Cleaning Company Insurance: Coverage, Costs, and Requirements

Cleaning companies provide essential services to homes, offices, restaurants, schools, medical facilities, stores, apartment buildings, hotels, warehouses, and many other properties.

Although cleaning may appear to be a low-risk business, cleaning companies can face many different types of accidents, property damage claims, employee injuries, theft allegations, vehicle accidents, and contract requirements.

Employees often work inside properties owned by customers. They may use chemical products, carry heavy equipment, operate commercial vehicles, move furniture, clean floors, wash windows, enter restricted areas, and handle property that belongs to other people.

Even a small accident can lead to an expensive claim.

For example:

An employee spills a chemical product on an expensive floor.
A customer slips on a recently mopped surface.
A worker breaks a window while cleaning.
A cleaning product damages marble, wood, or another delicate surface.
An employee damages furniture, carpeting, or electronic equipment.
Cleaning equipment is stolen from a company van.
A company vehicle causes an accident.
An employee is injured while lifting equipment.
A customer claims that a personal item disappeared after the cleaning service.
A worker damages an office during an overnight cleaning service.
An employee falls while cleaning windows or working at an elevated location.
A customer claims that a disinfection service was performed incorrectly.
A worker suffers an injury after being exposed to a cleaning chemical.
A business claims that cleaning-related damage interrupted its operations.

For these reasons, cleaning company insurance should be designed around the company’s actual services, employees, vehicles, equipment, products, customers, and contracts.

Quick Answer: What Insurance Does a Cleaning Company Need?

A cleaning company may need to evaluate the following coverages:

General Liability Insurance.
Commercial Auto Insurance.
Workers’ Compensation.
Tools and Equipment Coverage.
Inland Marine Insurance.
Commercial Property Insurance.
Business Owner’s Policy.
Janitorial Bond or Cleaning Bond.
Employee Dishonesty Coverage.
Crime Insurance.
Professional Liability.
Pollution Liability or coverage related to cleaning chemicals.
Commercial Umbrella Insurance.
Employment Practices Liability Insurance.
Cyber Liability Insurance.
Hired and Non-Owned Auto coverage.
Coverage for rented, leased, or financed equipment.

The right insurance program depends on factors such as:

The type of cleaning services provided.
Residential or commercial operations.
Office cleaning.
Large-building cleaning.
Industrial cleaning.
Window cleaning.
Carpet cleaning.
Floor cleaning and polishing.
Disinfection services.
Pressure washing.
Use of chemical products.
Work performed at heights.
Number of employees.
Number of vehicles.
Value of tools and equipment.
Annual revenue.
Claims history.
Use of subcontractors.
Customer contract requirements.
Property management requirements.

Not every cleaning business needs the same policies. A person who cleans a few houses independently may have different needs than a company with several employees that performs overnight cleaning services in commercial buildings.

What Is Cleaning Company Insurance?

Cleaning company insurance is a group of commercial insurance policies that may protect businesses that provide cleaning, janitorial, disinfection, maintenance, and property-care services.

It may apply to businesses that clean:

Houses.
Apartments.
Condominiums.
Offices.
Restaurants.
Hotels.
Schools.
Churches.
Retail stores.
Shopping centers.
Medical buildings.
Factories.
Warehouses.
Gyms.
Apartment complexes.
Rental properties.
Newly constructed buildings.
Properties after remodeling.

It may also apply to companies that specialize in:

Carpet cleaning.
Pressure washing.
Window cleaning.
Duct cleaning.
Floor cleaning.
Floor polishing.
Bathroom cleaning.
Deep cleaning.
Post-construction cleaning.
Disinfection.
Office cleaning.
Move-in and move-out cleaning.
Restaurant cleaning.
Industrial cleaning.
Vacant-property cleaning.

The insurance policy should accurately describe the company’s operations. If the business adds new services, it should review its insurance to confirm that those activities are properly addressed.

Why Is Insurance Important for a Cleaning Company?

Cleaning companies regularly work inside homes and commercial properties belonging to customers. Employees can accidentally damage property that the company does not own.

Possible damage may involve:

Hardwood floors.
Marble.
Granite.
Carpets.
Furniture.
Windows.
Doors.
Appliances.
Computers.
Televisions.
Security systems.
Office equipment.
Merchandise.
Decorations.
Vehicles.
Walls.
Ceilings.
Electrical systems.
Plumbing fixtures.

