Home daycare providers offer a valuable service to parents who need quality care for their children while they work. However, operating a home daycare also comes with risks, so it's essential to have the right insurance coverage. In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about home daycare insurance, including the types of coverage available, the costs involved, and the best insurance companies to consider.
Yes, home daycare providers must have home day care insurance insurance to protect themselves and the children they care for. In the event of an accident or injury, insurance can help cover the costs of medical expenses, legal fees, and property damage.
The 3 types of home daycare insurance that you shouldn’t skip getting are:
Liability insurance
Property coverage
Workers compensation insurance
Workers compensation insurance is the only one of the in-home daycare insurance requirements required by law. Failure to get this policy will result in stiff fine and penalties. Liability insurance and property coverage are optional. Nonetheless, it’s important to get them to meet the demands of clients and landlords.
CoverWallet | NEXT (Best) | Thimble | Hiscox | The Hartford | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Per occurrence limit | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 | $300,000/$1,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 |
Aggregate limit | $2,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 | $300,000/$2,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 |
Products and completed operations aggregate limit | $2,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 |
Advertising injury coverage aggregate limit | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 |
Tenant’s legal liability coverage limit | $100,000 | $100,000 | $5,000 | $100,000 | $1,000,000 |
Waiver of subrogation included? | Yes | No | Included | Can be included | No |
Hired/non-owned auto liability coverage included? | Yes | No | Excluded | Can be included | Can be included |
Equipment breakdown floater included? | No | Yes | Yes | Can be included | Can be included |
General liability insurance can help protect home daycare providers from lawsuits related to bodily injury, property damage, or personal injury caused by their business operations. Some situations where this home daycare liability insurance can help include slip and fall accidents, playground injuries, and incidents involving pets.
Medical expenses of the claimant
Reimbursement for the damaged property of the claimant
Attorney and investigation fees
Settlements
Court judgments
Customer property coverage–This allows general liability insurance to reimburse the value of properties owned by third parties that got lost or damaged while in the custody of the home day care
HNOA coverage–Hired/non-owned auto liability coverage covers the medical expenses if third parties who got injured in an accident caused by a vehicle that the home daycare hired or borrowed
General liability insurance for home daycares has a $1 million per occurrence limit and a $2 million aggregate limit. But note that some insurance companies might offer a $300,000 per occurrence limit and a $2 million aggregate limit.
Insurance companies determine the appropriate coverage amount for general liability insurance for home daycares by considering various factors such as the number of children in care, the type of activities offered, the age range of the children, the location of the daycare, and the potential risks associated with running a daycare.
The insurance company may also consider the experience and qualifications of the daycare provider, the safety measures in place, and the history of the daycare, including any past claims or incidents.
CoverWallet (Best) | NEXT | Thimble | Hiscox | The Hartford | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Per occurrence limit | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 |
Aggregate limit | $2,000,000 | $2,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 | $2,000,000 |
Name additional insureds? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Waiver of subrogation included? | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No |
Deductible | $500 | $500 | $500 | $500 | $500 |
Professional liability insurance, also known as errors and omissions insurance, can help protect home daycare providers from claims related to professional negligence or mistakes. This insurance can cover legal fees, settlements, and judgments related to claims such as failure to supervise or negligence resulting in injury.
The cost of professional liability insurance for home daycares depends on factors such as the number of children enrolled and the provider's level of experience and training.
Some situations where professional liability insurance can help home daycares include allegations of child abuse or neglect, failure to administer medication properly, and failure to provide adequate supervision.
Investigation fees and attorney fees
Settlements
Court judgements
Reimbursement to the financial losses of the claimant
Sexual abuse and molestation coverage–This coverage can help protect daycare providers from claims of sexual abuse or molestation by an employee
Home daycare providers can take several steps to reduce their risk of professional liability claims. Some of these steps include:
Obtain appropriate insurance coverage
Follow licensing requirements
Maintain open communication
Document everything
Use proper discipline techniques
Provide a safe environment
Stay up-to-date on best practices
Public liability insurance can help protect home daycare providers from claims related to injury or property damage caused by children under their care while in public places, such as on field trips or walks.
This type of home daycare liability insurance isn’t commonly sold in the USA as there’s already general liability insurance. However, home daycares in the UK typically purchase public liability instead of general liability insurance.
