Caretaker Insurance

Specialist insurance for caretakers from £7 a month*.

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  • Levels of cover to suit you

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As a caretaker, you may be used to carrying out minor repairs when things go wrong but how would you manage if the worst happened and you were found to be at fault?

Here at Markel Direct, we understand that caretakers face many risks. You deal with occupational hazards including chemicals, electrical equipment and slippery surfaces on an almost daily basis. And whether you work in a school, community centre, office or residential building, you come into contact with members of the public regularly.

There’s always a risk that you could inadvertently injure yourself or a member of the public in your line of work, or you could damage someone else’s property or premises. This is why it’s vitally important to make sure that you’re financially protected.

Not sure where to start? We can help. We provide bespoke caretaker insurance solutions that are tailor-made to suit you. We’re here to help you look after your livelihood with a choice of specialist policies.

What is caretaker insurance?

Caretaker insurance is a type of financial protection that is specially designed to cover the liability needs of self-employed individuals in your occupation. It can include public liability insurance, professional indemnity insurance, tools insurance, occupational personal accident insurance and more. When you come to Markel, we can help you to create a package that fits your precise needs, so you don’t end up paying for cover you don’t require.

Public liability insurance for caretakers

Your job as a caretaker brings you into contact with a variety of people during your working day. Depending on your workplace, you could encounter schoolchildren, staff members, residents, visitors, clients, contractors and more. Unfortunately, there is always the potential that  damage to property or personal injury claim could be brought against you.

Here are some examples of scenarios that could lead to a public liability claim:

  • you leave the lead of your floor buffer trailing across a classroom and a school pupil trips over it and suffers a fractured wrist
  • you accidentally smash some tiling while fixing a leaking tap
  • you damage a heating system when attempting to carry out a minor repair.

In such situations, could you afford to pay out of your own pocket if you were faced with compensation costs and legal fees? With public liability insurance for caretakers, you don’t have to worry. This form of insurance is designed to cover these expenses and safeguard your finances.

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Do I need caretaker insurance?

It doesn’t matter how experienced or competent you are, accidents can happen when you least expect them to. Even when you take great care, there is always a risk that you may damage someone’s property or cause an injury during the course of your work. Without suitable caretaker insurance, you run the risk of being the subject of a liability claim that could leave you struggling financially. You should also bear in mind that adequate insurance may be a prerequisite for some clients. Having this financial protection in place can also help you to create a reputable image and attract business.

If you employ members of staff, you are legally obligated to take out employers’ liability insurance. This cover provides financial protection in the event that one of your employees suffers an injury in the course of their work. For example, if you task a worker with carrying heavy loads without sufficient manual handling training or the right equipment and they injure themselves, you could be left counting the cost.

You should also factor in the equipment you use. From maintenance tools and protective gear to industrial floor cleaning machines and commercial-grade window cleaning equipment, you probably rely on a wide range of caretaking tools to get the job done. How would you manage if your equipment was stolen, went missing or was destroyed in a flood or fire? If you would struggle to afford to replace it yourself, we strongly recommend that you consider taking out tools insurance.

Why choose Markel Direct for caretaker insurance?

It’s important to choose the right insurance provider, and when you come to Markel Direct, we want you to be confident that you’re making the best choice for you. Here are a few of  the benefits we provide.

✔ Tailored policies

We know that no two caretaking businesses are the same. That’s why we will help you to create a bespoke insurance package that meets your exact requirements.

✔ No nasty surprises

Our pricing is completely transparent so you’ll never be faced with fees that take you by surprise. 

✔ Speedy quotes

Not sure how much your caretaker insurance will cost? With Markel Direct, you can get a quote in 90 seconds. 

✔ Round-the-clock access to legal experts

Waiting for answers to important legal questions can be frustrating. With our 24/7 legal advice helpline, you can speak to experienced solicitors any time, day or night.

✔ Our reputation speaks for itself

Don’t just take our word for it. Take a look at our impressive customer ratings on Feefo.com.

How to buy caretaker insurance

We make it as simple as possible to purchase caretaker insurance policies. All you need to do is fill out our quick quote form and you’ll be presented with a tailored price.

