Question 1

What insurance does a cleaning business need?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

What is a janitorial bond and do I need one?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

How much does cleaning business insurance cost?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

Does GL insurance cover my cleaning equipment if it gets stolen?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

Do I need workers comp for part-time cleaning employees?

Accepted Answer

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.

Stage	Required Coverage	Est. Annual Cost
Solo cleaner, residential	GL + Janitorial Bond	$600–$1,100/yr
2-5 employees, mixed residential/commercial	GL + WC + Bond	$2,000–$5,000/yr
5-15 employees, commercial cleaning	GL + WC + Bond + BOP	$4,000–$10,000/yr
Large commercial janitorial	Full package + umbrella	$10,000+/yr

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