Accident medical insurance for home daycares is a type of insurance that provides coverage for accidents and injuries that may occur to children. It’s important to get this coverage since children can get injured during playtime, during walks, and other related activities.
Some of the costs that are covered under accident medical insurance for home daycares include:
Medical expenses for injuries sustained by children in the daycare
Emergency transportation costs
Coverage for daycare providers in case of a liability claim
The coverage limits for accident medical insurance for home daycares can range from $5,000 to $50,000 per occurrence.
Accident Medical Insurance, covers all medical expenses and emergencies for children who are injured while under the care of the daycare provider. On the other hand,, liability insurance provides coverage for damages and legal fees in case the daycare provider is sued for injuries sustained by a child in their care. It is important to have both types of insurance to ensure comprehensive coverage for home daycare providers.
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NEXT | Thimble | Hiscox | The Hartford | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Aggregate limit | $3,000/$10,000 | $2,500/$5,000 | $15,000/$25,000 | $5,000-$10,000 |
Covers hired and borrowed equipment? | $3,000/$10,000 | $2,500/$5,000 | No | Yes |
Miscellaneous equipment also covered? | $5,000/$10,000 | No | Yes | Yes |
Offered as an endorsement to general liability insurance? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Deductible | $500 | $500 | $0 | $0 |
Tools and equipment insurance for home daycares protects from financial loss if their tools or equipment are damaged, stolen, or lost. It can cover the cost of repairs or replacements for essential items such as playground equipment, toys, and furniture.
The costs covered by this insurance policy may include:
Repair or replacement costs for damaged, lost, or stolen equipment
Business interruption costs if daycare operations are affected by the loss of equipment
Rental costs for temporary equipment needed to keep the daycare running
Damage or theft of playground equipment
Loss of toys or furniture due to a fire or natural disaster
Equipment failure upset, mishandling, and electrical surge
Tools and equipment insurance for home daycares typically covers a range of equipment and tools that daycare owners may use in their business, including:
Playground equipment
Furniture (e.g., chairs, tables, cribs)
Toys and games
Electronics (e.g., computers, tablets, cameras)
Kitchen appliances (e.g., refrigerators, ovens)
Cleaning equipment (e.g., vacuum cleaners)
Daycare owners can take several steps to reduce the risk of equipment damage or theft, including:
Implementing security measures such as surveillance cameras, alarm systems, and locked storage areas for valuable equipment
Conducting regular maintenance and safety checks on equipment to identify any potential hazards or damage before it becomes a larger issue
Keeping an inventory of all equipment and regularly updating it to ensure nothing is lost or stolen
Educating staff and children on the proper use and care of equipment to reduce the risk of accidental damage
Enforcing rules and regulations regarding the use of equipment and proper supervision to minimize the risk of damage or misuse
CoverWallet | NEXT (Best) | Thimble | The Hartford | Hiscox | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Building coverage limit (minimum) | $50,000 | $340,000 | $25,000/$500,000 | $35,000 | $25,000 |
Contents coverage limit (minimum) | $50,000 | $35,000 | $25,000/$500,000 | $35,000 | $15,000 |
Outdoor signs | Excluded | $2,500 | Excluded | Excluded | Included |
Accounts receivable | Excluded | Excluded | $5,000/$10,000 | Excluded | Included |
Money and securities | Excluded | $2,500 | $1,000 | Excluded | Included |
Lock and keys | Excluded | $2,500 | Excluded | Excluded | Included |
Business interruption floater | Excluded | Included | Included | Excluded | Included |
Equipment breakdown floater | Excluded | Included | Excluded | Excluded | Included |
Inland marine insurance floater | Excluded | Excluded | $10,000 | Excluded | Excluded |
Employee dishonesty floater | Excluded | $5,000 | $2,500 | Excluded | Excluded |
Commercial property insurance for home daycares is a type of insurance policy that provides coverage for property damage, theft, or loss that may occur in a daycare facility. This insurance is essential for home daycare providers as it can help protect their business assets from unexpected events. This insurance can help home daycares in situations such as:
Fire or smoke damage
Water damage caused by burst pipes or flooding
Theft or vandalism
Natural disasters such as hurricanes, winds, and storms
The costs covered by Commercial Property Insurance for home daycares typically include the following:
Damage or loss of the daycare facility's physical structure and equipment, such as furniture, toys, and supplies
Loss of income due to the closure of the daycare facility after a covered event, such as a fire
The coverage limits for commercial property insurance for home daycares depend on the insurance provider and the policy's specific terms and conditions. Some insurance providers offer coverage limits of up to $5 million.
