Here in Queensland most cleaning contractors will require public liability insurance.
If you operate as a self-employed or contract cleaner, in most cases you will be responsible for your own actions, and this includes the financial consequences when things go wrong.
Public liability insurance can protect a cleaner from these consequences, and in this guide we’ll take a closer look at who needs the cover, how you can benefit from it and how much it costs.
What Is It?
Public liability is a type of insurance which is designed to cover you if you cause property damage or personal injury to another person in the course of your business.
If such an incident does occur and you are found to be liable, your insurance policy will cover the costs of the claim provided that it meets the wording of your policy.
Which Cleaners Need It?
It is primarily self-employed cleaners and those working as contractors or subcontractors who will need the cover.
If you are working for someone else on wages you will generally be covered by their insurance. If you are unsure you should ask the person or company that you are working for.
Virtually all cleaners in Qld who are doing work for real estate agencies or property managers will find that public liability is mandatory for them, and they will have to provide the agency or manager with a copy of their certificate of currency.
How Do I Benefit From It?
As a self-employed cleaning contractor, you will generally be solely responsible for any damage or injury you cause.
The costs of these claims can be huge, especially where serious personal injury or even death is involved.
If you have not marked a wet area sufficiently and someone suffers a slip and fall injury that results in partial or full disablement, the costs that you are liable for can climb into the hundreds of thousands, and if you don’t have insurance those costs have to be met by you.
By having the right insurance in place, you can ensure that those costs are met by your insurance company without having to endure any additional financial hardship for yourself or your family.
How Much Does It Cost?
The cost of public liability insurance for a cleaner will vary depending on the size of your business and the locations that you clean in.
For a sole trader with an average turnover the cost can be from as low $400 – $500, however if you clean large public areas such as shopping centres or pubs and clubs the cost can be a lot higher.
To get a more accurate figure on the cost of your insurance the best option is to request a quote on your cover. To do this simply click on the maroon button in the top right corner of our home page.