domestic cleaners insurance

catford

I'm starting to do cleaning for extra income and wonder what kind of insurance cover I need if any??
Any advice would be appreciated.;)

Astaroth

If it is just you doing it then you most likely legally dont need any however....

assuming you will be working from your home you need to check your mortgage allows this, tell the council as it may change your council tax from home to business rates and check your home insurance (this almost certainly wont cover any business use)

It would be very sensible to also consider public liability incase you damage any of your clients possessions.

If you are going to have employees you most likely will also need employers liability insurance.

mattymoo

The type of cleaning you do will also have a significant effect on premium.
Window cleaning and carpet cleaning using chemicals are two examples that are likely to cost a bit because of the potential for things to go wrong.

Public liability is not a legal requirement but worth it when your feather duster sends an expensive vase crashing to the floor.

Loretta

Phone some insurance agents and tell them what you are doing. I have run my own domestic cleaning business since 1989, I have claimed once, right at the start, we moved a jardeniere, that word is now imprinted on my brain forever, one of those tall things that have a plant in the top, they are in 2 pieces so watch out, the top wobbles off when you move them!!

My insurance is for 1 million pound which is the norm and the cost per year is about £90 pounds a year. I can't remember exactly how much the excess is maybe £50 definitely not more than £250.00.

When you first go to a house make sure you check very carefully, if there are a lot of ornaments either say you are no going to move them to dust underneath or stick them all down with blutack.

Also be on your guard with your clients, some of them will think that your insurance is some sort of contribution to the school fees fund. I have employed many cleaners over the years and only once have I had a problem with honesty and that was with a step daughter I employed because I felt sorry for her, poor thing didn't have much going for her and I thought I would try and help her out but she had 'issues'.

The most dishonest people of all have been the clients, the wealthier and famous people the worst and you have to watch and listen very carefully, they have no idea that their reputation is at risk. They would not dream of going shop lifting in Tesco's but think that fiddling is normal and not a crime at all. I am sure that you will be thinking that you must be sure to do a very good job and if you employ cleaners they will also probably just want to do a very good job and earn their living, it is the clients you have to keep an eye on. Good luck there is a huge market out there, make sure you know your worth and charge accordingly, there is a great living out there!

catford

Loretta wrote:

Phone some insurance agents and tell them what you are doing. I have run my own domestic cleaning business since 1989, I have claimed once, right at the start, we moved a jardeniere, that word is now imprinted on my brain forever, one of those tall things that have a plant in the top, they are in 2 pieces so watch out, the top wobbles off when you move them!!

My insurance is for 1 million pound which is the norm and the cost per year is about £90 pounds a year. I can't remember exactly how much the excess is maybe £50 definitely not more than £250.00.

When you first go to a house make sure you check very carefully, if there are a lot of ornaments either say you are no going to move them to dust underneath or stick them all down with blutack.

Also be on your guard with your clients, some of them will think that your insurance is some sort of contribution to the school fees fund. I have employed many cleaners over the years and only once have I had a problem with honesty and that was with a step daughter I employed because I felt sorry for her, poor thing didn't have much going for her and I thought I would try and help her out but she had 'issues'.

The most dishonest people of all have been the clients, the wealthier and famous people the worst and you have to watch and listen very carefully, they have no idea that their reputation is at risk. They would not dream of going shop lifting in Tesco's but think that fiddling is normal and not a crime at all. I am sure that you will be thinking that you must be sure to do a very good job and if you employ cleaners they will also probably just want to do a very good job and earn their living, it is the clients you have to keep an eye on. Good luck there is a huge market out there, make sure you know your worth and charge accordingly, there is a great living out there!

Thanks for the encouragement-and the eyeopener about the clients-I will always do a good job and i'll charge for it as you said.:D

Astaroth

Oh... if you have employees also look at fidelity insurance (covers you for your employees stealing things) but most insurers will do "package" insurances that will cover all of your needs