Using Standard Property Insurance
One of the most common mistakes is arranging insurance as:
- A standard residential property
- An HMO
- Supported living accommodation
- General care insurance
Children’s homes involve specialist exposures that require specialist underwriting.


Incorrect Occupancy Descriptions
Insurers require accurate information regarding:
- Number of residents
- Age ranges
- Type of placements
- Staffing arrangements
- Behavioural risks
Incorrect disclosures can create serious issues if a claim occurs.
Underestimating Abuse Cover Requirements
Abuse cover is one of the most important protections for residential care providers.
Some operators:
- Do not check the limit provided
- Assume cover is automatically included
- Overlook exclusions or inner limits
Policies should always be reviewed carefully.
Failing to Declare Overnight Staffing
Underwriters commonly ask:
- Are staff awake overnight?
- Sleeping in?
- Off-site and on-call?
This can materially affect underwriting decisions.
Choosing Price Over Suitability
The cheapest policy is not always the best option.
Children’s homes require:
- Strong wording
- Appropriate liability limits
- Specialist claims support
- Insurers experienced in the care sector
Why Specialist Brokers Matter
A specialist broker can help:
- Present the risk properly
- Avoid disclosure issues
- Identify suitable insurers
- Structure the policy correctly
At SRS Insurance, we regularly assist both new and established children’s home providers with tailored insurance solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Not usually. Children’s homes require specialist underwriting due to safeguarding and residential care exposures.
Insurers assess staffing arrangements to understand supervision levels and risk management controls.
Incorrect disclosure could potentially affect claims or policy validity.
Abuse cover is designed to assist with allegations and related defence costs within care settings.
Speak to SRS Insurance Today
Whether you oversee a mosque, synagogue, church, temple or multi-faith centre, SRS Insurance can help review your cover and strengthen your protection.
We will:
- Evaluate your current insurance
- Identify gaps or outdated limits
- Recommend improvements
- Provide a tailored insurance package
- Support risk management and security planning