CoverWallet | NEXT (Best) | Thimble | The Hartford | Hiscox | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
General liability aggregate limit | $2,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 | $300,000/$2,000,000 |
Commercial property coverage limit | $50,000 | $320,000 | $25,000/$500,000 | $35,000 | $75,000 |
Optional policies can be added? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Name additional insureds for free? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
BOP discount? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
A business owner’s policy (BOP) is an insurance policy designed for small businesses, including home daycares. A BOP typically combines several types of coverage, including general liability insurance, property insurance, and business interruption insurance into one policy.
A BOP for home daycares can help protect the daycare owner from financial losses related to various incidents. For example, if a child is injured while playing at the daycare and the parents sue the daycare owner for medical expenses and other damages, the liability coverage provided by a BOP can help cover these costs. If a fire damages the daycare building and the daycare owner cannot operate the business for several weeks while repairs are made, the business interruption coverage provided by a BOP can help cover lost income during that time.
The standard coverage limit for property damage or theft may be around $10,000 to $25,000, while the liability coverage limit may be around $1 million.
Commercial auto insurance is a type of insurance policy that covers vehicles used for business purposes. This insurance is particularly important for home daycare providers who transport children to and from their daycare facilities. It helps to protect both the home daycare provider and the children they transport in the event of an accident.
Cover the medical expenses of third parties who got injured in an accident caused by the commercial vehicle of a home daycare
Cover the medical expenses of children, driver, and other passengers if the vehicle gets involved in an accident
Cover the repair of the commercial vehicle if it gets damaged or destroyed due to collisions, fire, theft, vandalism, and other covered perils
The coverage limits for bodily injury liability can range from $100,000 to $1 million per occurrence, and coverage limits for property damage liability can range from $50,000 to $500,000 per occurrence.
Home daycare providers may wonder what types of vehicles are covered by commercial auto insurance. Generally, this insurance covers any vehicles used for business purposes, including vans, SUVs, and even personal vehicles used for daycare-related activities. It is important to note that vehicles must be registered under the home daycare provider's name to be eligible for coverage.
Excess liability insurance is designed to provide additional coverage beyond the limits of an individual's primary insurance policy. For home daycares, this type of insurance can offer protection against lawsuits or claims that may exceed the coverage limits of their general liability policy.
The costs covered by excess liability insurance can include legal fees, court costs, and damages awarded to a plaintiff in a lawsuit. The coverage limits can vary depending on the insurer and policy, but they typically start at $1 million and can go up to $10 million or more.
Cost per Month | Cost per Year | Deductible | |
---|---|---|---|
General liability insurance | $33 | $396 | $0-$500 |
Professional liability insurance | $42 | $504 | $500-$1,000 |
Commercial property insurance | $108 | $1,296 | $1,000-$2,000 |
Business owner's policy | $141 | $1,692 | $500-$1,000 |
Tools and equipment insurance | $40 | $480 | $500-$1,000 |
Workers compensation insurance | $103 | $1,236 | $2,500-$5,000 |
Commercial auto insurance | $76 | $912 | $500-$1,000 |
Excess liability insurance | $80 | $960 | $500-$1,000 |
On average, home daycares pay $33 per month or $396 per year for a $1 million general liability insurance. The cost of home daycare insurance varies based on several factors, including the location of your home daycare, the number of children you care for, and the coverage limits you choose.
Other factors that impact in home daycare insurance cost include the type of coverage you choose, such as general liability, property damage, and professional liability. Additionally, some insurance companies may offer discounts for things like having a clean claims history or for completing certain safety training programs.
