Insurance for Housekeepers: Why It’s Essential and What It Covers

Accidents happen. And for housekeepers, insurance is more than just a safety net — it can be crucial for protecting yourself, your clients, and your livelihood.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the key risks you may face and insurance policies designed to protect your growing business.

Understanding the Risks Housekeepers Face

Whether it’s an accidental spill on a precious rug or a slip-and-fall injury, the potential for something to go wrong is always present when you’re working in someone’s home. Insurance not only helps cover the costs associated with these incidents but also gives clients peace of mind, knowing that your services come with financial protection.

Protect Your Clients with General Liability 

Imagine carefully dusting a client’s heirloom vase when it topples and shatters, despite your best efforts to catch it. Without insurance, you may be responsible for the replacement cost.

This is where general liability insurance (GL) comes in. GL protects against third-party accidents, property damage, and bodily injuries. For example, if a client trips over your cleaning supplies and gets injured, GL could cover their medical expenses and related legal fees.

General liability insurance is essential, as it helps protect you from paying out of pocket for costly claims. It’s a smart way to safeguard your business from the financial impact of accidents that are simply part of the job.

Protect Your Employees with Workers’ Compensation 

Housekeepers face physical risks daily, from slipping on wet floors to handling harsh cleaning chemicals. And if you employ a work team, their well-being should be your top priority. A single misstep can lead to injuries like sprains or even more severe conditions, such as chronic back pain from lifting heavy furniture.

If you have employees, workers’ compensation insurance is likely a legal requirement in your state. This coverage is crucial because it helps to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs if an employee is injured or becomes ill while on the job. Additionally, workers’ comp can protect your business if an employee decides to sue you after a workplace injury.

If you have workers’ comp in place, you’re not just complying with the law but also ensuring that your employees are taken care of if accidents occur.


Protect Your Tools and Equipment with Inland Marine Insurance


As a housekeeper, you likely bring a variety of tools and equipment to each job. Whether it’s your trusted vacuum or a motorized floor buffer, these tools are vital to your work.

But what if your equipment is damaged or stolen on the job? Inland marine insurance covers the tools and equipment you use in transport or at a client’s home. And this coverage can help you recover financial losses associated with damage, theft, or vandalism of your business property.

With inland marine insurance, you can keep your house cleaning business running smoothly, even when the unexpected happens.

Choosing the Right Insurance Coverage

You’ve built a thriving housekeeping business. And Simply Business is here to help protect what you’ve worked so hard to achieve. Visit our housekeeper insurance page for more information about coverage options.

We’ve helped more than one million  customers worldwide. Our fast and easy online process can put quotes for you in 10 minutes, and we work with insurers who specialize in small business coverage. We also have agents available to help and answer questions Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. (ET), at 844-654-7272.

Get Insured in Under 10 Minutes

Get an affordable and customized policy in just minutes. So you can get back to what matters: Your business.

More Resources to Support Your Housekeeping Business

Simply Business offers more than just insurance. Explore our Resource Center for guides, tools, and tips designed to help you grow and protect your housekeeping business.

Here are some resources to get you started:

Courtney Hayes

Born and raised in the fishing port of Gloucester, MA, I grew up listening to the sea stories of local fishermen. My first job was “chum girl” on my dad’s tuna boat, where I spent my formative years covered in fish guts. Since then, I’ve worked as a researcher, blogger, and writer for documentary films. When not at work, you can find me surfing the cold waters of the North Atlantic or searching for warmer waves around the world.

Courtney writes on a number of topics such as risk assessment, starting a small business, and financial resources.