What is Family Homes (Up to 18 Children)?
Family Homes (Up to 18 Children) coverage is a type of insurance designed for people who care for multiple children in a home setting. This can include licensed family child care homes, group family homes, or similar arrangements where a caregiver looks after several children, often including both related and non-related children.
The coverage is meant to help protect you if a child is injured, property is damaged, or someone claims your care or supervision was negligent. It can also help protect your business assets and, in some cases, your personal assets, depending on how your policy is structured.
Who needs it
You may need Family Homes (Up to 18 Children) insurance if you:
- Run a licensed family child care home or group family child care home
- Provide regular child care for multiple families in your residence
- Employ assistants or helpers to care for children in your home
- Are required by a state agency, licensing body, or funding program to show proof of liability coverage
- Want extra protection beyond a standard homeowners or renters policy for child care activities
Even if coverage is not required by law, many caregivers choose it to help manage the risks that come with supervising children every day.
What it typically covers
Policy details vary by insurer and state, but Family Homes (Up to 18 Children) coverage often includes:
- General liability – Helps if someone claims a child was injured or property was damaged because of your child care operations.
- Professional liability (errors and omissions) – May help with claims related to your professional decisions or failure to supervise.
- Medical payments to others – Limited coverage that may help pay medical costs for minor injuries to children or visitors, regardless of fault, up to the policy limit.
- Property coverage – In some policies, coverage for business personal property used in your child care (toys, furniture, equipment) if damaged by a covered cause.
- Abuse and molestation coverage – Sometimes available by endorsement, subject to strict underwriting and conditions.
Your actual protections depend on your specific policy wording, limits, and any endorsements you choose.
Common exclusions and limitations
Like any policy, Family Homes (Up to 18 Children) coverage has exclusions and limits. Common examples can include:
- Intentional or criminal acts
- Claims arising from activities not related to your child care operations
- Certain high-risk activities or equipment, such as trampolines or pools, unless specifically covered
- Injuries to you, your employees, or household members (these are usually handled by other policies)
- Business autos used to transport children, which generally require separate commercial auto coverage
Policy limits, deductibles, and sub-limits will apply. Always review your policy and talk with a licensed insurance professional about what is and is not covered.
Factors that influence cost
The cost of Family Homes (Up to 18 Children) coverage depends on several factors, such as:
- Number and ages of children in your care
- State licensing requirements and inspection history
- Type of services you provide (full-day care, after-school care, overnight care, etc.)
- Safety measures in your home (fencing, smoke alarms, childproofing, emergency plans)
- Claims history and how long you have been operating
- Coverage limits, deductibles, and any special endorsements you add
Insurers use their own underwriting guidelines, so details can vary by company and by state.
Proof of insurance and compliance
Many state and local agencies, as well as referral programs, require proof of liability insurance for family child care homes. Common documents include:
- A certificate of insurance listing your coverage limits and effective dates
- Evidence of any required endorsements, such as additional insureds (for example, a landlord)
- Updated proof of coverage at license renewal or contract renewal times
Requirements vary widely by state and by program. Your licensing agency or program administrator can explain what they need. Your insurance provider can usually issue certificates of insurance and other proof documents upon request.
How to get a quote
To get a quote for Family Homes (Up to 18 Children) coverage, be prepared to share details about your home, your child care operations, and your safety practices. This helps an insurer understand your risk and match you with coverage options that may fit your situation.
Request a Family Homes (Up to 18 Children) insurance quote to compare options and see what coverage may be available for your child care business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Family Homes (Up to 18 Children) coverage the same as homeowners insurance?
No. A standard homeowners policy is not designed to cover business activities like paid child care. Family Homes (Up to 18 Children) coverage is focused on risks related to caring for multiple children in your home.
Do I need this coverage if I only care for a few children?
Even small family child care homes can face liability claims. Some states and programs require liability insurance once you are caring for children on a regular, paid basis, regardless of the exact number of children.
Will my policy cover injuries that happen on the playground or in my yard?
It may, but it depends on your specific policy, the cause of the injury, and any exclusions (such as certain equipment). Review your policy and speak with a licensed agent about how outdoor play is covered.
Are my assistants or helpers covered under this policy?
Some policies extend liability coverage to employees or approved helpers while they are working for you, but this is not automatic. You may need to list them or meet certain conditions, and workers’ compensation is usually a separate policy.
Can my landlord be added as an additional insured?
Many insurers can add a landlord or other party as an additional insured, often required by lease agreements. This is usually done through an endorsement and shown on a certificate of insurance.
Still have questions? Talk to a local insurance expert.