Best Insurance for Cleaning Businesses 2026

Cleaning businesses need at minimum: General Liability — to cover accidental damage to client property (the most common cleaning business claim), Workers Compensation if you have employees, and a Janitorial Bond (also called a surety bond) which protects clients from theft by your employees. Some clients also require a BOP. ERGO NEXT covers all of these for cleaning businesses.

A janitorial bond (surety bond) is not insurance — it is a financial guarantee that pays clients if an employee of yours steals from them. Many residential and commercial clients require cleaning businesses to be bonded before hiring them. It typically costs $100-$300/year and is separate from your GL insurance.

A solo residential cleaning business typically pays $500-$900/year for GL. A cleaning company with 3-5 employees pays $1,500-$4,000/year for GL + WC. Commercial cleaning companies with 10+ employees in high-value buildings might pay $5,000-$15,000/year. The value of client property you work in significantly affects your GL premium.

Standard GL does not cover your own equipment — it covers damage you cause to others. For your own tools and equipment, you need a BOP (Business Owners Policy) or a tools and equipment endorsement. If a client accidentally damages your equipment, that might be covered under their insurance, not yours.

Yes. Workers comp requirements do not distinguish between full-time and part-time employees in most states. Once you have employees working for you (full-time or part-time), you are generally required to carry WC. An injury can occur in any amount of work hours — a part-time employee can slip carrying supplies just as easily as a full-time employee.