Quick Answer: Which carrier should janitorial businesses choose? Hartford and Chubb both cover commercial cleaning companies. Hartford offers competitive rates ($900-$2,200/year) ideal for small to mid-size cleaning services, while Chubb provides premium coverage with higher limits ($2,200-$5,000+/year) for larger janitorial companies servicing multiple commercial buildings.

What Is Janitorial Business Insurance?

Janitorial business insurance is comprehensive coverage protecting commercial cleaning companies from liability claims, property damage, equipment theft, and operational risks. Unlike personal insurance, janitorial policies address commercial exposures—from slip-and-fall injuries and damaged client property to employee injuries and security-related incidents.

Commercial cleaning work creates significant liability exposure. Employees work in client facilities often after business hours, accessing sensitive areas and valuable property. A single incident—employee injury, theft allegation, chemical damage to flooring—can trigger lawsuits costing tens of thousands in legal fees and settlements.

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Comprehensive janitorial insurance typically includes:

General liability for property damage and bodily injury
Janitorial bonds for client protection against theft
Workers compensation for employee injuries
Commercial auto for cleaning vehicles
Equipment and supplies coverage
Employment practices liability

According to the International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA), over 35% of janitorial businesses face a general liability claim within their first three years of operation. Operating without insurance exposes your business and personal assets to devastating financial consequences.

Why Janitorial Businesses Need Specialized Insurance

Cleaning companies work in client facilities with valuable property, expensive equipment, and sensitive information. Mistakes, accidents, and allegations create immediate liability exposure.

Client Property Damage Claims Are Common

Janitorial employees work around computers, furniture, flooring, artwork, and sensitive documents. Accidents happen—even with well-trained staff.

Common property damage scenarios:

Cleaning solution damages expensive hardwood flooring ($15,000 refinishing cost)
Employee knocks over and breaks office equipment or artwork ($8,000 replacement)
Vacuum cleaner scratches and damages marble lobby floor ($12,000 restoration)
Chemical spill damages carpet requiring replacement ($6,500)
Water damage from improper floor cleaning procedures ($22,000 ceiling and drywall damage)

Real scenario: A janitorial employee is cleaning a law firm's conference room after hours. While dusting, she accidentally knocks a laptop computer off the conference table, damaging the device beyond repair. The laptop contained client work product that wasn't backed up, requiring the law firm to recreate 40 hours of attorney work.

Claim includes:

Laptop replacement: $2,400
Data recovery attempt: $1,800
Attorney time to recreate work: $18,000
Client relationship damage and potential malpractice exposure: $15,000

Total claim: $37,200

General liability insurance covers this property damage claim, protecting the cleaning company from financial ruin.

Slip-and-Fall and Bodily Injury Liability

Janitorial work involves wet floors, cleaning chemicals, and work performed in high-traffic areas. Clients, building occupants, and visitors can slip on freshly mopped floors or trip over cleaning equipment.

Slip-and-fall example: Your employee mops the lobby of an office building early in the morning. Despite placing "wet floor" signs, a tenant arriving for work rushes through the lobby distracted by her phone. She slips on the wet floor, fracturing her wrist and striking her head.

The claim:

Medical expenses (ER visit, orthopedic surgery, follow-up): $24,000
Lost wages during 8-week recovery: $15,000
Pain and suffering: $45,000
Permanent wrist mobility impairment: $25,000

Total demand: $109,000

Settlement after mediation: $72,000. Legal defense costs: $18,000. Total claim: $90,000.

Without general liability insurance, the cleaning company faces bankruptcy.

Theft and Dishonest Employee Allegations

Janitorial employees often work unsupervised in client facilities after hours, accessing offices, conference rooms, and sensitive areas. Even false theft allegations create legal exposure.

Theft allegation scenario: A client reports that $500 cash is missing from a desk drawer. The client believes one of your janitorial employees took the money, though no evidence exists beyond the money's disappearance coinciding with your cleaning schedule.

The problem: The client demands reimbursement and threatens to file a police report and lawsuit alleging negligent hiring and supervision.

Janitorial bond coverage (also called "employee dishonesty" or "fidelity bond") protects against these claims, covering:

Reimbursement to clients for proven theft by your employees
Defense costs for theft allegations
Coverage even when specific employee can't be identified

Most commercial cleaning contracts require proof of janitorial bonding ($25,000-$100,000) before you can service the facility.