Customers, employees, visitors, or other people may also be injured during cleaning operations.

Examples include:

A customer slips on a wet floor.
A visitor trips over a vacuum or electrical cord.
Someone enters an area that is being cleaned.
An employee falls from a ladder.
A worker is injured while lifting boxes or equipment.
An employee experiences irritation from a chemical product.
A person is injured by a recently waxed or polished surface.

Without appropriate protection, a business owner may face expenses related to:

Property repair or replacement.
Medical expenses.
Legal defense.
Settlements.
Property damage claims.
Lost income.
Customer disputes.
Stolen equipment.
Vehicle damage.
Business interruption.

Insurance may respond to covered claims, subject to policy limits, deductibles, exclusions, conditions, and applicable requirements.

General Liability for Cleaning Companies

General Liability is one of the most important coverages for many cleaning companies.

It may help protect the business against certain third-party claims involving:

Bodily injury.
Property damage.
Operations performed at a customer’s property.
Products used during the service.
Products-completed operations.
Legal defense expenses for covered claims.

Example: Someone slips on a wet floor

A cleaning company is mopping the floor of an office. The area is wet, and a person enters without noticing the warning sign. The person slips and is injured.

The customer or injured person may file a claim against the cleaning company. General Liability may help with certain covered claims, subject to the policy terms and limits.

Example: Damage to an expensive floor

An employee uses the wrong product on a hardwood floor and damages the finish.

The business may receive a claim for the cost of repairing or replacing the floor. Coverage depends on the circumstances of the incident and the exclusions in the policy.

Example: Damage to a computer

During an office cleaning service, an employee spills liquid on a computer or electronic device.

General Liability may be relevant to a covered claim involving damage to third-party property.

Example: Broken window

A worker accidentally breaks a window while cleaning the inside of a property.

The business may face a claim for the repair or replacement cost. The applicable coverage depends on the work performed and the policy language.

What May General Liability Cover for a Cleaning Company?

Coverage area	Possible protection	Cleaning company example
Bodily injury	Claims involving injuries to third parties	A customer slips on a wet floor
Property damage	Damage to someone else’s property	An employee damages furniture
Products-completed operations	Certain claims made after the service is completed	A product used during cleaning later causes damage
Personal and advertising injury	Certain personal or advertising-related claims	A claim covered by the policy
Legal defense	Defense of covered claims	The business receives a lawsuit

General Liability does not automatically replace Workers’ Compensation, Commercial Auto, equipment coverage, Employee Dishonesty coverage, or Professional Liability.

Does General Liability Cover Damage Caused by Cleaning Products?

Coverage may depend on the cause of the damage, the product used, the operation performed, and the exclusions in the policy.

Cleaning businesses may use:

Disinfectants.
Detergents.
Degreasers.
Bathroom cleaners.
Floor waxes.
Polishes.
Strippers.
Carpet-cleaning solutions.
Glass-cleaning products.
Oven cleaners.
Mold-treatment products.
Pressure-washing chemicals.

The business should tell the insurance company which products it uses and how those products are stored, transported, and applied.

A company should not assume that every chemical-related loss, contamination claim, or exposure incident is automatically covered under General Liability.

Chemical and Disinfection Insurance

Companies that offer disinfection, sanitization, or specialized cleaning may face risks involving:

Spills.
Improper use of products.
Mixing chemicals.
Incorrect storage.
Employee exposure.
Customer exposure.
Damage to surfaces.
Damage to plants or animals.
Contamination of an area.
Applying products to the wrong location.

The company should maintain clear procedures for:

Storing products.
Labeling containers.
Transporting substances.
Using protective equipment.
Training employees.
Responding to spills.
Avoiding incompatible chemical mixtures.
Protecting unauthorized areas.
Ventilating spaces.
Disposing of waste.
Documenting products used.

The appropriate coverage depends on the business operations, products, application methods, and policy terms.

Workers’ Compensation for Cleaning Companies

Cleaning employees may face physical and chemical risks during their work.

Potential hazards include:

Slips and falls.
Cuts.
Burns.
Back injuries.
Lifting heavy objects.
Chemical exposure.
Eye or skin irritation.
Vacuum and floor-machine use.
Ladder work.
Elevated work.
Repetitive movements.
Vehicle accidents.
Injuries while moving furniture.
Falls on wet floors.

