What Insurance Does a Nanny Need?

Having the right nanny insurance in place protects you, the children in your care and the families you work with. This guide explains what insurance a nanny needs, what each type covers, and how Nannies Matter can support you as you prepare for your next role.

Why Nannies Need Insurance

Accidents can happen in any active household. You may be preparing meals, looking after children outdoors, transporting them in your own car, or managing nursery duties. Even with great care, incidents can occur whilst carrying out professional duties and lead to everything from accidental bodily injury to third party property damage. Insurance exists to protect you in these situations.Nanny insurance policies tailored to your specific areas of work ensure that if something does happen, you have a clear process, legal support and financial protection behind you. Families appreciate the reassurance that you are protected, and many employers expect nannies to hold appropriate cover before starting work. There are several different types of nanny insurance that childcare professionals should consider.

Public Liability Insurance for Nannies

Public liability insurance is the foundation of nanny insurance cover. It protects you if:

• A child is injured while under your supervision.
• A member of the public is accidentally harmed.
• Property is damaged during your work.
• Legal expenses or compensation are required.

This cover applies to incidents occurring whilst carrying out your nanny duties, both inside and outside the home. Most professional nannies carry public liability insurance because it gives families confidence and helps you work without worry. It also supports Ofsted registration, which some families request.

Personal Accident Cover

Personal accident cover protects you if you suffer an accidental bodily injury while working. A good policy may include:
Cover for lost income if you cannot work.

• Compensation for serious injury.
• Cover for hospital stays or rehabilitation.
• Protection for personal possessions or work equipment.

Some policies include benefits such as £50,000 personal accident cover, providing meaningful reassurance that you would have financial support and practical help in place if you were ever injured while carrying out your duties.

Employers’ Liability Insurance

This insurance is legally required for families who hire a nanny, and is their responsibility to set up - you do not buy this policy yourself. It protects you if you become ill or injured because of your work and need to make a claim. It covers legal costs, compensation and support throughout the process.

Car Insurance for Nanny Duties

If you drive as part of your role, your motor insurance policy must include business insurance. Families may supply a car for nanny use, but if not, you must make sure your own policy is appropriate.

Cover When Travelling with a Family

If you accompany children on a trip abroad or on a UK holiday, it is important to ask whether you are covered under the family’s travel insurance policy or whether you need a single trip or annual policy.

Understanding Exclusions and Policy Limitations

Insurance policies can differ quite a bit, and each one will have its own exclusions or limits on what it can cover. It’s worth taking a little time to read the policy wording carefully so you know exactly how you’re protected day to day. Look at the level of liability insurance for nannies, check what counts as an excluded activity, and make sure the cover matches the way you work. If anything feels unclear, your insurer’s support team - or Nannies Matter - can help you understand the details before you commit.

How Much Is Nanny Insurance?

Nanny insurance costs vary depending on the provider, the level of nanny insurance cover you choose and whether your policy includes additional protections such as legal expenses or personal accident cover. You may also find that some policies offer optional extras for specific situations, such as travelling with a family or covering work equipment.
Rather than focusing on finding the lowest price, it’s always worth choosing a policy that gives you the right level of protection for the way you work. You should:

Look carefully at the policy wording to make sure you understand what is covered, what is excluded and whether policy limitations apply.
Make sure your cover reflects your nanny duties accurately and matches the work you carry out daily, whether that means general nursery duties or supervising outings and transporting children.

Check the support you will receive in your policy documents. Good insurers provide all the policy documents clearly, along with access to a dedicated team for questions or claims.

If you are unsure about selecting the right insurance, working with a nanny recruitment agency like Nannies Matter can help. During the placement process, we can advise you on the level of cover you need, and point you towards reputable specialist nanny insurance providers.

Join Nannies Matter for Ongoing Support

When you work with us, you receive professional guidance, access to well-matched families and reassurance that your employment starts from a secure and informed foundation. Take a look at our open roles today, or call 07736 337065 to register your interest.