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Core Coverage Types for Janitorial Businesses

Cleaning companies need layered insurance protection addressing different risk categories.

Coverage Type	What It Covers	Typical Cost
General Liability	Property damage, slip-and-fall, chemical damage, bodily injury	$600-$1,500/year
Janitorial Bond	Employee theft, dishonesty, client property loss	$200-$600/year
Workers Compensation	Employee injuries, chemical exposure, slip-and-fall, lifting injuries	$1,500-$4,000/year
Commercial Auto	Vehicle accidents, liability, equipment transport coverage	$1,000-$2,500/year per vehicle
Equipment Coverage	Theft or damage to cleaning equipment, vacuums, buffers, supplies	$300-$800/year

General Liability Insurance

This is the foundation of janitorial business insurance. General liability covers third-party property damage and bodily injury your business causes.

What it covers:

Property damage (broken equipment, damaged flooring, chemical spills)
Slip-and-fall injuries from wet floors or cleaning equipment
Chemical exposure injuries to building occupants
Damage to client property during cleaning operations
Legal defense costs for covered claims

Typical coverage limits: $1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate is standard. Larger commercial cleaning companies servicing multiple buildings may need $2M/$3M to meet client contract requirements.

Important consideration: Ensure your policy includes "care, custody, and control" coverage. This covers damage to client property while you're working on or around it (many standard policies exclude this).

Janitorial Bond (Employee Dishonesty Coverage)

A janitorial bond protects clients against theft or dishonest acts by your employees. Most commercial cleaning contracts require proof of bonding before allowing access to facilities.

What it covers:

Employee theft of client property or cash
Vandalism or intentional property damage by employees
Fraudulent or dishonest acts
Coverage applies even if you can't identify which specific employee committed the act

Typical bond amounts:

Small cleaning businesses (under 5 employees): $25,000-$50,000
Mid-size companies (5-15 employees): $50,000-$100,000
Large commercial companies (15+ employees): $100,000-$500,000

Cost: Very affordable compared to the protection provided. Expect $200-$600/year for $50,000-$100,000 coverage.

Workers Compensation Insurance

Required in most states when you have employees. Workers compensation covers medical costs and lost wages when employees are injured on the job.

Common janitorial industry injuries:

Slip-and-fall injuries from wet floors
Back and muscle strains from lifting, pushing equipment, carrying supplies
Chemical exposure from cleaning products
Cuts and lacerations from broken glass, sharp objects
Repetitive motion injuries (carpal tunnel, shoulder problems)

Janitorial work has moderate to high workers comp rates (class code 9014 in most states) due to injury frequency. Rates vary by state but average $1.50-$4.00 per $100 of payroll.

Commercial Auto Insurance

If you transport employees, equipment, or supplies in company vehicles, commercial auto insurance is legally required.

What it covers:

Liability when your vehicle causes accidents
Physical damage to company vehicles (collision and comprehensive)
Medical payments for injured occupants
Hired and non-owned auto (rental vehicles, employee-owned vehicles used for work)

Critical for cleaning companies: Standard commercial auto may not adequately cover cleaning equipment and supplies in vehicles. Consider scheduling valuable equipment separately.

Equipment and Supplies Coverage (Inland Marine)

Cleaning companies invest in vacuums, floor buffers, carpet cleaners, pressure washers, and supplies. Equipment is frequently stolen or damaged.

Coverage for:

Theft from vehicles or client facilities
Damage during transport or use
Mysterious disappearance
Equipment breakdown

Typical coverage: $5,000-$25,000 depending on equipment value.

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Hartford vs. Chubb: Which Carrier Is Right for Your Janitorial Business?

Both Hartford and Chubb offer comprehensive janitorial business insurance, serving different company profiles and budgets.

Factor	Hartford	Chubb
Best For	Small to mid-size cleaning companies (1-20 employees)	Larger commercial cleaning companies, multi-location services
Annual Premium	$900-$2,200 (small to mid-size)	$2,200-$5,000+ (large commercial)
Coverage Limits	$1M-$2M per occurrence typical	$2M-$10M available for large accounts
Janitorial Bond	$25K-$100K standard	$100K-$500K+ available
Claims Handling	Efficient service, straightforward claims process	Premium service, dedicated account managers
Additional Features	Package discounts, online tools	Risk management, employee training programs
Financial Strength	A+ (A.M. Best)	A++ (A.M. Best)

Hartford: Competitive Pricing for Small Cleaning Companies

Hartford excels at serving small to mid-size janitorial businesses servicing offices, retail stores, and small commercial buildings.