Workers’ Compensation may help with certain covered work-related injuries and illnesses according to applicable requirements and policy terms.

It may provide benefits related to:

Medical treatment.
Rehabilitation.
Lost wages.
Disability.
Work-related injuries.

General Liability vs. Workers’ Compensation

Situation	Coverage that may apply
A customer slips on a wet floor	General Liability
An employee is injured while working	Workers’ Compensation
A company vehicle causes an accident	Commercial Auto
Cleaning equipment is stolen	Inland Marine or equipment coverage
An employee steals a customer’s property	Employee Dishonesty or Crime Coverage
The company’s business location is damaged	Commercial Property

Workers’ Compensation requirements may depend on the business structure, number of employees, payroll, classifications, and applicable rules. A cleaning company should review its situation with a licensed insurance professional.

Insurance for Cleaning Companies with Employees

When a cleaning company hires workers, it should review insurance related to:

Payroll.
Employee classifications.
Workers’ Compensation.
General Liability.
Commercial Auto.
Employee supervision.
Safety training.
Independent contractors.
Subcontractors.
Hiring procedures.
Workplace policies.

The business should also verify that individuals classified as independent contractors meet the applicable requirements.

If the company uses subcontractors, it may be appropriate to request a Certificate of Insurance to verify that they carry their own coverage.

Do I Need Insurance If I Clean Houses by Myself?

A business owner who works alone may still face significant claims and losses.

Potential risks include:

Damage to a customer’s property.
Chemical spills.
Damage to flooring or furniture.
Auto accidents.
Stolen tools.
Injuries to customers or visitors.
Claims involving missing items.
Damage during deep cleaning.
Claims related to products used.

A solo cleaning contractor may evaluate:

General Liability.
Commercial Auto.
Hired and Non-Owned Auto.
Tools and Equipment Coverage.
Inland Marine.
Commercial Property.
Janitorial Bond.
Crime Coverage.
Professional Liability.

Not having employees does not eliminate the possibility of a lawsuit or property loss.

Commercial Auto for Cleaning Companies

Cleaning companies often use vehicles to transport:

Vacuums.
Mops.
Buckets.
Ladders.
Floor machines.
Pressure washers.
Cleaning chemicals.
Steam equipment.
Industrial vacuums.
Paper products.
Uniforms.
Employees.
Cleaning supplies.

If a van, pickup truck, or other vehicle is primarily used for business purposes, Commercial Auto should be evaluated.

Common vehicles used by cleaning businesses

Cargo vans.
Work vans.
Pickup trucks.
Box trucks.
Utility vehicles.
Trailers.
Vehicles with installed shelving.
Vehicles transporting large cleaning equipment.

Commercial Auto may include

Depending on the policy:

Auto Liability.
Collision.
Comprehensive.
Uninsured Motorist.
Underinsured Motorist.
Hired Auto.
Non-Owned Auto.
Towing and Labor.
Physical Damage.

Example: Accident while traveling to a customer

An employee drives a company van to an office and causes an accident.

Commercial Auto Liability may help with certain covered claims involving bodily injury or property damage to others, subject to policy limits and conditions.

The employee’s personal auto policy may not replace the company’s need for commercial auto coverage.

Hired and Non-Owned Auto for Cleaning Businesses

Some cleaning companies use vehicles that are not owned by the company.

Hired Auto

Hired Auto may be relevant when the company rents a vehicle for business purposes.

Non-Owned Auto

Non-Owned Auto may be relevant when an employee uses a personal vehicle for business activities.

Examples include:

Buying cleaning supplies.
Picking up equipment.
Transporting materials.
Visiting a customer.
Delivering documents.
Inspecting a property.

The company should disclose how vehicles are used and who drives them.

Does Auto Insurance Cover Cleaning Equipment?

Not necessarily.

An auto insurance policy may protect the vehicle, but the equipment being transported may require separate coverage.

Cleaning equipment may include:

Commercial vacuums.
Carpet-cleaning machines.
Floor polishers.
Pressure washers.
Steam cleaners.
Ladders.
Generators.
Extractors.
Compressors.
Disinfection equipment.
Power washers.
Hand tools.

Ask whether the equipment is covered:

Inside the van.
During transportation.
At the customer’s property.
At a temporary jobsite.
Overnight.
Inside a trailer.
While connected or in use.

