Whether a domestic or commercial cleaner, being in a cleaning business means being conscientious, detail oriented, and knowledgeable about the latest cleaning methods and the products you use.
You are good at your job. You know what sets your business apart – green products, a fresh flower or two – the extras that only you give to your clients.
But one thing every cleaner must consider when operating their business is Public Liability insurance to help cover your main business risks.
Public Liability insurance is a type of business insurance that protects you and your cleaning business from financial harm if you are found responsible for injuring someone or damaging their property. It is an important aspect of protecting your business should something go wrong, as the financial repercussions could be devastating. Often, your customers will want to see evidence that you have this type of cover in place before you even commence working on their premises.
Even if you are found not guilty of negligence, the cost of defending your business against an allegation can put both your business and your personal finances stake.
Public Liability insurance provides you with a peace of mind by covering your legal and defence costs, court attendance costs and compensation awarded to the claimant.
Many cleaners operate as sole-traders meaning they can be held personally responsible, both legally and financially for all aspects of the business. Without Public Liability insurance the cost of defending a claim would hit your back pocket where it hurts.
Public Liability insurance for cleaners provides cover for:
Accidental Bodily Injury, for example, your client comes home while you’re mopping the floor. You forgot to display the ‘wet floor’ sign and he doesn’t see the mop bucket, trips and breaks his ankle. Now he wants you to pay for his medical bills.
Accidental Property Damage, for example, you are dusting your client’s living area and accidentally knock an expensive painting off the wall damaging it. Now your client wants you to pay to replace it.
As a cleaner, you rely on your physical health to work and run your business. But what if you had an accident and were unable to work for a few weeks or even a few months? Personal Accident insurance steps in to cover up to 85% of your income if you are temporarily unable to work. It gives you peace of mind knowing you will be able to continue to pay the bills and put food on the table should an unwanted accident occur.
Portable Equipment cover is a sensible form of protection for cleaners who have expensive equipment that they carry around with them. It protects your portable equipment, such as vacuum cleaners, steam mops and expensive cleaning products if they are accidentally damaged, lost or stolen. Good cleaning equipment is an investment and worth protecting with the right insurance.
A domestic cleaning company was hired by the owner of a new house to remove concrete overspray from the glass pool fence panels. The cleaner, who was experienced in this type of work, used his usual method of applying soapy water and then scraping the surface using a sharp blade.
Once the residue had been removed, the clean panels were then washed using a squeegee, which revealed numerous scratches on every panel. After investigation, it appeared that the blade edge used to scrape the glass surface was imperfect or contaminated with a sand particle without the cleaner being aware, nor did he know the scratching was occurring until job was complete and the panels were rinsed.
Fortunately, the cleaner’s Public Liability policy responded and covered the full cost of replacing the glass panels (minus the $500 excess) which came to $6,050.
When you are shopping around for cleaner’s insurance there are a few things to consider, such as the unique risks your business faces.
When it comes to insurance for cleaners, there is no “one-size-fits-all” for every cleaning business. That’s why Public Liability Australia allows you to compare policies from leading insurers and choose a policy that best suits your business.
Just a few clicks or a quick call to one of our insurance specialists and you’ll be covered in minutes.
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