Here’s a table giving a further idea of how much is home daycare insurance by showing the rates of companies we recommend:
Cost per Month | Cost per Year | Best for | |
---|---|---|---|
NEXT | $21 | $252 | Best overall; Fastest general liability insurance for home daycares |
Hiscox | $22 | $264 | A wide range of additional coverage options |
CoverWallet | $28 | $336 | Comparing home daycare insurance quotes online |
Thimble | $31 | $372 | On-demand coverage for home daycares |
Tivly | $33 | $396 | Comparing home daycare insurance quotes over the phone |
The Hartford | $78 | $936 | Competitive pricing and personalized attention |
State Farm | $90 | $1,080 | Individuals who run a home daycare and need comprehensive liability coverage to protect their business and assets |
Compare quotes to find the best home daycare insurance. Start by clicking the “Get Quotes” button on this page.
Get all the best quotes from leading providers in a click of a button!
When choosing home daycare insurance companies, there are several reputable companies to consider. Here are some of the top options:
NEXT provides various online tools and resources to help home daycare providers manage their policies and stay up-to-date on industry news and best practices
The application process is relatively straightforward, and most policies can be purchased online without requiring a lengthy phone call or in-person meeting
They allow customers to choose from several payment options, including monthly, quarterly, and annual, to help make their coverage more affordable
Owners accustomed to maintaining paper records may experience difficulty adjusting to the digital claims process offered by NEXT
NEXT is a top-rated provider of home daycare insurance coverage. Their policies provide comprehensive coverage options, including general liability, and workers' compensation insurance. This company also offers additional coverage for business interruption, equipment breakdown, and more.
Best for: Best overall; Fastest general liability insurance for home daycares
Average cost: $21 per month
Our rating: 10/10
It can save time and effort by allowing businesses to compare policies and pricing from multiple insurers in one place
Offers 24/7 customer support and claims assistance
Simple, easy-to-use online platform for obtaining and managing insurance coverage
Not all insurance carriers are available in every location
CoverWallet is another excellent choice for home daycare insurance coverage. They offer a variety of policies to suit your unique needs, including general liability, property damage, and professional liability coverage.
CoverWallet provides customizable policies with a user-friendly platform for online purchasing and managing your coverage. Premiums for their home daycare insurance policies start as low as $21 per month.
Best for: Comparing home daycare insurance quotes online
Average cost: $28 per month
Our rating: 10/10
The Hartford offers several discounts, including multi-policy, safe driver, and good student discounts
The Hartford offers a range of insurance products, including home, auto, and business insurance, so you can bundle your policies and save money
Some customers have reported that Hartford's claims process can be lengthy and difficult to navigate
The Hartford is a well-known insurance provider that offers a range of insurance coverage, including home daycare insurance. Their policies provide comprehensive coverage options such as professional liability insurance. Hartford offers additional coverage options such as business interruption, equipment breakdown, and cyber liability insurance.
Best for: Competitive pricing and personalized attention
Average cost: $78 per month
Our rating: 10/10
Tailored policies for home daycare providers
Customizable coverage options
The simple and easy online application process
Limited coverage options compared to traditional insurers
Pricing may be higher for larger home daycare providers
Tivly is a newer entrant into the home daycare insurance market, but they have quickly gained a reputation for providing affordable and comprehensive coverage options. They offer general liability, property damage insurance, and additional coverage options such as business interruption and equipment breakdown insurance. Call now to compare quotes over the phone.
Best for: Comparing home daycare insurance quotes over the phone
Average cost: $33 per month
Our rating: 9/10
Thimble's policies are designed to be highly customizable, which allows customers to select the specific coverage they need for their business. This can be especially helpful for small businesses with unique insurance needs that traditional insurers may not fully address
Thimble's on-demand policies are ideal for small businesses that only need coverage for specific events or gigs. With the ability to purchase coverage by the hour, day, or month, Thimble makes it easy for businesses to get the insurance they need without paying for coverage they don't need
Limited coverage options compared to traditional insurers: While Thimble's policies are highly customizable, they may not offer the same level of coverage as traditional insurers
Thimble is a unique insurance provider offering on-demand home daycare coverage. They provide general liability coverage for specific periods, such as hours, days, or weeks. Their coverage is flexible and customizable, allowing you to choose the coverage you need when you need it.
Best for: On-demand coverage for home daycares
Average cost: $31 per month
Our rating: 8/10
Hiscox offers a variety of coverage options that can be tailored to meet the unique needs of your home daycare business.
Hiscox has an A rating from A.M. Best, indicating that they are financially stable and can meet their obligations to policyholders.
Hiscox is not available in all states, so you may not be able to get coverage if you live in certain areas.