Inland Marine Insurance for Cleaning Equipment

Inland Marine Insurance may be important for companies that move tools and equipment between different properties.

It may help protect mobile property such as:

Vacuums.
Floor polishers.
Carpet extractors.
Steam equipment.
Pressure washers.
Generators.
Ladders.
Disinfection equipment.
Specialized tools.
Equipment temporarily stored at a jobsite.

Example: Cleaning equipment stolen from a vehicle

A company leaves a locked van in a parking lot overnight. The next morning, several machines are missing.

The vehicle policy may not automatically cover all of the equipment. The company should review whether it has Inland Marine or specific tools and equipment coverage.

Information useful for insuring equipment

Prepare:

Equipment inventory.
Brand and model.
Serial numbers.
Receipts.
Photographs.
Purchase dates.
Replacement values.
Storage locations.
Security procedures.
Whether equipment is owned, rented, leased, or financed.

Janitorial Bonds and Cleaning Bonds

Some customers request a Janitorial Bond or Cleaning Bond before hiring a cleaning company.

A bond is not exactly the same as General Liability insurance.

A bond may be connected to certain contractual obligations or dishonest acts, depending on the type of bond and its conditions.

Customers may request a bond because cleaning employees may have access to:

Homes.
Offices.
Money.
Files.
Keys.
Equipment.
Private property.
Restricted areas.
Confidential information.

The business should confirm what type of bond the customer requires and what that bond specifically covers.

Employee Dishonesty and Crime Insurance

Cleaning employees may have access to customer properties. For this reason, some businesses evaluate Employee Dishonesty Coverage or Crime Insurance.

These coverages may be relevant to certain claims involving:

Employee theft.
Missing property.
Fraud.
Misuse of money.
Misappropriation of property.
Unauthorized access.
Dishonest acts.

General Liability is generally not designed to automatically cover intentional or dishonest acts by employees.

Coverage depends on the policy definitions, limits, exclusions, and available documentation.

Loss or Theft of Customer Property

A cleaning company may receive a claim from a customer who says that an item disappeared after a cleaning service.

To reduce risks, the company may establish:

Before-service inventories.
Photographs of sensitive areas.
Check-in and check-out records.
Appropriate screening procedures, where permitted by law.
Employee supervision.
Restricted access to unauthorized areas.
Key-control procedures.
Key-return records.
Written incident reports.
Clear communication with the customer.

The applicable insurance depends on the cause of the claim and the coverage purchased.

Commercial Property for Cleaning Companies

Commercial Property Insurance may help protect the company’s office, warehouse, or storage location.

Commercial property may include:

The building.
Cleaning equipment.
Inventory.
Cleaning products.
Computers.
Furniture.
Shelving.
Uniforms.
Marketing materials.
Security systems.
Improvements to the premises.
Tools stored at the location.

A company that stores chemical products should disclose how the materials are stored and what safety procedures are in place.

Equipment regularly transported to customer locations may require Inland Marine or another form of mobile property coverage.

Business Owner’s Policy for Cleaning Companies

A Business Owner’s Policy, commonly called a BOP, may combine certain commercial coverages into one package.

A BOP may include some combination of:

General Liability.
Commercial Property.
Business Income.
Additional endorsements.

A small cleaning company may qualify for a BOP, but eligibility depends on factors such as:

Services provided.
Revenue.
Number of employees.
Type of location.
Chemical use.
Elevated work.
Industrial cleaning.
Claims history.
Size of the business.

A BOP does not automatically replace:

Commercial Auto.
Workers’ Compensation.
Inland Marine.
Janitorial Bonds.
Employee Dishonesty.
Professional Liability.
Pollution Liability.
Commercial Umbrella.

Business Income for Cleaning Companies

If a covered event damages the company’s office, warehouse, or primary equipment and forces it to suspend operations, Business Income Coverage may help with certain lost income and continuing expenses.

Potential expenses may include:

Rent.
Payroll.
Utilities.
Loan payments.
Temporary storage.
Administrative costs.
Expenses needed to resume operations.

A cleaning company may continue serving some customers, but losing its equipment, vehicles, inventory, or storage facility can seriously reduce its ability to operate.

Professional Liability for Cleaning Companies

Professional Liability may be relevant when the company provides specialized services, technical recommendations, or consulting related to cleaning and maintenance.

