Cleaning crews work inside other people's offices and homes, often after hours and without supervision. Clients want two kinds of proof: general liability in case something gets damaged or someone slips, and a bond in case something goes missing.
Cleaning is one of the lower-cost trades to insure. The bigger bill usually comes from workers comp once you build a crew, since slips, lifting, and chemical exposure are common injuries.
What insurance do cleaning businesses need?
Here is how each type of cleaning business insurance fits a typical janitorial business, from what clients and states usually require to what depends on how you work.
General liability
Usually requiredCommercial clients require it. Pays for injuries and property damage you cause to other people.
About $60 a month for cleaning businessesLicense & surety bonds
Usually requiredA janitorial bond answers client theft concerns. A guarantee to your customer or the state that you will follow the rules and finish the work.
Workers comp
Usually requiredRequired in most states once you hire. Pays medical bills and lost wages when an employee gets hurt on the job.
About $114 a month for cleaning businessesBusiness owners policy
Most carry itMany cleaning businesses qualify. General liability and business property bundled together, usually for less.
About $77 a month for cleaning businessesCommercial auto
Depends on your setupIf you use a work vehicle. Covers trucks and vans you use for work, and the damage they cause.
Tools & equipment
Depends on your setupFloor machines and extractors. Replaces tools and gear that get stolen, lost, or damaged.
How much does cleaning business insurance cost?
The typical janitorial business pays about $60 a month, or $725 a year, for general liability, based on published customer data. Your price moves with your services, revenue, crew size, claims history, state, and the limits you choose.
| Policy | Typical monthly | Typical yearly |
|---|---|---|
| General liability | $60 | $725 |
| Business owners policy | $77 | $924 |
| Workers compensation | $114 | $1,368 |
Source: Insureon cost data for this trade. Yearly figures without a published annual number are the monthly figure times twelve. These are typical figures, not quotes.
Want a number for your setup? Try the contractor insurance cost calculator, or see ways to get cheap contractor insurance.
Common janitorial insurance claims
- Slip and fall claimsWet floors are the classic cleaning claim. General liability covers injuries to clients and visitors.
- Damage to client propertyBroken fixtures, damaged floors, or chemicals on the wrong surface.
- Theft accusationsA janitorial bond pays the client if an employee is found to have stolen from them.
- Chemical and lifting injuriesWorkers comp covers employees hurt by cleaning products or heavy equipment.
Janitorial license and bond requirements
Most states do not license janitorial work, though some cities require a business license. Commercial clients often require a janitorial or business service bond in their contracts.
Confirm before you rely on this. Licensing and insurance rules change, and cities can add their own. Check with your state licensing board and a licensed agent before you bid.