Public Liability Insurance for Office Cleaners: What Businesses Should Check
Updated: Oct 1
Introduction
When choosing a commercial cleaner, it's important to understand whether the business has appropriate public liability insurance and what that insurance actually covers.
Public liability insurance can provide protection for certain claims arising from incidents connected with a business's work. However, having insurance is only part of the picture. Businesses should also check that the cleaner can provide current evidence of cover and understand whether the policy applies to the type of cleaning work being carried out.
Before choosing a commercial office cleaner, asking a few simple questions about insurance can help you make a more informed decision.
What Should You Check?
Before choosing a commercial office cleaner, consider asking:
Do you have current public liability insurance?
Can you provide a current Certificate of Currency?
Does your insurance cover the type of cleaning work you provide?
Are there any conditions, exclusions or limitations on the policy?
Are there any conditions or restrictions that apply to the work you carry out?
Insurance policies can contain conditions, exclusions and limitations, so it is important to check that the cleaner's current cover is appropriate for the work being carried out.
Check the Certificate of Currency
A Certificate of Currency provides evidence that a business currently holds insurance cover. When choosing a commercial cleaner, you can ask to see a current Certificate of Currency before the cleaning service begins.
Check that the certificate relates to the cleaning business you are engaging and that the insurance is current. You can also ask questions if you are unsure whether the policy is appropriate for the type of cleaning work being carried out.
A current certificate is useful evidence of insurance, but it is important to remember that the certificate does not set out every condition, exclusion or limitation of the policy. If you need clarification about what is covered, ask the cleaning business or their insurer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a commercial cleaner need public liability insurance?
A commercial cleaner should be able to explain whether they hold public liability insurance and provide evidence of their current cover. Businesses should also check what the policy covers and whether it is appropriate for the cleaning work being carried out.
What is a Certificate of Currency?
A Certificate of Currency is a document that provides evidence of current insurance cover. When engaging a commercial cleaner, you can ask to see a current certificate and check that the details are consistent with the business providing the service.
What should I check on a cleaner’s insurance?
Check that the insurance is current, that the insured business details are correct and that the policy is relevant to the type of cleaning work being carried out. If you have specific concerns, ask the cleaner or insurer for clarification.
Does having public liability insurance mean everything is covered?
No. Insurance policies can have conditions, exclusions, limits and other requirements. If you need to understand exactly what is covered, ask the cleaning business or insurer for clarification.
Conclusion
Choosing a commercial cleaner involves more than comparing cleaning services and prices. Checking whether the business has current public liability insurance and can provide evidence of cover is an important part of your enquiries.
Take the time to ask questions about the insurance, check the Certificate of Currency and make sure you understand what has been agreed before the cleaning service begins.
At Clean Solution, I am fully insured, provide a current Certificate of Currency with my quotes and personally carry out the cleaning services for my clients.
If you're considering a commercial office cleaning service, I offer a free 15-minute walkthrough to discuss your workplace and cleaning requirements.
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