This page compares insurance needs across types of childcare businesses. For a full explanation of how daycare insurance works, start with our daycare insurance guide.
Who we insure
Daycare Insurance Pros works with for profit childcare businesses in the states where Nelson Insurance Agency is licensed. That includes licensed childcare centers, family childcare providers who care for children in their homes, private preschools, early childhood education programs, and before and after school programs. If your business cares for children, we want to hear how it runs.
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Commercial Daycare Insurance
Coverage for commercial daycare and childcare centers with staff, a dedicated facility, and larger enrollment.
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In-Home Daycare Insurance
Business coverage for family childcare providers who care for children in their own home.
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Preschool Insurance
Coverage for private preschools and early learning programs, from classrooms to field trips.
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Before and After School Insurance
Coverage for school age programs, including off site locations, activities, and transportation.
Insurance by type of childcare business
Childcare centers and commercial daycares
A center brings together the most exposures in one place: a building, a payroll, larger enrollment, kitchens, playgrounds, and often a van. Centers typically build a full package around general liability, abuse and molestation coverage, property, business income, workers compensation, and auto. Multi location operators also need limits that make sense across every site. See commercial daycare insurance.
In-home daycare providers
Family childcare providers face a different first question: what their homeowners or renters policy will and will not do once paying families are coming through the door. Many personal policies limit or exclude business activity, so providers usually add a policy written for childcare. Assistants, a vehicle used for school runs, and equipment bought for the business all affect what is needed. Start with insurance for home daycares.
Preschools and early learning programs
Preschools often run on part day schedules in leased space, such as a church or commercial building, with a landlord who sets insurance terms in the lease. Field trips, enrichment vendors, and parent volunteers add their own wrinkles. Read about preschool insurance.
Before and after school programs
School age programs frequently operate in a building they do not own, under a facility use agreement that asks for certificates of insurance. Older children, active play, outings, and transportation between schools shape the coverage. See before and after school insurance.
What every childcare business has in common
Regardless of size, every childcare program is responsible for the safety of other people's children. That creates a few exposures almost every program should think about:
- Injury claims from children, parents, and visitors, typically addressed by general liability.
- Abuse allegations, which many liability policies exclude unless abuse and molestation coverage is added.
- Supervision and care claims, often handled by professional liability.
- Minor injuries that accident medical coverage can address before they become claims.
How the needs differ
The table below is a general comparison. Your program may look different, and options vary by insurer and state.
| Childcare center | In-home daycare | Preschool | Before and after school | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical setting | Dedicated commercial building, owned or leased | The provider's own home | Classrooms in a commercial, school, or shared building | School buildings, community spaces, or a dedicated site |
| Biggest coverage questions | Staff injuries, building, vehicles, higher limits | How the homeowners policy and business policy fit together | Educational activities, field trips, landlord requirements | Facility use agreements, transportation, active play |
| Employees | Usually several to many | Often none, or a few assistants | Usually several | Often part time staff |
| Transportation | Common | Sometimes, often in a personal vehicle | Field trips | Common, between schools and the program |
Questions to ask when comparing childcare insurance
- Does the liability policy cover injuries to enrolled children, or only to visitors?
- Is abuse and molestation excluded, sublimited, or fully included?
- Are claims of improper care or supervision covered, and under which coverage part?
- Are the activities you actually offer, such as field trips or water play, excluded anywhere?
- Does anyone drive children, including staff using their own cars?
- Do the limits meet your lease, contracts, and any licensing requirements?
Not sure where you fit?
Many programs blend models. A center might run a summer program, or a preschool might add extended day care. Our coverage checklist is organized by type of operation, and our team can help you sort out the rest. When you are ready, request a quote.