Cleaning business insurance questions, answered

A commercial cleaning company usually needs general liability first, then a janitorial bond if clients ask for one, and workers' comp once it has employees. Many add commercial auto, crime coverage and an umbrella as contracts grow. Our coverage overview walks through each one.

If you clean commercial buildings on your own, start with general liability in your business name and a janitorial bond if your clients want one. Some states let sole owners skip workers' comp for themselves, but the rules vary, so check your state page. Add auto coverage if you drive to sites for work.

Usually not. Theft by your own employee is typically handled by a janitorial bond, which protects the client, or by crime coverage with a clients' property extension. See janitorial bonds and employee dishonesty coverage.

No. This site focuses on commercial cleaning and janitorial companies, and we don't place residential or maid-service accounts here.

"Insured" means your company carries insurance, usually general liability. "Bonded" means a bonding company has issued a bond that a client can claim against if your employee steals from them. Our bonded and insured guide explains how to describe both accurately in a bid.

For current clients, a certificate on coverage you already carry goes out the same day. If a client needs new wording, like additional insured status or a waiver of subrogation, the policy may need an endorsement first, which takes longer.

It varies by contract, but requests often include set general liability limits, workers' comp, auto, an umbrella, a janitorial bond and additional insured wording. The contracts guide breaks down what to look for in an insurance exhibit.

It depends on your payroll, sales, the buildings you clean and the limits your contracts require. Small companies with a simple liability policy pay far less than a contractor running night crews in several states. Our cost guide has sourced ranges.

There's no single price. Limits are only one factor; your payroll, sales, services, claims history and state matter as much. A licensed agent can compare carriers for your actual numbers.

It depends on the bond. A janitorial bond's price usually depends on the bond amount and how many employees it covers, and some bonding companies also weigh your credit or time in business.

No. Sole proprietors, partnerships, LLCs and corporations can all buy business insurance. Your entity type can affect how workers' comp treats owners, so tell us how your company is set up. For legal or tax questions about forming an LLC, talk with an attorney or CPA.

No. We're an independent agency, not the carrier. We compare more than 12 A-rated carriers and help you choose, but the carrier or bonding company issues the policy or bond.

The form takes about two minutes. A licensed agent reviews your answers and follows up within one business day (requests sent on a weekend are answered the following Monday), then confirms a few details before we shop carriers. Nothing is bound until you approve it. Start a quote

We're licensed in 28 states, including Texas, Florida, California, New York, Ohio and North Carolina. See the full list of states or our license numbers.