Cleaning Insurance for Cleaners
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Cleaning Business Insurance
Commercial cleaners insurance is a specialised insurance policy that provides coverage to businesses involved in the cleaning sector. It protects them from the potential risks associated with their services, such as damages to property or accidents while cleaning.
Why is cleaning business insurance important?
Cleaning might seem simple, but it comes with a set of unique risks. For instance, a cleaning company can be held liable if their employee breaks a valuable item while cleaning. Or, if an employee slips on a wet floor after cleaning and gets injured, the business might face legal actions. In New Zealand, the Accident Compensation Corporation provides coverage for personal injury to employees, but it’s important to note that this does not extend to property damage or legal defence costs, highlighting the limitations of ACC cover. Commercial cleaners insurance ensures that such unexpected incidents don’t lead to substantial financial losses for the cleaning business.
The risk of property damage to third parties is a significant concern for cleaning businesses, emphasizing the importance of having coverage. In New Zealand, the average cost of commercial cleaners insurance typically ranges between $60 – $120 per month for small businesses.
It’s crucial to have cleaners coverage if your cleaning business:
Provides cleaning services to others
Uses chemicals or specialised cleaning tools
Has employees or contractors
Operates in multiple locations
What types of cleaners can we cover?
- Commercial Cleaning
- Industrial Cleaning
- Pressure Washers
- Residential Cleaners
- Window Cleanesr
- Carpet Cleaning
- Pool Washing
- Dry Cleaners
How much does cleaning cover cost?
Commercial cleaners insurance premiums, or the business insurance cost, are calculated based on several different factors that influence the overall cost of insurance for a cleaning business. These factors include:
- Types of cover
- Turnover
- Location
- Claims History
The cleaning business insurance cost can vary significantly, with the median cost in NZ typically ranging between $60 to $120 per month. Factors affecting the premiums include the specific types of cover chosen, the business’s annual turnover, its location, and any previous claims history.
Who needs cleaning business insurance?
Commercial cleaners insurance is necessary for:
Businesses offering cleaning services to commercial entities.
Individual contractors providing cleaning services.
Cleaning businesses with their own storefront or office.
Cleaning businesses that use cleaning supplies, machinery, tools or other portable equipment.
Businesses that offer specialised cleaning services like industrial or hazardous material cleaning.
General business insurance often covers general liabilities such as property damage or business interruptions. However, commercial cleaners insurance is specifically tailored for the cleaning industry and addresses the unique risks that these businesses face. Without it, you might find gaps in your coverage such as no defective workmanship cover that could prove costly.
Yes, most commercial cleaners insurance policies provide coverage for claims arising due to your employees’ actions while performing their duties. It can also cover contractors operating under your business (but only whilst carrying out work on your contracts, not their own.)
How do I get proof of insurance
You can usually get proof of insurance same day when you purchase cover through Gerrards.
Acquiring a commercial cleaners insurance certificate from traditional insurance brokers may require a few weeks, a delay that could create problems for policyholders who need instant insurance proof for an imminent contract, lease or to access a job site.
To obtain insurance coverage promptly, contact one of our commercial cleaners insurance brokers. We may require you to provide some fundamental details, such as:
The name of your business
The total number of employees
Predicted annual income
Years of experience in the industry
What does cleaning insurance not cover?
Known issues or pre-existing damages:
Damages known beforehand aren’t covered. If you’re aware of an issue or damage before starting the cleaning service and it worsens, your insurance won’t cover it.
Intentional damage
If damage is done on purpose, it’s not covered. Insurance covers accidents, not intentional harm. If an employee purposefully breaks something, the insurance won’t cover it.
Normal wear and tear
Aging and daily use damages aren’t covered. If a carpet wears out over time, it’s considered normal wear and tear and is not a result of cleaning services, hence not covered.
Other common questions about cleaning business insurance
Yes, some insurers offer short-term policies for single events or jobs. If you are doing regular jobs than this will quickly add up to more than an annual policy.
Typically, yes. Most policies cover damages that arise due to the cleaning solutions used, provided they’re used correctly. However, always check the specifics of your policy.
Maintain a clean claims record, provide regular training to your employees, invest in safety equipment, and consult your broker for risk management strategies.
Some commercial cleaners insurance policies might offer coverage for lost keys and the resulting costs of lock replacement or security breaches. This is known as “Lost Key” coverage. However, it’s crucial to confirm this with your broker and ensure it’s included in your policy if it’s a concern for your business.
Recommended insurance covers for cleaning businesses
Insurance can help your cleaning business cover costs related to property damage, provide liability protection for customer and employee accidents, and compensate for lost income. Additionally, business interruption insurance is crucial for covering lost income and operational costs during periods when your business cannot operate due to insured events such as natural disasters.
Including general liability insurance in your policy is essential for covering accidental injuries and property damage to others. Public liability insurance is also critical for cleaning businesses, protecting against the financial consequences of property damage, illness, injury, or loss of life, and is especially important for contractors and sole proprietors from the start. Furthermore, insuring your vehicles with commercial auto insurance is necessary for those used in providing your cleaning services, as personal car insurance policies do not cover work-related accidents. Recognizing the specific risks your cleaning business faces, small business insurance can be customized to provide comprehensive coverage, including workplace injuries, property damage, stolen property, accidental damage and more, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and safeguarding your business’s future.
Public Liability
This policy covers common cleaning business risks including bodily injuries, customer property damage, and advertising injuries. It’s required for most cleaning contracts.
Best For
- Business Accident Coverage
- Third-party Damages
- Legal Cost Protection
Statutory Liability
This cover is a type of protection that helps cleaning businesses cover costs if they accidentally break certain laws or regulations.
Best For
- Unintentional breaches protection
- Legal costs
- Fines and penalties
Commercial Auto Insurance
Protects vehicles used for work purposes. It covers accidents, damages, and injuries related to the vehicle while it’s being used for cleaning businesses and personal activities.
Best For
- Repair costs
- Third party damages
- Injuries
Loss of use
Coverage that helps when your vehicle is unusable due to an accident. It covers the cost of a temporary replacement vehicle, so you can still get around while your car is being repaired.
Best For
- Temporary vehicle
- Reimbursement expenses
- Accident downtime
Employers Liability
This insurance helps protect cleaning businesses from financial losses if an employee suffers injuries or illnesses at work.
Best For
- Workplace injuries
- Legal expenses
- Compensation payments
Management Liability
Management liability insurance in NZ shields cleaning business leaders from legal and financial risks due to their managerial responsibilities.
Best For
- Directors liability
- Employment disputes
- Legal defence
