Monday 23rd June 2025

What To Do For Damage While Cleaning?

As a professional cleaner, you take pride in your work – delivering spotless results and satisfied clients. But even the most experienced contractors can face unexpected incidents. At Gleaming Insurance, we work with cleaning businesses across the UK, and while most go about their daily work without issue, accidents do happen. And when they do, knowing how to respond is crucial.

When Things Go Wrong

Imagine this: you’ve just finished cleaning a customer’s property when they notice a scratch on a glass surface or a stain on a delicate fabric. Suddenly, you’re being blamed for damage. Whether or not you’re at fault, the situation can quickly become stressful and potentially costly.

Not every incident leads to a claim, but some do. Minor issues may be resolved with a quick conversation and a goodwill gesture. Others, however, can escalate – especially when high-value items are involved or when the customer insists on compensation. That’s when your insurance cover becomes your safety net.

Understanding Your Responsibilities

If you’re accused of causing damage during cleaning, it’s important to act quickly and responsibly. First, assess the situation and gather as much information as possible. Take photos, speak with the customer, and document everything. Then, determine whether the incident needs to be reported to your insurer.

Remember: it’s the customer who makes the claim against you. Your role is to notify your insurer and provide the necessary details so they can handle the matter professionally. Delaying this process or failing to report it could complicate things further.

Why the Right Cover Matters

This is where having the right insurance makes all the difference. The team at Gleaming Insurance ensure our clients are protected with essential covers like “damage to property worked on” and “treatment risks”. These aren’t just optional extras – they’re vital protections that cover you when a claim is made for damage caused during your work.

Without these covers, you could be left to deal with the financial and legal consequences on your own. That could mean paying out of pocket for repairs, replacements, or even legal fees—costs that could seriously impact your business.

Check the Excess – It Matters

Even if your policy includes the right cover, always check the excess. Many insurers charge £500 or more per claim, which can be a nasty surprise when you’re already dealing with a stressful situation. At Gleaming Insurance, we keep things fair and manageable with an excess of just £150 per incident – because we believe in supporting our clients, not penalising them.

Protect Your Business Today with Cleaning Insurance

Accidents happen, even to the best. But with the right insurance in place, you can handle them with confidence. At Gleaming Insurance, we specialise in cover for cleaning professionals, offering tailored policies that protect you, your business, and your reputation.

You can get a quote by clicking here, or alternatively you can visit our contact page a member of our team will be in contact as soon as possible.