Updated 22 October 2026 · Avenclear Cleaning
Employers' liability
Any business employing staff must hold employers' liability insurance under the Employers' Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969, with cover of at least £5 million. It covers claims from employees injured or made ill at work. Ask for the current certificate.
Public liability
Public liability covers injury to other people or damage to their property, for example a visitor slipping on a wet floor or a cleaner damaging equipment. It is not a legal requirement, but almost every commercial client asks for it. Levels of £5 million or £10 million are typical.
Loss of keys
If a contractor loses keys or fobs, replacing locks and access systems can be expensive. Many cleaning policies include loss-of-keys cover. Check the limit is enough for your building.
Other covers to ask about
- Contract works or contractors' all risks for builders' cleans on construction sites
- Treatment risk for specialist floor or carpet work
- Cyber or data cover if the contractor handles your systems or personal data
What to ask for
Ask for certificates showing the insurer, the cover limits and the expiry date, and diarise renewal. Make the levels a requirement in your cleaning contract.