It may be worth evaluating when the business provides:

Cleaning consulting.
Specialized disinfection programs.
Product recommendations.
Maintenance plans.
Process-management services.
Technical cleaning.
Cleaning services for specialized facilities.
Recommendations intended to prevent contamination.
Services with specific contractual requirements.

General Liability and Professional Liability may address different types of claims.

Pollution Liability for Cleaning Companies

Pollution Liability may be relevant to businesses that handle chemicals, mold, contaminated materials, waste, disinfection products, or specialized cleanup operations.

It may be especially important to evaluate if the company performs:

Flood cleanup.
Mold remediation.
Contaminated-material cleanup.
Specialized disinfection.
Industrial cleaning.
Spill cleanup.
Waste removal.
Chemical treatment.
Ventilation-system cleaning.
Environmental remediation services.

General Liability policies may contain pollution-related exclusions. The company should review its operations with an insurance professional.

Insurance for Window Cleaning and Elevated Work

Window cleaning may involve risks related to:

Ladders.
Scaffolding.
Lifts.
Roofs.
Ropes.
Platforms.
Slippery surfaces.
Multi-story buildings.
Falling objects.
Injuries to people below the work area.

If the company performs elevated window cleaning, it should disclose those operations when applying for insurance.

Safety procedures may include:

Ladder inspections.
Fall protection.
Proper equipment use.
Clearly marked work areas.
Protection for pedestrians.
Communication with the customer.
Secure tool storage.
Prevention of falling objects.

Insurance for Carpet and Floor Cleaning

Carpet and floor cleaning can cause damage when the business uses:

Extraction machines.
Steam.
Chemicals.
Waxes.
Polishes.
Strippers.
High-pressure equipment.
Specialized cleaning solutions.
Drying systems.

Potential claims may involve:

Discoloration.
Stains.
Fiber damage.
Finish damage.
Excessive moisture.
Mold.
Hardwood floor damage.
Furniture damage.
Damage to delicate flooring.

The company should follow manufacturer instructions and train employees to use products and equipment correctly.

Insurance for Post-Construction Cleaning

Businesses that clean properties after construction or remodeling may face additional risks involving:

Dust.
Debris.
Nails.
Glass.
Unattended tools.
Hazardous materials.
Unfinished surfaces.
Electrical cords.
Ladders.
Other contractors’ equipment.
Unstable areas.

These operations should be accurately disclosed. The company may need to review General Liability, Workers’ Compensation, Commercial Auto, tools and equipment coverage, and the requirements of the general contractor.

Residential vs. Commercial Cleaning

Residential cleaning

Residential cleaning may involve:

Houses.
Apartments.
Condominiums.
Rental properties.
Vacant homes.
Properties being prepared for sale.

Potential risks include:

Furniture damage.
Floor damage.
Access to personal belongings.
Lost keys.
Pets.
Children.
Stairs.
Chemical products.
Claims involving missing property.

Commercial cleaning

Commercial cleaning may involve:

Offices.
Restaurants.
Retail stores.
Schools.
Gyms.
Hotels.
Medical facilities.
Warehouses.
Industrial buildings.
Apartment complexes.

Commercial customers may require:

Higher liability limits.
Certificate of Insurance.
Additional Insured status.
Workers’ Compensation.
Commercial Auto.
Janitorial Bond.
Employee Dishonesty coverage.
Waiver of Subrogation.
Employee-screening procedures.
Safety documentation.

Certificate of Insurance for Cleaning Companies

A Certificate of Insurance, or COI, summarizes certain active insurance policies.

A customer may request a COI before:

Signing a contract.
Allowing access to a property.
Hiring a cleaning company.
Hiring a subcontractor.
Cleaning a commercial building.
Providing services at an apartment complex.
Working for a property management company.

A COI may show:

The business’s legal name.
The insurance company.
The type of coverage.
Policy limits.
Effective dates.
General Liability.
Commercial Auto.
Workers’ Compensation.
Additional Insured status, when applicable.

A COI does not replace the insurance policy and does not create coverage that was not issued.

Additional Insured for Cleaning Businesses

A property owner, property manager, general contractor, or commercial customer may request to be listed as an Additional Insured.

