Domiciliary Care Insurance FAQ

Domiciliary Care Insurance is a specialist policy designed for businesses providing personal care and support to clients in their own homes. This includes services such as washing, dressing, feeding, administering medication, companionship, and light domestic help.

It is a CQC-regulated service, and appropriate insurance is essential for registration and day-to-day operations.

• Start-up domiciliary care businesses
• Community Interest Companies (CICs) providing local care
• Private home care agencies
• Businesses supporting elderly, disabled, or vulnerable adults
• Providers delivering personal care funded by local authorities or NHS
• Live-in care companies

Even sole traders providing regulated care must be insured appropriately.

Yes – The Care Quality Commission (CQC) requires all registered care providers to hold suitable insurance before and during operation.
It must cover:

• Employer and public liability
• Professional negligence
• Risks specific to vulnerable clients

The CQC can delay or revoke registration if appropriate cover is not in place.

A typical Domiciliary Care Insurance policy includes:

• Public Liability – client injury, third-party damage, accidents in client homes
• Employers’ Liability – legally required for carers, admin, and volunteers
• Professional Indemnity – for mistakes in care plans, decisions, or advice
• Medical Malpractice – e.g. medication errors, improper care
• Abuse Cover – protection against allegations or actual abuse by staff
• Legal Expenses – tribunal support, CQC investigations, contract disputes
• Personal Accident – optional for carers working in unpredictable environments
• Contents & Equipment – office and mobile care tools

Optional add-ons:

• Cyber Insurance – for those storing medical/client data digitally
• Business Interruption – if a CQC shutdown halts operations
• Management Liability / D&O – for senior staff or trustees of CICs

Standard policies often:

• Exclude treatment or personal care
• Exclude abuse or safeguarding-related claims
• Lack coverage for CQC enforcement or inspections
• Do not consider the mobility and risk profile of vulnerable clients

A specialist care insurer understands these complexities.

Premiums depend on:

• Number of staff (and whether they’re employed or subcontracted)
• Scope of care (basic support vs. complex medical care)
• Local authority contracts
• CQC inspection history or startup status
• Company structure (Ltd, CIC, sole trader, etc.)

Indicative range:

• A start-up care agency may pay £3,000–£4,500/year
• Established firms with multiple staff can range up to £5,000+