Hiscox is another leading insurance provider that offers home daycare insurance coverage. Their policies provide coverage options such as cyber liability insurance and business interruption insurance. The premiums for their home daycare insurance policies start at
Best for: A wide range of additional coverage options
Average cost: $22 per month
Our rating: 8/10
State Farm offers optional add-ons such as business interruption coverage, which can help cover lost income if the daycare has to close due to a covered loss.
State Farm has a large network of local agents, which can be helpful for home daycare providers who prefer working with a local agent.
May require additional documentation: Home daycare providers may need to provide additional documentation, such as licensing information and safety procedures, to qualify for coverage.
State Farm offers home daycare insurance to help protect home daycare businesses from potential liabilities. Their policies can cover bodily injury, and medical expenses. In addition, they offer business property coverage, which can help cover the cost of repairing or replacing damaged equipment or supplies.
Best for: Individuals who run a home daycare and need comprehensive liability coverage to protect their business and assets
Average cost: $90 per month
Our rating: 8/10
Use anyone except Employers. Period. They are non-transparent and shameful. After I complained long enough to warrant a call from a supervisor, the supervisor called back from a PRIVATE NUMBER (no caller ID), left a message that they are not reversing their decision (without any communication with me), and failed to leave a phone number for me to call back. She was hiding! They also fact find via email and phone calls, which is terrific for speed and communication. However, after setting a precedence of email or phone calls, they send time sensitive information via email, without any heads up... they are hoping you miss it and forfeit via expiration. Evil policies. Go elsewhere.
This place is an absolute joke of a company and should be ashamed of the way they conduct business. I was hurt on the job at the end of July and it took them just shy of 7 weeks to issue out a paycheck to me. Yes the amount was back dated but still. Not many have the luxury of not receiving a paycheck for almost 2 months. To top it all off, the original adjuster marked me down for the wrong state which caused a problem from the get go, I've had 3 different adjusters now since each one can't seem to figure out the simplicity of my claim. All my paperwork which includes, my job, house, and drs visits all are from the same state and city but yet some how I have been filed under a completely different state 1500 miles away. They do not answer your phone calls or emails no matter how many you leave. I've had to escalate my frustrations to the supervisors of each of these individuals in order to even get some kind of response. I've had more communication and information given to me about my claim from the customer service representatives then the actual adjusters.......... please tell me how that works?! A serious overhaul needs to happen here in order to serve your clients the way they deserve to be taken care of. 10/10 do not recommend this company to a single soul on earth
I have never had the displeasure of working with a more incompetent and disrespectful person in my life. I’m an injured worker and the adjuster that was assigned to my case was named Carrie Furgeson. In the past 6 weeks that I’ve been injured and out of work I have only been able to get ahold of her twice, not for lack of trying. I have left countless voicemails, countless emails, and she ignores them all. When I am finally able to get ahold of her I’m greeted with terrible customer service. She is rude, she talks over me and I’m hardly able to get a word in edgewise. She spelled my name wrong on my documents even after I spelled it for her properly countless times, this caused a whole new issue with my bank. I have bill collectors from the hospital calling me demanding payment and Carrie Furgeson won’t do a single thing to help, or to get them paid. All of my documentation is in Colorado, my job is in Colorado, my address is in Colorado, all my Dr offices and appointments have been in Colorado and Carrie still managed to hold my claim because she wasn’t sure what state she needed to file it under. It’s been 6 weeks since my Injury and my company still hasn’t received the wage paperwork to fill out so they can get me my correct wages. When she’s not ignoring me she’s answering my questions with “I don’t know” well I don’t know how she got this job, because apparently she doesn’t know anything about it. She is a disgusting morose individual inside and out and I genuinely wish her the worst in all of her future endeavors. I highly recommend you don’t use this company. Please if you are a business owner and your looking into this company please don’t use them. I’m sure they have the cheapest payment and that’s why companies use them in the first place, but you will be doing your employees a grave disservice by forcing them to venture into this absolute dumpster fire of a company. I would rate 0/5 if possible but 1 was the lowest I was allowed.
Their general liability insurance purchase process is simply the best online experience I've ever had in my life!
As long as they cover your line of business, you're literally covered! best rates, best coverage, best online experience, best professionals, can't be happier that I chose them!