Cleaning Insurance: Costs, Types, and How to Get It
Cleaning insurance protects you, your employees, and your business from the threat of lawsuits or accidents that could knock your business plan off track.
And it’s a requirement in many states—whether you run a housekeeping, janitorial, carpet cleaning, or window cleaning business.
The good news? Getting insured isn’t as complicated or expensive as you might think.
This article will demystify the world of insurance for cleaners. We’ll cover what types of business insurance you need, how much it costs, and how to get an insurance quote.
How do I know if I need cleaning insurance?
It’s actually pretty simple. If you run a cleaning business, and you or your employees are working at a client’s house, apartment, or in a commercial area, you need cleaning insurance.
If you’re in any of these businesses, you need cleaning insurance:
- house cleaning
- office and commercial cleaning
- janitorial cleaning
- window cleaning
- pressure washing
- carpet cleaning
- bin cleaning or waste removal
Why do I need cleaning company insurance?
Cleaning business insurance helps protect your company from the threat of lawsuits or accidents that could knock your business plan off track. Cleaning companies are often legally required to have business insurance if they have employees, company vehicles or real estate.
Think of it as a layer of protection between your business and potential threats to your income. Just like wearing rubber gloves or a face mask, insurance lets you focus on doing a good job instead of worrying about what could go wrong.
Cleaning company insurance also shows your clients that you’re serious about your work. It can help to build trust and put people at ease. Insurance tells your clients that you care about protecting their home or office as well as your business.
What type of cleaning insurance do I need?
The most basic and important type of insurance for all cleaning professionals is general liability insurance. This will cover you and your workers in case of accidents or property damage, no matter where they occur.
There are a few other types of cleaners insurance you might need, depending on:
- the structure of your business
- the type of equipment you use
- if you own a company vehicle
Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of insurance:
General liability insurance
General liability insurance can cover damages and lawsuit costs if someone accuses your company of injury or property damage. It can cover three main types of incidents:
- Bodily injury means someone other than you or your employees gets hurt because of something connected to your business.
- Personal injury refers to less tangible types of damage to someone as a result of your business. For example, if a client sues you for damage resulting from information you accidentally leaked.
- Property damage is if you or your business are to blame for causing harm to someone’s belongings.
READ MORE: Train cleaners to avoid injury and property damage
Tools and equipment insurance
You probably have a ton of supplies and cleaning business equipment that you take with you from job to job. If any of it gets stolen or damaged, you’d have to pay out of pocket to replace or repair your gear if it’s not insured.
Tools & equipment coverage protects your gear if it’s damaged or stolen. This type of insurance is an addition to a general liability insurance policy.
Commercial auto insurance
If you own vehicles that are titled to your cleaning business and that you or your employees drive, you’ll need commercial auto insurance.
If you’re a cleaner and you use your own sedan for going to and from properties to clean, you’ll also need a commercial auto policy to insure your personal vehicle. Note that it doesn’t work the other way around (you can’t apply your personal car insurance to your company car).
If you ask your employees to drive their own cars for a job or to rent vehicles, you’ll need hired and non-owned auto insurance. It’s a type of commercial auto coverage that helps pay for accident damages in these instances.
Workers’ compensation insurance
If you employ other cleaners, worker’s comp is a must. This type of cleaning insurance helps to pay for medical fees for injuries and illnesses that happen to you or employees while on the job. It also pays for lost wages while out of work.
For example, what if a heavy dresser falls on your employee while they’re cleaning and it fractures their leg? Workers’ compensation can cover medical expenses and lost wages during the recovery. Without insurance, your business could be responsible for all related costs.
Workers’ comp is legally required in every state except for Texas if you have employees.
READ MORE: What business insurance do I need?
How much does cleaning insurance cost?
On average with Next Insurance, cleaning insurance policies can cost around $1 per day. Basic tools and equipment coverage can start at $12.50 per month.
However, cleaning business insurance costs vary for each company.
Cleaning insurance costs depend on:
- what services you offer
- how many people you employ
- where you’re based
- how much equipment you own
- how many vehicles you own or operate
To find out exactly how much your insurance will cost, the best thing to do is to get a quote. You can do it online and in a few minutes, instead of guessing or spending your time in person or on the phone.
How do I get cleaning insurance?
Next Insurance, specialists in small business insurance, offers a quick and simple way for you to get cleaning insurance quotes and buy coverage. You can even share your certificate of insurance to boost your brand and build client trust.
The entire process typically takes a few minutes, and it’s tailored to the needs of small businesses, so you’ll be quoted for exactly what you need, not more.
Their team of licensed, U.S.-based advisors can help you if you have any questions.
The content and information in this article were provided by Next Insurance.