Home daycare insurance: what the states say.
The kinds of coverage a home daycare can carry, and which states ask for it. Every fact links to a state or federal page.
Facts checked on official pages, November 4, 2026.
A homeowner’s policy may not cover child care
- Maryland’s insurance agency says standard homeowner’s and car policies generally do not cover family child care claims.Source: Liability Insurance Coverage for Registered Family Child Care Providers
- Maine’s insurance bureau says a homeowner’s policy probably leaves out losses from a home business, child care included.Source: A Consumer Guide to Child Care Liability Insurance
- A home insurer may require business coverage before it renews a homeowner’s policy.Source: A Consumer Guide to Child Care Liability Insurance
Kinds of coverage
What each kind covers, in the words of the agency that describes it.
| Kind of coverage | What it covers | Source |
|---|---|---|
| General liability | Losses from bodily injury, property damage, medical costs and lawsuits. | Launch your business |
| Professional liability | Losses from errors and negligence in a service you provide. | Launch your business |
| Home-based business coverage | An add-on to a homeowner’s policy for some equipment and injuries to others. | Launch your business |
| Business owner’s policy | A package that bundles the usual kinds of business coverage. | Launch your business |
| Separate day care policy | For caring for more children than a homeowner’s add-on allows. | A Consumer Guide to Child Care Liability Insurance |
| Vehicle liability | Covers driving. Maine requires it when you provide transportation. | A Consumer Guide to Child Care Liability Insurance |
States that require coverage or a notice to parents
What six states say about insurance for licensed or registered child care.
| State | What the state asks | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | Licensed and registered child care providers must carry liability insurance. | Human Resources Code Section 42.049, Liability Insurance Required |
| Washington | Family day care providers show proof of insurance, or give parents a written notice of their status. | RCW 43.216.700, Day care insurance |
| Virginia | Home-based providers give each parent a written notice saying whether insurance is in force. | Code of Virginia Section 22.1-289.050, Insurance notice requirements for home-based child care |
| New Hampshire | Licensed and registered providers carry liability insurance, or tell parents they are uninsured. | RSA 170-E:6-b, Insurance Disclosures |
| Maryland | Home insurers must offer liability coverage to registered family child care providers. | Liability Insurance Coverage for Registered Family Child Care Providers |
| Maine | The state does not require liability insurance to license a home provider. | A Consumer Guide to Child Care Liability Insurance |
Other states have their own rules. Ask your state’s licensing office and its insurance department.
Questions to bring to an insurance agent
- The U.S. Small Business Administration suggests working with a licensed agent.Source: Launch your business
- Does my homeowner’s policy cover care for other people’s children?
- How many children does an add-on cover?
- Does the policy cover field trips and driving children?
- Does it meet my state’s licensing rules?
- What changes if I care for more children later?
Run a program in your area? Bloomily handles enrollment, billing, check-in and family messages. See how it works
Keep reading
- Licensing by state
Ratios, trainings and the rules for every state.
- How to start a home daycare in Texas
The kinds of home daycare Texas allows, and the steps.
- Daycare marketing ideas
Ways to reach local families, and where care is short.
- Business plan
How to write a plan for funding and licensing.
Questions, answered
Does homeowner’s insurance cover a home daycare?
Often not. Maryland’s and Maine’s insurance agencies say standard homeowner’s policies generally do not cover child care claims.
Do home daycares need liability insurance?
It depends on the state. Texas requires it. Washington and New Hampshire allow a written notice to parents instead.
What kinds of insurance can a home daycare carry?
Kinds include general liability, a homeowner’s add-on, a separate day care policy and vehicle coverage.
Is this page insurance advice?
No. It sums up official pages and names no insurer. Talk with a licensed agent about your own coverage.
Official sources
- Liability Insurance Coverage for Registered Family Child Care Providers, Maryland Insurance Administration. Checked November 4, 2026.
- A Consumer Guide to Child Care Liability Insurance, Maine Bureau of Insurance. Checked November 4, 2026.
- Launch your business, U.S. Small Business Administration. Checked November 4, 2026.
- Human Resources Code Section 42.049, Liability Insurance Required, Texas Legislature. Checked November 4, 2026.
- RCW 43.216.700, Day care insurance, Washington State Legislature. Checked November 4, 2026.
- Code of Virginia Section 22.1-289.050, Insurance notice requirements for home-based child care, Virginia General Assembly. Checked November 4, 2026.
- RSA 170-E:6-b, Insurance Disclosures, New Hampshire General Court. Checked November 4, 2026.
About this page
Facts checked on official pages, November 4, 2026.
Each fact links to the official page it came from.
This page sums up official pages. It is not legal, tax or insurance advice, and rules change.
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