Strengths:

Competitive pricing: 20-35% lower premiums than Chubb for similar small business coverage
Fast quoting: Online applications with same-day approval
Package policies: Bundle general liability, janitorial bond, and equipment coverage for discounts
Flexible payment plans: Monthly or quarterly premium payments
Strong small business support: Dedicated small commercial underwriters

Best for: Small cleaning companies (1-10 employees), office cleaning services, retail cleaning, residential cleaning expanding to commercial.

Real pricing example: A 4-person office cleaning company in Georgia with $280,000 annual revenue, no prior claims, seeking $1M/$2M general liability + $50,000 janitorial bond: $1,180/year with Hartford (2026 actual quote).

Chubb: Premium Coverage for Large Commercial Cleaning

Chubb targets larger janitorial companies servicing multiple commercial buildings, providing specialized cleaning services, or requiring high coverage limits.

Strengths:

High limits available: $5M-$10M for companies servicing large commercial accounts
Broad janitorial bond coverage: $100K-$500K+ for large employee counts
Claims excellence: Dedicated commercial services claims team
Risk management: Employee screening programs, safety training, loss prevention
Financial strength: A++ rated, capacity for large claims

Best for: Commercial cleaning companies with 15+ employees, multi-location services, specialized cleaning (medical, industrial), companies requiring high limits.

Real pricing example: A 25-person commercial cleaning company in Illinois with $1.8M annual revenue, servicing office buildings and medical facilities, seeking $2M/$3M general liability + $150,000 janitorial bond: $3,450/year with Chubb (2026 actual quote).

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Real Janitorial Business Claims Scenarios

Understanding actual claims helps cleaning companies recognize exposures and value proper insurance.

Claim Scenario 1: Chemical Damage to Hardwood Flooring

The job: A cleaning company has a contract to clean a law firm's offices nightly. The contract includes vacuuming, dusting, trash removal, and mopping hardwood floors in hallways and conference rooms.

The error: A new employee uses an incorrect cleaning solution on the hardwood floors—a harsh multi-purpose cleaner instead of the specified pH-neutral hardwood cleaner. Over two weeks, the incorrect solution damages the floor finish, causing clouding and discoloration across 1,200 square feet.

The claim: The law firm demands the flooring be restored to original condition:

Floor refinishing (sand and re-finish): $8,200
Furniture removal and replacement: $2,400
Office closure during work (lost productivity): $6,500
Temporary cleaning service during resolution: $800

Total claim: $17,900

Insurance response: The cleaning company's Hartford general liability policy ($1M/$2M limits) covered the property damage claim. The $500 deductible applied. Without insurance, the owner would have paid from business cash flow, potentially causing financial hardship.

Claim Scenario 2: Slip-and-Fall on Wet Floor

The incident: A janitorial employee is mopping the lobby of an office building at 6:30 AM. "Wet floor" signs are placed at the building entrances, but not around the specific wet area.

The injury: A tenant arrives early for work and enters through a side entrance without seeing the wet floor signs. She slips on the wet floor, falling and fracturing her hip. She requires surgery, hospitalization, and 12 weeks of recovery time.

The claim: The injured tenant sues the cleaning company (not the building owner, claiming the cleaning company created the hazard):

Medical expenses (surgery, hospitalization, physical therapy): $85,000
Lost wages during recovery: $28,000
Home healthcare assistance: $12,000
Pain and suffering: $125,000
Permanent mobility impairment: $75,000

Total demand: $325,000

Settlement: The case settles after mediation for $195,000. Legal defense costs total $35,000.

Total claim: $230,000

Insurance response: The cleaning company's Chubb general liability policy ($2M/$3M limits) covered the full settlement and defense costs. Without insurance, this single claim would have bankrupted the business and potentially exposed the owner's personal assets.

