Insurance for cleaners: what's required
Employers' liability insurance is a legal requirement once you employ someone. Public liability isn't legally required for a sole trader, but clients commonly expect it.
Employers' liability
GOV.UK says you must get it as soon as you become an employer, with at least £5 million of cover from an authorised insurer. You can be fined £2,500 for every day you're not properly insured, and £1,000 for not displaying the certificate. There are exemptions if you only employ close family members.
Also worth considering
- Public liability: injury or damage to clients' property.
- Key cover, if you hold clients' keys.
- Business use on your vehicle insurance.
- Equipment cover.
The full detail, worked examples and templates are in The Clean Start. Or work out your rate with the free price calculator.
Sources: GOV.UK: Employers' liability insurance. Checked October 2026.
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