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Cleaners across the UK rely on vans every day. A van makes it possible to travel between jobs, carry cleaning equipment, and store products securely. Whether you run a cleaning business, work as a domestic cleaner, provide carpet cleaning, offer end of tenancy deep cleans, run window cleaning services, or operate a mobile car valeting business, your van is a vital part of your work.

Cleaning tools and machinery can be expensive. A hot water extractor, steam machine, or pressure washer can cost more than £1,000. If a van is stolen, damaged, or off the road, work can stop immediately. A van insurance policy protects your van and the equipment inside it. It also protects you from legal costs and compensation claims if something goes wrong during driving for work.

If you use a van for business purposes, you need the right insurance cover. Private van insurance does not let you drive to the homes or workplaces of your clients for work. Cleaners should have insurance that fits the risks in their job. It is a good idea to compare van insurance quotes. This helps you get the right insurance and not pay more than you need to.

What is van insurance for cleaners and why does it matter?

Van insurance for cleaners is there to help protect you when you drive your van for work. In the UK, it is a legal requirement to have van insurance if you drive any vehicle on public roads. If you use a van to go to new cleaning jobs, carry your cleaning tools, or move your products for business purposes, you must let your insurer know. If you do not tell them, the claim you make may not be valid.

Different cleaning roles involve different risks:

  • Domestic cleaners drive between homes and flats
  • Window cleaners carry ladders and water-fed poles
  • Carpet cleaners transport large machinery
  • Mobile valeting services carry chemicals, buffers, and vacuums
  • Pressure washing equipment can be heavy and high-value

The right policy helps if you have a collision, theft, or accidental damage. If you do not have this, cleaners may have to pay for repair bills, legal fees, or compensation costs themselves.

What types of cover are available for cleaners?

Cleaners have a few options when it comes to insurance cover. Each one will give you a different level of protection and a different price. You can choose the one that fits you best.

Type of Cover What It Includes Best For
Third party Covers damage to other vehicles and property Low-value vans and basic legal cover
Third party, fire and theft Third party plus protection if the van is stolen or damaged by fire Cleaners who store tools in their vans
Comprehensive cover Covers your van and others, including accidental damage Most cleaning businesses
Business van insurance Includes business use and travel between workplaces Domestic cleaners, window cleaners, carpet cleaning and valeting services
Commercial van insurance Covers carriage of goods and business equipment in transit Cleaning companies transporting high-value machinery
Fleet van insurance One policy that covers two or more vans Cleaning businesses with multiple staff and vehicles

These choices let cleaners choose the level of cover that best fits the value of their van and equipment.

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What optional extras can cleaners add to their insurance policy?

Optional extras help you make a policy that fits your daily cleaning work. Many cleaners use their van every day. They need to have their tools so they can keep working and make money.

Optional Extra What It Protects
Breakdown cover Support if the van stops working on the way to a job
Tools and equipment cover Covers stolen or damaged portable tools and machines
Business equipment insurance Covers high-value machinery and specialist cleaning systems
Legal expenses cover Covers legal fees if someone takes action against you
Courtesy van Replacement van while repairs are carried out
Windscreen cover Repair or replacement of damaged glass
Personal accident cover Cash benefit if the driver is seriously injured
Public liability cover Compensation if a member of the public is injured or their property is damaged
Product liability insurance Covers claims linked to chemicals or cleaning products used during work

This is very important for cleaners who leave their machines in the van at night.

Who needs van insurance for cleaning work?

People who benefit from cleaner-specific van insurance include:

  • Domestic cleaners
  • Office and commercial cleaners
  • End of tenancy cleaning services
  • Deep cleaning specialists
  • Carpet and upholstery cleaners
  • Pressure washing cleaners
  • Window cleaners
  • Mobile car valeting and detailing services
  • Sole traders and self-employed cleaners
  • Cleaning companies with many vans
Who needs van insurance for cleaning work

If you use the van to carry cleaning equipment from one place to another for work, you need to let your insurer know that the van is for business use.

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What information do insurers need for a cleaner van insurance quote?

Insurers often ask about the van, the person driving it, and what kind of work will be done with it. This helps them see what risk is there. It also helps them decide how much the insurance policy should cost.

Required details usually include:

  • List the make, model, and registration of the van.
  • Give the estimated value of the vehicle.
  • Say where you park the van overnight.
  • Tell them your place of work and how you usually drive.
  • Pick the type of cover and the level of cover you want for the insurance policy.
  • Share your annual mileage.
  • Name the drivers who will be on the policy.
  • Talk about your no claims bonus history.
  • Say if you have had previous insurance claims.
  • List what cleaning equipment you have inside the van.
  • Give the start date of the insurance policy.

Cleaners who use costly machines or built-in tools may want special cover for the equipment. This makes sure they have help if something goes wrong with the tools or if they get damaged. It is good for them to look into cover that fits what they need and the things they use for work.

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Can cleaners combine van insurance with liability insurance for their cleaning business?

Yes. Many cleaners need two areas of protection:

  1. Van insurance — This keeps your van and all the tools or equipment in it safe.
  2. Public liability insurance — This covers you if someone gets hurt or if there is property damage while you do your cleaning work.