Once you’re happy to proceed, you can make payment online. You can choose to have your cover begin straight away or arrange it up to 30 days in advance.

If you have any questions about your quote or need help with buying caretaker insurance, we’re just a phone call away.

How much does caretaker insurance cost?

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to the cost of caretaker insurance. A range of factors are taken into account when generating your personalised premium, including whether you’re a sole trader or operating as a partnership or limited company, how many workers you employ (if any) and whether you have any additional professions or activities.

To discover exactly how much your insurance will cost, get a quote today.

*Price based on a caretaker requiring £1 million of public liability insurance cover.

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Cover starting from £7 a month

What types of insurance do caretakers need?

  • Public liability insurance

    Public liability insurance offers you financial protection in the event that your business is sued by a member of the public for causing injury or damage to property. We provide cover limits of between £1 million and £5 million.

    Example of a claim:

    A member of the public slips in a corridor due to a poorly positioned wet floor sign and suffers a back injury. They make a personal injury claim against you.

  • Employers’ liability insurance

    Employers’ liability insurance is there to protect you should an employee make a claim against you for suffering an injury or illness due to their work for you. If you have employees, it’s a legal requirement to have a minimum of £5 million of this form of cover in place. At Markel Direct, we provide a cover limit of £10 million.

    Example of a claim:

    An employee develops a respiratory illness due to exposure to hazardous chemicals without the necessary safety equipment. They sue you for compensation.

  • Tool insurance

    Tools insurance is designed to cover the costs of replacing the equipment you rely on as a caretaker should it be stolen or damaged in a flood or fire. Our policies have cover limits starting from £1,000 and going up to £5,000. You can choose from round-the-clock protection or you can insure your tools during working hours only.

    Example of a claim:

    Your pressure washers and vacuum cleaners are damaged in a flood in a storage facility. You have to buy replacements in order to carry out your work.

  • Occupational personal accident insurance

    Occupational personal accident insurance can give you financial support if you’re unable to work because of an injury you sustained at work. This may be paid in one lump sum or in weekly instalments, depending on your injury.

  • Owned plant insurance

    Owned plant insurance can meet the costs of buying new plant machinery or repairing it in the event that yours is stolen or damaged. We offer policies with cover limits of between £10,000 and £50,000.

  • Hired in plant insurance

    Hired in plant insurance pays out in the event that plant machinery you have hired is stolen or damaged. We offer cover limits of between £10,000 and £50,000.

  • Contract works insurance

    Contract works insurance offers protection if you need to repair work you have done on a construction site because of flood, fire, theft or an act of malicious damage.

  • Goods in transit insurance

    Goods in transit insurance is beneficial if your goods become lost or damaged while in transit. This includes travelling by a courier or in your own vehicles.

  • Professional indemnity insurance

    Professional indemnity insurance protects you should a client make a claim against you for negligent service or advice.

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Cover starting from £7 a month

Frequently asked questions

  • Is business insurance a legal requirement for caretakers?

    Employers’ liability insurance is legally required if you run a caretaking business that employs staff. However, other types of insurance are not mandatory for caretakers.

    That being said, it’s important to understand that the possible financial fallout could be disastrous if you don’t have the right cover in place.

  • Can I just cover my most expensive tools?

    When you take out tools insurance with Markel Direct, you must insure all your tools. This means that you’ll be completely protected in the event that you need to make a claim.

  • What type of workers do I need insurance for?

    You must have employers’ liability in place if you have any type of employee, including part-time and full-time workers, labour-only subcontractors (LOSC) and bona fide subcontractors (BFSC).

  • How is Markel regulated?

    Markel is regulated by the Prudential Regulation Authority and Financial Conduct Authority. To learn more, visit the Financial Services Register.

Access free legal services for your caretaking business when you arrange cover with Markel, including:

24 hour legal helpline 24/7 access to a legal advice helpline manned by qualified solicitors

Legal hub access Access legal templates and resources with the Markel Business Hub

 Receive discounted IR35 contract reviews with your policy

 Expert management of public relations crises with The Counsel House

Cover starting from £7 a month