The request should be reviewed to confirm:

The exact legal name.
The property address.
The work location.
Contract dates.
Required coverage.
Covered operations.
Products-completed operations.
Required endorsement.
Any additional premium.

Not every customer can be added automatically. The request must comply with the policy and contract.

How Much Does Cleaning Company Insurance Cost?

The cost varies based on the business’s operations.

Factors that may influence the premium include:

Annual revenue.
Payroll.
Number of employees.
Type of cleaning.
Residential or commercial work.
Industrial cleaning.
Chemical use.
Window cleaning.
Elevated work.
Carpet cleaning.
Floor cleaning.
Pressure washing.
Disinfection.
Number of vehicles.
Vehicle types.
Equipment values.
Claims history.
Policy limits.
Deductibles.
Location.
Service area.
Subcontractor use.
Business experience.
Customer contract requirements.

A person who cleans homes independently may receive a different quote than a company with several employees that performs overnight cleaning in commercial buildings.

The best way to determine the cost is to request a personalized quote using accurate information about the business.

How to Reduce Cleaning Company Insurance Costs

Train employees

Training may include:

Proper product use.
Reading labels.
Chemical handling.
Personal protective equipment.
Slip-and-fall prevention.
Ladder safety.
Safe lifting.
Protecting furniture and surfaces.
Incident-reporting procedures.
Safe driving.

Use warning signs

Place visible signs when there are:

Wet floors.
Recently waxed areas.
Freshly treated surfaces.
Slippery areas.
Restricted zones.
Cords or equipment on the floor.

Maintain equipment inventories

Record:

Brand.
Model.
Serial number.
Purchase date.
Value.
Photographs.
Location.
Employee responsible for the equipment.

Secure chemical products

Use:

Properly labeled containers.
Locked storage areas.
Appropriate secondary containers.
Separation of incompatible products.
Safety data sheets.
Employee training.
Spill-response procedures.

Use appropriate hiring procedures

Depending on applicable law, the business may establish appropriate hiring and screening procedures, especially when employees enter homes, offices, and private areas.

Maintain company vehicles

Inspect:

Brakes.
Tires.
Lights.
Doors.
Shelving.
Trailers.
Tie-down systems.
Installed equipment.
Cargo areas.

Compare equivalent quotes

Compare similar limits, deductibles, exclusions, endorsements, and conditions. The least expensive policy may provide less protection.

Update the policy as the company grows

Notify the insurance professional when the company:

Hires employees.
Purchases a van.
Adds industrial cleaning.
Begins window cleaning.
Starts elevated work.
Purchases expensive equipment.
Adds disinfection services.
Signs commercial contracts.
Begins using new products.
Increases its revenue.

Common Cleaning Company Insurance Mistakes

Operating without General Liability

A single property-damage claim or customer injury can create significant expenses.

Using personal insurance for business operations

Personal policies may not be designed for a commercial cleaning business.

Failing to insure equipment

Commercial vacuums, floor machines, extractors, and pressure washers can represent a substantial investment.

Not disclosing chemical use

The insurance company should know what products and procedures the company uses.

Failing to report elevated work

Window cleaning, roof cleaning, and multi-story work can change the risk profile.

Failing to protect customer keys

Lost or misused keys may create security problems and customer claims.

Failing to document delicate property

Photographs of furniture, surfaces, equipment, and sensitive areas before service may help establish their condition before the work begins.

Not obtaining a Certificate of Insurance

Commercial customers may require proof of insurance before granting access or signing a contract.

Not verifying subcontractors

The business may face problems if it uses subcontractors who do not carry appropriate insurance.

Storing chemicals incorrectly

Improper storage can cause spills, reactions, exposure, or property damage.

Choosing limits that are too low

Limits should reflect the types of customers, value of the property, and size of the contracts.

Practical Cleaning Business Scenarios

“I clean houses by myself.”

You may evaluate General Liability, Commercial Auto, equipment coverage, and a Janitorial Bond even if you have no employees.

“I have a van full of vacuums and cleaning products.”

Evaluate Commercial Auto and Inland Marine. The vehicle policy may not automatically cover every piece of equipment and product inside the van.

“I clean offices overnight.”

You may need General Liability, Commercial Auto, Workers’ Compensation, Employee Dishonesty coverage, and a Certificate of Insurance.

“I work for property managers.”

The customer may request specific limits, Additional Insured status, Workers’ Compensation, a Janitorial Bond, and proof of insurance.

