Cleaning Contractor Policy Exclusions Explained

Quick answer

Cleaning contractor policy exclusions are wording restrictions that can limit or remove cover for certain activities, claims, methods or circumstances. Contractors should check exclusions for height work, chemicals, heat work, pollution, subcontractors and incorrect business descriptions before accepting work.

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Insurers may ask about

Cleaning activities, premises cleaned, staff numbers, subcontractors, chemicals, working at height, equipment values, key holding, claims history and contract limits.

Common claims

Typical cleaning contractor claims can involve wet floor slips, water damage, chemical damage, damaged customer property, stolen equipment or employee injuries.

Client documents may include

Commercial clients may request public liability certificates, employers liability certificates, RAMS, COSHH assessments, subcontractor evidence and health and safety documents.

What Policy Exclusions Mean

An exclusion is a policy restriction. It does not always mean the activity can never be insured, but it may mean the insurer needs more information, a different section, a higher premium or written acceptance before the work is covered.

• Restrictions on certain activities, locations or working methods
• Limits that apply unless the insurer agrees otherwise
• Conditions requiring specific controls or documentation
• Activity descriptions that must match the real cleaning work

Common Cleaning Contractor Exclusions

Cleaning policies often need careful review where the work involves height, pressure washing, industrial premises, hazardous chemicals, heat processes, pollution exposure, healthcare settings or subcontractors.

• Height exclusions for ladders, roofs, MEWPs or high-level work
• Chemical or hazardous substance restrictions
• Pollution, contamination or environmental liability limitations
• Subcontractor conditions and proof-of-insurance requirements

Why Business Descriptions Matter

A policy that describes standard office cleaning may not automatically fit industrial cleaning, biohazard work, kitchen extract cleaning, pressure washing or healthcare sanitisation. The business description should be reviewed whenever work changes.

• Turnover split by cleaning activity and client type
• Disclosure of specialist equipment, chemicals or access methods
• Contract clauses requiring specific limits or evidence
• Updates when new sectors, locations or methods are added

How To Avoid Exclusion Problems

Cleaning contractors can reduce policy mismatch by reading the schedule, checking endorsements, asking about unclear exclusions and keeping evidence of what was disclosed. Certificates alone do not show every exclusion.

• Read the policy schedule and endorsements, not only the certificate
• Ask before starting work that looks outside ordinary cleaning
• Keep records of disclosed activities and insurer responses
• Review exclusions at renewal and when contracts change