A form of certificate of insurance often asked for by clients, landlords or agencies.
Review annually and as your business grows – If you take on more staff, bigger sites, start using vans, expand into new cleaning services, your insurance needs will change.
Fraser Bond offers expertise that goes beyond simply advising on insurance. For cleaning businesses we provide:
Insight into how your cleaning operations link with property risk, contract obligations and asset exposure (particularly relevant in London).
Review of your insurance policy to ensure the cover is appropriate for your service profile, staff structure and equipment usage.
Guidance on tender readiness – ensuring your insurance matches what large clients, property managers or landlords will require.
Advice integrated with your business growth strategy: we help you scale with the right risk, cover and contract support.
With Fraser Bond you gain not only the right insurance, but confidence that your cleaning business is protected, compliant and ready for growth.
If you run a cleaning company in London or the UK and want to ensure your insurance is properly aligned, visit FraserBond.com or contact our London advisory team for tailored guidance on cleaning company insurance, public and employers’ liability, equipment cover and contract readiness.
