Keyholding Risks Explained: Protecting Your Client's Security

For many domestic and commercial cleaners, being a "keyholder" is part of the job. It allows you to clean while the client is out, offering flexibility for everyone. But have you considered the massive security risk this places on your shoulders?

The "Consequential Loss" Trap

If you lose a key, the cost isn't just £10 for a replacement cut. The real risk is that the security of the property is now compromised.

Most clients—and insurers—will insist that if a key is lost and can be linked to the property, the locks must be changed. For a commercial building with a master key system, this could cost thousands.

Golden Rules for Key Security

To protect yourself and your compliance with insurance policies, follow these rules:

1. Never Label with Addresses: This is the cardinal sin of keyholding. If you lose a key with an address tag, you have effectively handed a burglar a free pass. Use a colour code or number system instead.
2. Keep a Log Book: detailed records of who has which key and when they signed it in/out.
3. Store Securely: When not in use, keys should be in a locked cabinet or safe, not left on a car dashboard.

Does Your Insurance Cover It?

Standard Public Liability policies often exclude loss of keys or limit the cover significantly. They might pay for the key, but not the lock replacement.

At Polished Insurance, our policy includes specific Loss of Keys Cover. This pays for:

• Replacement of locks.
• Replacement of keys.
• Cost of resetting intruder alarms.

Don't risk your reputation on a lost key. Ensure you have the right keyholding insurance in place today.