Cleaning Business Insurance Compared
We compared 5 insurance providers for UK cleaning businesses on price, cover types, and suitability for domestic, commercial, and specialist cleaning.
Simply Business is the best starting point for most cleaners. For personal service, PolicyBee stands out with plain-English policies and human claims handling. For budget PL, Tradesman Saver is cheapest.
| Provider | Best for | PL cover | From | Our rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simply Business Top pick | Most cleaners | £1m - 5m | ~£5.41/mo | 4.6 / 5 |
| PolicyBee | Personal service | £1m - 10m | ~£6/mo | 4.5 / 5 |
| Tradesman Saver | Budget PL | £1m - 5m | ~£5/mo | 4.1 / 5 |
| Hiscox | Commercial contracts | £1m - 10m | ~£9/mo | 4.4 / 5 |
| AXA | With employees | £1m - 10m | ~£8/mo | 4.3 / 5 |
Prices are indicative based on a sole trader domestic cleaner in England. Your quote will vary by cleaning type, turnover, employees, and cover level. All prices exclude IPT.
What is cleaning business insurance?
Cleaning business insurance protects your company against the risks of working in other people's homes and premises. The core cover is public liability: spilling chemicals on a carpet, breaking valuables, or a client tripping over equipment.
Legal requirement: If you employ anyone (even part-time), employers liability is required by law. The HSE can fine you 2,500 pounds per day without it.
- Public liability (damage to client property, injury to people)
- Employers liability (legal requirement with any employees)
- Loss of keys cover (replace client locks if keys are lost)
- Product liability (damage from cleaning chemicals)
- Equipment cover (vacuum, machines, supplies)
The British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICSc) recommends all cleaning businesses carry public liability as a minimum. Most commercial clients require at least 5 million pounds PL.
Provider-by-provider breakdown
Simply Business compares quotes from multiple insurers for cleaning businesses. PL, EL, tools, personal accident, and legal expenses available. From 5.41 pounds per month. UK claims team rated 9/10 on Feefo.
Loss of keys cover depends on which panel insurer you are matched with. Over 250,000 small businesses insured. Quick 7-minute quote covering both domestic and commercial cleaning.
- 250,000+ businesses insured
- Compare multiple insurers
- From 5.41 pounds per month
- Domestic and commercial covered
- UK claims team rated 9/10
- Loss of keys varies by insurer
- Not a cleaning specialist
- Specialist covers may need separate quote
PolicyBee is an independent broker with PL up to 10 million, plain-English policies, no call centres, and a real person handles your claim. Good for multi-service businesses (cleaning + ironing + laundry).
Slightly pricier but the service quality justifies the premium for many owners. Portable equipment and product liability available as add-ons.
- PL up to 10 million
- Plain English, no jargon
- Real humans handle claims
- Good for multi-service
- Independent broker
- Slightly more expensive
- Smaller panel
- Less brand recognition
Five covers as standard: PL, products liability, financial loss, legal expenses, accidental death. 4.7 Trustpilot from 1,200+ reviews. Flat 10 pound admin fee.
Not a cleaning specialist, so no loss of keys cover as standard. Solid for straightforward PL at the cheapest price.
- 5 covers included as standard
- Among cheapest available
- 4.7 Trustpilot rating
- Low admin fee
- Simple online quote
- Not cleaning-specific
- No loss of keys cover
- PL caps at 5 million
PL and product liability up to 10 million with clear policy wording and strong claims process. Professional indemnity also available, unusual for cleaning but useful for commercial consulting.
Best for cleaning businesses with commercial contracts requiring high PL limits. More expensive but higher quality cover.
- PL up to 10 million
- Clear policy wording
- Strong claims reputation
- PI available
- Direct insurer
- More expensive
- Less suited to domestic cleaners
- Online quote may not cover all types
AXA includes employers liability as standard, saving money if you employ cleaners. PL up to 10 million. Contents, stock, and business interruption available. Major UK insurer.
Higher pricing than brokers and not cleaning-specific. Best for established businesses with employees wanting everything under one roof.
- EL included as standard
- PL up to 10 million
- Major UK insurer
- Business interruption available
- Good for employees
- Pricier than brokers
- Not cleaning-specific
- Claims can be slower
What to look for
Product liability is especially important for carpet cleaners and specialist services. Cleaning chemicals can damage surfaces, fabrics, and skin. Check your policy covers the specific chemicals and methods you use.
Common questions
How we compared these providers
We researched each provider by reviewing their policy documents, getting test quotes, checking customer reviews on Trustpilot and Feefo, and speaking to business owners. Our ratings reflect price, cover, claims reputation, and ease of use. We update quarterly. FixList may earn a commission if you click through and purchase. This does not affect our ratings.