This helps avoid gaps in cover. Real-world examples include:

Scenario Best Cover Option
Client slips on a wet floor Public liability cover
Carpet damaged by chemicals Product liability insurance
Equipment stolen from inside the van Tools and equipment cover
Driver is injured in a crash Personal accident cover
Van damaged during an accident Van insurance
Cleaning staff employed Employer’s liability insurance

Public liability insurance is especially important for cleaners who work in people’s homes.

How much does van insurance cost for cleaners?

Pricing may go up or down depending on what type of car you have, where you live, and how many miles you drive. It also depends on if you have made claims in the past, what your equipment costs, how many people drive the car, and the level of cover you choose. UK averages for 2024–25 are shown below.

Cleaning Service Typical Annual Cost
Domestic cleaner £600 – £950
General cleaning business £650 – £1,150
Window cleaners £750 – £1,250
Carpet and upholstery cleaning £800 – £1,350
Mobile car valeting £850 – £1,450
Pressure washing £900 – £1,600
Multi-van cleaning companies £1,500 – £3,200 per van

Ways to reduce the cost of your insurance:

  • Park the van in a secure location overnight
  • Take cleaning equipment out of the van if you can.
  • Put in a tracker, dashcam, or alarm.
  • Don’t add changes that could make things more risky.
  • Set the voluntary excess at a level that works for you.
  • Choose to pay for the year instead of each month.
  • Check and compare renewal prices every year.

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How can cleaners reduce downtime if a van is off the road?

If the van is stolen or damaged, you might have to stop cleaning jobs at once. When this happens, it can cause you to lose money. Customers could also decide to cancel. Here is how you can lower the risk:

  • Add tools and equipment cover.
  • Choose courtesy van cover. This will help you keep working if your van is in repair.
  • Use breakdown cover. A lot of short trips can make your vehicle stop working more often.
  • Keep receipts and serial numbers for your gear. This helps you if you need to make a claim.
  • Use deadlocks. Store your machines in safe places.

Many professional cleaners choose comprehensive cover because it provides the strongest all-round support. Cleaners can compare van insurance to check cover levels that help prevent downtime.

How can cleaners reduce downtime if a van is off the road

Does commercial van insurance protect cleaning equipment?

Commercial van insurance protects the van itself, but equipment is not automatically covered. Tools and machinery need tools cover or business equipment insurance for full protection. This includes:

  • Carpet cleaning machines
  • Hot water extractors
  • Steam machines and wet vacs
  • Pressure washing units
  • Poles and ladders
  • Valeting and buffing machines

It is important to check whether equipment is covered only while driving or also when parked.

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Does a cleaning company with more than one van need different cover?

A cleaning company can save time and trouble by picking fleet insurance. All their vans are covered in one plan. The company does not have to deal with many different renewal dates. This makes things better for the cleaning company when:

  • A number of cleaners drive the vans at different times.
  • Workers share the equipment with each other.
  • Vans move between workers when shifts change.
  • New vans can be added during the year.

This also avoids accidentally leaving a vehicle uninsured during busy periods. A cleaning business can compare van insurance to check fleet pricing and support for expanding teams.

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FAQs About Van Insurance for Cleaners

Yes. If you drive to visit client homes, this counts as business use. Private van insurance will not cover you for business use like this.

No. A wet floor inside a property can cause injury or damage. In this case, you need public liability insurance. This kind of liability insurance is important for you. Public liability insurance can cover your costs if someone slips or gets hurt because of a wet floor. People trust public liability to help them when someone makes a claim after an accident like this.

Yes, but some insurers may ask you to use safe storage. They might also want you to use safety straps.

No, tools and machines are not part of this. You will need to get tools and equipment insurance for those.

Yes. In the UK, you must have this if you hire anyone because it is a legal requirement.

Yes, some insurance companies do offer short-term plans. These are made for people who only work as cleaners at certain times in the year.

No, these claims are not part of other types of liability insurance. Most of the time, you will find that the claims are covered by product liability insurance.

No, personal accident cover is there for the driver. It does not be there for the vehicle policy.

Yes. A sole trader or anyone who cleans for work on their own can get business van insurance. You do not have to have a company to get this van insurance.

Yes, some insurers will give you lower prices if you help lower the risk for them. You can park your van in a safe place at night, put in alarms or trackers, or keep a good no claims bonus. A better price may be available if you take equipment out of the van when it’s not being used. If you pay for your policy once a year instead of every month, you may save money. For most people, the best way to save is to check several insurers when it’s time to renew your policy.

Yes, you can do it if the policy covers social, domestic, and pleasure, and business use. If there is no business use on the policy, your personal trips will not make the policy right for that.

Yes, most car insurance companies let you add named drivers. The cost will depend on their age, driving history, and how long they have been driving. If you add a person who is young or has not driven for a long time, you will pay more.

No, the van policy will not cover any damage that may happen when you unload something or when you clean. That kind of thing is covered by public liability insurance. If you want to make sure you are covered for this, you should get public liability or liability insurance.

Yes, most insurance companies let you pay every month. But, when you do it this way, you will probably pay more than if you pay for the whole year at one time.

Yes, it can be risky. Keeping things that can catch fire can make the danger go up. Insurance companies may want you to use better and safer places for keeping such things. They might also ask to see how these chemicals are kept safe when you move them around.

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Page last updated on: 26/08/2025

Page reviewed by: Tim Bailey

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