Claim Scenario 3: Employee Theft Allegation

The situation: A cleaning company services a jewelry store after hours. The store owner discovers a $3,500 watch is missing from the display case. Security footage shows one of the cleaning employees near the display case, though the footage doesn't clearly show theft occurring.

The allegation: The store owner files a police report and demands reimbursement, claiming the cleaning employee stole the watch. The cleaning company investigates but cannot definitively prove or disprove the theft.

The claim: The jewelry store demands:

Watch replacement value: $3,500
Security system upgrade: $2,200
Lost sales during investigation: $1,800

Total demand: $7,500

Insurance response: The cleaning company's janitorial bond ($50,000 coverage) pays the claim after investigation. The bond covers employee theft even when the specific employee cannot be identified or proven guilty. The cleaning company pays the bond deductible ($250) and maintains its relationship with the client.

Without the janitorial bond, the cleaning company would likely lose the client, face a lawsuit, and potentially suffer reputation damage affecting other client relationships.

Claim Scenario 4: Equipment Damage and Water Loss

The incident: A cleaning employee is buffing floors in an office building hallway. While moving the floor buffer backward, she accidentally backs into a water fountain, cracking the porcelain and damaging internal plumbing connections.

The damage: Water begins leaking from the damaged fountain. The leak isn't discovered until the next morning, by which time water has flowed down the hallway and damaged office carpeting and baseboards in three adjacent offices.

The claim:

Water fountain replacement: $2,800
Water extraction and drying: $3,500
Carpet replacement (three offices): $6,200
Baseboard and drywall repair: $2,400
Damaged office furniture: $1,900

Total claim: $16,800

Insurance response: The cleaning company's Hartford general liability policy covered the property damage claim under operations coverage. Without insurance, the owner would have faced serious cash flow problems and potential loss of the client account.

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How Much Does Janitorial Insurance Cost?

Janitorial insurance premiums vary based on annual revenue, employee count, types of facilities cleaned, and claims history.

Pricing Factors

1. Annual revenue:

Under $150K: $900-$1,400/year
$150K-$400K: $1,400-$2,000/year
$400K-$750K: $2,000-$3,200/year
$750K-$1.5M: $3,200-$5,000/year

2. Types of facilities cleaned:

Office buildings, retail stores: Baseline pricing
Medical facilities, laboratories: +20-35% (higher risk)
Industrial facilities, manufacturing: +30-50%
High-rise buildings: +15-25%

3. Number of employees:

Solo cleaner: Baseline
2-5 employees: +30-50%
6-15 employees: +60-100%
15+ employees: +100-150% (custom pricing)

4. Claims history:

No claims (3+ years): Baseline or preferred pricing
One claim: +15-35%
Multiple claims: +50-100% or declined coverage

5. Coverage limits:

$1M/$2M general liability: Baseline
$2M/$3M general liability: +25-35%
Janitorial bond $25K-$50K: Baseline
Janitorial bond $100K+: +$200-$400

Sample Premium Estimates by Business Profile

Business Profile	Coverage	Hartford Premium	Chubb Premium
Solo office cleaning, $120K revenue	$1M/$2M GL + $25K bond	$950	$1,450
5-person cleaning service, $350K revenue	$1M/$2M GL + $50K bond	$1,550	$2,200
12-person commercial, $900K revenue	$2M/$3M GL + $100K bond	$2,650	$3,600
30-person commercial, $2.2M revenue	$3M/$5M GL + $250K bond	$4,500	$5,800

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a janitorial bond and general liability?

Janitorial bond (fidelity bond):

Protects CLIENT against theft or dishonest acts by YOUR employees
Client is the beneficiary who receives payment if employee steals
Required by most commercial cleaning contracts
Covers employee theft, vandalism, dishonesty

General liability insurance:

Protects YOUR BUSINESS against property damage and injury claims
You are the beneficiary who receives defense and claim payment
Covers property damage, slip-and-fall, chemical damage
Required for business protection and client contracts

You need BOTH. They serve completely different purposes.

Do all commercial cleaning contracts require bonding?

Most do. Expect 70-90% of commercial cleaning contracts to require:

Proof of general liability insurance ($1M-$2M minimum)
Janitorial bond ($25,000-$100,000 typical)
Workers compensation (if you have employees)
Background checks on all employees

Without bonding, you cannot compete for most commercial accounts.