“I provide window-cleaning services.”

Disclose whether you use ladders, lifts, scaffolding, roofs, ropes, or other elevated-work equipment.

“I provide disinfection services.”

Disclose the products used, application methods, employee training, personal protective equipment, and safety procedures.

“A customer says I damaged a floor.”

Document the damage, notify the insurance company, and avoid admitting responsibility before receiving guidance about the claim.

“An employee was injured while working.”

Follow the company’s established procedures, obtain medical attention when appropriate, and report the incident according to applicable requirements.

“A customer says an item disappeared.”

Record the details, preserve service records, and notify the insurance company if appropriate.

“Cleaning equipment was stolen.”

Review Inland Marine, Tools and Equipment, Crime Coverage, and Commercial Property coverage.

Cleaning Company Insurance Quote Checklist

Prepare the following information before requesting a quote:

Legal business name.
Trade name.
Business address.
Business entity type.
Business start date.
Description of all services.
Annual revenue.
Payroll.
Number of employees.
Use of subcontractors.
Residential cleaning.
Commercial cleaning.
Industrial cleaning.
Office cleaning.
Window cleaning.
Carpet cleaning.
Floor cleaning.
Pressure washing.
Disinfection.
Post-construction cleaning.
Elevated work.
Chemical products used.
Storage procedures.
Vehicle list.
Driver information.
Driving history.
Equipment list.
Tool values.
Storage locations.
Security procedures.
Claims history.
Current policies.
Customer contracts.
Required limits.
Certificate of Insurance requirements.
Additional Insured requirements.
Janitorial Bond requirements.
Employee Dishonesty requirements.
Desired deductibles.
Desired effective date.

Questions to Ask an Insurance Agent

Before purchasing a policy, ask:

What insurance does my cleaning company need?
Does General Liability cover all of my current services?
Is commercial cleaning included?
Is industrial cleaning included?
Is elevated work included?
Is window cleaning included?
Are the cleaning chemicals covered?
Do I need Pollution Liability?
Are my vacuums and equipment insured?
Do I need Inland Marine?
Do I need Commercial Auto?
Are my trailers covered?
What happens if an employee drives a company van?
Do I need Workers’ Compensation?
Is employee theft covered?
Do I need a Janitorial Bond?
Can I obtain a Certificate of Insurance?
Can I add a customer as an Additional Insured?
What exclusions apply?
What is my deductible?
What are my liability limits?
What happens if I purchase a new machine?
What happens if I hire more employees?
How should I report a new service?
What documents are needed after a claim?

What Should You Do After a Cleaning Accident?

If an accident occurs during a cleaning service:

Protect people in the area.
Stop work if continuing could increase the damage.
Place warning signs or restrict access when appropriate.
Contact emergency services if there is an emergency.
Take photographs and videos when it is safe to do so.
Record the date, time, location, and circumstances.
Obtain witness information.
Preserve products, equipment, and materials related to the incident.
Do not admit fault or promise payment without appropriate guidance.
Notify the insurance company as soon as possible.
Cooperate with the claim investigation.
Preserve communications and documents related to the customer.

Always follow the notice and claim procedures contained in the policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is cleaning company insurance?

Cleaning company insurance is a group of commercial insurance policies that may protect cleaning businesses against claims involving injuries, property damage, vehicle accidents, stolen equipment, chemical products, employees, and services performed at customer locations.

What insurance does a cleaning company need?

Many cleaning companies should evaluate General Liability, Commercial Auto, Workers’ Compensation, and tools and equipment coverage. Depending on their services, they may also need a Janitorial Bond, Employee Dishonesty coverage, Inland Marine, Pollution Liability, Professional Liability, Commercial Property, and Commercial Umbrella coverage.

Is insurance required for a cleaning company?

Requirements may depend on the business structure, employees, vehicles, contracts, customers, and applicable rules. Many commercial customers require proof of insurance before hiring a cleaning company.

Does General Liability cover damage to a customer’s property?

General Liability may respond to certain covered claims involving accidental damage to third-party property, subject to policy limits, exclusions, deductibles, and conditions.

Do I need Commercial Auto for a cleaning van?

Possibly. If the van is used to transport employees, equipment, cleaning products, or business materials, Commercial Auto should be evaluated.

