What Insurance Does a Cleaning Business Need?

Cleaning businesses face unique risks: you're working inside clients' homes and offices, handling chemicals, moving furniture, and operating near expensive property. The right insurance protects you from the claims that can shut down an uninsured cleaning company.

Essential Coverages

Coverage	Why Cleaning Businesses Need It	Typical Cost
General Liability	Damage to client property, slip-and-fall injuries	$30–$60/mo
Workers' Compensation	Employee injuries from chemicals, falls, repetitive strain	$50–$150/mo
Janitorial Bond	Protects clients against employee theft	$10–$25/mo
Commercial Auto	If you use company vehicles between job sites	$100–$250/mo
Equipment/Tools	Vacuums, floor machines, pressure washers	$15–$30/mo
Professional Liability	Claims of unsatisfactory work or failure to perform	$20–$50/mo

How Much Does Cleaning Business Insurance Cost?

Total cleaning business insurance typically costs $1,200–$4,000 per year depending on:

Type of cleaning — Residential maid service costs less to insure than commercial janitorial
Number of employees — More employees = higher workers' comp premiums
Revenue — GL premiums scale with your annual revenue
Services offered — Specialized services (carpet cleaning, pressure washing, window cleaning) may cost more
Bonding requirements — Janitorial bonds add $100–$300/year

Cost by Cleaning Business Type

Business Type	Avg Annual Cost (GL + WC)
Solo maid / house cleaner	$500–$1,200
Residential cleaning team (2–5 employees)	$1,500–$3,000
Commercial janitorial (5–15 employees)	$3,000–$6,000
Specialized (carpet, window, pressure wash)	$2,000–$5,000

Why Cleaning Businesses Need a Janitorial Bond

A janitorial bond (also called a dishonesty bond or employee theft bond) protects your clients if an employee steals from their home or business. Many commercial clients and property managers require a janitorial bond before they'll hire you.

Bonds are inexpensive ($100–$300/year) and signal professionalism and trustworthiness to potential clients.

Common Claims Against Cleaning Businesses

Property damage — Scratched floors, broken valuables, water damage from mopping
Theft allegations — Items go missing after a cleaning visit
Chemical damage — Wrong cleaning product damages surfaces or finishes
Slip-and-fall — Wet floors injure building occupants
Employee injuries — Chemical exposure, falls from ladders, repetitive strain