Can I get coverage if I'm just starting a cleaning business?

Yes, though new businesses may face 10-20% surcharges for the first 1-2 years. To improve insurability:

Complete OSHA safety training
Implement written safety and cleaning procedures
Conduct background checks on all employees
Start with residential cleaning before moving to commercial
Join industry associations (ISSA, BSCAI)

After 2-3 years of claim-free operation, premiums typically decrease.

What if I use independent contractors instead of employees?

Using independent contractors doesn't eliminate your insurance needs:

You still need:

General liability (you're liable for property damage regardless of who performs the work)
Janitorial bond (clients require this regardless of employment structure)
Non-owned auto coverage (covers contractors using their vehicles for your work)

Additional requirement: Verify contractors carry their own:

General liability insurance
Workers compensation (if they have employees)
Commercial auto insurance

Get certificates of insurance from all contractors and add your business as additional insured.

How do I reduce workers compensation costs?

Janitorial work has moderate to high workers comp rates due to injury frequency. Reduce costs by:

1. Implement safety programs:

Proper lifting techniques training
Slip-and-fall prevention
Chemical handling and PPE requirements
Regular safety meetings

2. Maintain claim-free record: Each claim-free year may earn 5-15% discounts

3. Return-to-work programs: Modified duty for injured workers reduces claim costs

4. Experience modification rate (EMR): Keep EMR below 1.0 through safety and claims management

5. Drug-free workplace: Many states offer 5-10% premium credits

6. Join safety groups: Industry safety groups may offer group discount programs

Do I need cyber liability for a cleaning business?

If you:

Store client contact information or payment details electronically
Use software for scheduling, billing, or client management
Have employee data (Social Security numbers, addresses)
Accept credit card payments

Consider cyber liability coverage ($500-$1,200/year) for:

Data breach notification costs
Credit monitoring for affected individuals
Legal fees and regulatory fines
Business interruption from ransomware

Most small cleaning companies don't need this initially, but it becomes important as you grow and digitize operations.

What happens if a client claims my employee stole something but I don't believe it?

Your janitorial bond typically covers theft claims even when:

You can't identify which specific employee allegedly stole
The claim lacks definitive proof
You believe the allegation is false

The process:

Client files claim with bond carrier
Bond carrier investigates (interviews, reviews evidence)
If claim appears valid, carrier pays client
Your premium may increase at renewal
In cases of false claims, carrier may deny and defend you

This is why bonding is valuable—it protects client relationships even when allegations are questionable.

Should I have higher liability limits for medical facility cleaning?

Yes. Medical facilities, laboratories, and healthcare environments create higher liability exposure due to:

Infection control requirements
Expensive sensitive equipment
HIPAA privacy concerns
Higher standards of care expectations

Recommended coverage for medical cleaning:

General liability: $2M/$3M minimum (vs. $1M/$2M for offices)
Janitorial bond: $100,000+ (vs. $25,000-$50,000)
Pollution liability: Consider adding ($800-$1,500/year) for biohazard exposure

Medical facilities often require these higher limits in cleaning contracts.

The Bottom Line

Janitorial businesses face significant liability exposure from property damage, slip-and-fall injuries, and employee theft allegations. A single claim—damaged flooring, serious injury, theft accusation—can cost tens of thousands in settlements and legal fees.

Operating without proper insurance exposes your business and personal assets to financial ruin. Hartford and Chubb both offer excellent janitorial coverage. Hartford provides competitive pricing ideal for small to mid-size cleaning companies, while Chubb delivers premium coverage for larger commercial operations requiring higher limits and broad bonding.

The investment is very affordable—typically $900-$5,000 annually depending on business size—compared to the catastrophic impact of even one uninsured claim. Don't wait until a client demands proof of insurance or a lawsuit arrives. Protect your janitorial business today with comprehensive insurance from a financially strong carrier.

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Sources

International Sanitary Supply Association - Janitorial Industry Risk Study - https://www.issa.com/
Building Service Contractors Association International - Insurance Requirements Survey - https://www.bscai.org/
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Janitorial Industry Safety Data - https://www.bls.gov/
A.M. Best Company - Insurance Carrier Financial Strength Ratings - https://www.ambest.com/
OSHA - Cleaning Industry Safety Guidelines - https://www.osha.gov/