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Kentucky sets a hard number and ties the licence to it. A child-care center must provide written proof of liability coverage of at least $100,000 per occurrence to qualify for a preliminary licence or keep a regular one (922 KAR 2:090). Certified family child-care homes carry their own minimum — $50,000 — under 922 KAR 2:100.
One policy, priced for a Kentucky daycare
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What Kentucky Actually Requires
| Coverage | Kentucky requirement |
|---|---|
| Centers | ≥ $100,000 per occurrence, written proof — 922 KAR 2:090 |
| Certified family homes | ≥ $50,000 commercial liability — 922 KAR 2:100 |
| When | At preliminary licensure, and maintained for the regular licence |
The Proof Is a Licensing Document, Not a Formality
Kentucky’s structure is the cleanest of any state on this page: a dollar minimum, written proof, and licensure conditioned on it at both ends — you cannot obtain the preliminary licence without it, and you cannot keep the regular licence if it lapses. The $100,000 statutory floor is also below what most carriers quote as standard, so meeting the rule and being adequately covered are not automatically the same thing.
The Coverages Every Daycare Carries Regardless
- General liability with abuse & molestation coverage. The playground injury and the allegation are different claims; a daycare policy without A&M cover is missing the exposure the business is actually judged on.
- Commercial auto if you transport children — a personal policy excludes business use.
- Workers’ compensation once you employ staff.
- Property and contents for the build-out, equipment and food stock.
Parents ask if you’re insured. So do licensors.
A certificate of insurance answers both in one page. Quotes are free and don’t require a phone call.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much liability insurance does a Kentucky daycare center need?
At least $100,000 per occurrence, with written proof provided to qualify for a preliminary licence and to maintain a regular licence, under 922 KAR 2:090. Certified family child-care homes need at least $50,000 under 922 KAR 2:100.
Is the Kentucky minimum enough coverage?
It is the legal floor, not a recommendation. $100,000 per occurrence is below typical commercial quotes for centers; many operators carry higher limits so one serious claim doesn’t exhaust the policy.
Comparing states? See daycare insurance requirements in every state, or the full guide to starting a daycare in Kentucky.
Sources
| Source | What it confirms |
|---|---|
| 922 KAR 2:090 | Center licensure; $100,000 proof requirement |
| 922 KAR 2:100 | Family child-care home certification; $50,000 requirement |