Does auto insurance cover my vacuums and cleaning equipment?

Not necessarily. Vacuums, floor machines, extractors, and other equipment may require Inland Marine or specific tools and equipment coverage.

Do I need Workers’ Compensation if I work alone?

Requirements depend on the business structure and applicable rules. Even if you work alone, you may need General Liability, Commercial Auto, equipment coverage, and other commercial policies.

Do cleaning employees need Workers’ Compensation?

Requirements depend on the company’s circumstances and applicable rules. Businesses with employees should review Workers’ Compensation and maintain accurate payroll and employee information.

What is a Janitorial Bond?

A Janitorial Bond is a type of surety product that some customers request from cleaning companies. It is not exactly the same as General Liability insurance, and its conditions depend on the type of bond purchased.

What is Employee Dishonesty Coverage?

Employee Dishonesty Coverage may be relevant to certain claims involving dishonest acts or theft committed by employees, subject to the policy definitions, limits, exclusions, and documentation requirements.

How much does cleaning company insurance cost?

The cost depends on revenue, employees, services, vehicles, equipment, chemical products, location, claims history, limits, and deductibles. A personalized quote is the best way to determine the price.

Do I need insurance if I only clean houses?

You should evaluate commercial protection even if you work alone and only clean houses. Potential risks include damage to furniture, floors, equipment, personal belongings, and customer injuries.

Do I need insurance to clean offices?

Office cleaning may require General Liability, Commercial Auto, Workers’ Compensation, Employee Dishonesty coverage, a Janitorial Bond, and a Certificate of Insurance, depending on the contract.

Is damage caused by cleaning chemicals covered?

Coverage depends on the policy, product used, cause of damage, and exclusions. All chemicals and disinfection services should be disclosed to the insurance professional.

Do I need special insurance for window cleaning?

Window cleaning may involve additional risks when ladders, lifts, scaffolding, roofs, ropes, or elevated work are involved. These activities should be disclosed when applying for insurance.

Can I obtain a Certificate of Insurance?

Yes. An insurance professional can help request a certificate showing certain active policies, limits, and effective dates.

Can I add a customer as an Additional Insured?

It may be possible when the policy and contract allow it. The legal name, dates, property, operations, and required endorsement should be reviewed.

What happens if an employee steals property from a customer?

Document the claim, review whether the business has Employee Dishonesty or Crime Coverage, and notify the insurance company according to the policy requirements.

What should I do if a customer slips on a wet floor?

Protect the person, arrange medical assistance when appropriate, document the incident, preserve witness information, avoid admitting fault, and notify the insurance company.

Is a BOP appropriate for a cleaning company?

Some small cleaning businesses may qualify for a BOP, but not all do. A BOP generally does not replace Commercial Auto, Workers’ Compensation, Inland Marine, Janitorial Bonds, or specialized chemical-related coverage.

Conclusion

Cleaning company insurance is an important part of protecting any business that works inside homes, offices, restaurants, commercial buildings, and other customer properties.

Cleaning companies may face risks involving:

Wet floors.
Chemical products.
Furniture damage.
Floor damage.
Broken windows.
Electronic equipment.
Stolen tools.
Employees.
Vehicles.
Elevated work.
Carpet cleaning.
Disinfection.
Customer property.
Missing-property claims.
Commercial contracts.

Coverage options to evaluate may include:

General Liability.
Commercial Auto.
Workers’ Compensation.
Inland Marine.
Tools and Equipment coverage.
Commercial Property.
Business Owner’s Policy.
Janitorial Bond.
Employee Dishonesty.
Crime Insurance.
Professional Liability.
Pollution Liability.
Commercial Umbrella.
Certificate of Insurance.
Additional Insured endorsements.

Do not choose a policy based only on the monthly price. The insurance company should understand the services you provide, products you use, vehicles you operate, equipment you transport, employees you hire, and contracts you must satisfy.

If you own a residential, commercial, industrial, office-cleaning, window-cleaning, carpet-cleaning, floor-care, pressure-washing, or disinfection business, Top Insurance LLC can help you review commercial insurance options for your operations.

Top Insurance LLC

Phone: (877) 579-0587
Website: www.topinsus.com
Commercial insurance: comercial.topinsus.com
Request a quote: cotiza.topinsus.com

Cleaning Company Insurance: A Complete Guide to Protecting Your Business