Cleaning Business Insurance

Whether you offer residential or commercial cleaning, protect yourself from liabilities with cleaning business insurance.

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Trusted by over 300,000 Canadian small business owners!

Save up to 35% on your insurance

Get the best insurance quote in a few clicks!

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What is cleaning business insurance?

Cleaning business insurance is a specialized policy designed for commercial and residential cleaning professionals and businesses to protect them against the specific risks and liabilities of working on a jobsite. You know your customers expect you to ensure their properties are squeaky clean. They rely upon you to deliver cost-effective, detail-oriented service. But sometimes, mistakes can happen, and when they do, if one of your clients launches a third-party lawsuit against you, it can be financially ruinous regardless of its outcome.

What does cleaning business insurance cover?

A comprehensive insurance policy for professional cleaners may include several types of coverages, including:

Commercial General Liability (CGL) Insurance: CGL insurance is a broad type of coverage that provides liability protection against general business risks. Also known as slip-and-fall insurance, it covers you from claims against third-party bodily injuries or property damage. For example, while cleaning your client’s home, you accidentally knocked over an expensive art painting off the wall and ended up being sued over damages. Often, CGL insurance is required by a contract with a client that hires you for your cleaning services. It is generally categorized as all-risks coverage unless specific types of risks are excluded.

Tools and Equipment Insurance: This type of coverage may pay to replace or repair your lost, stolen, or damaged equipment and tools that you regularly use for cleaning, such as:

- Mop and buckets
- Brooms and dusters
- Squeegee
- Vacuum
- Steam cleaner
- Floor buffer and waxer

Anything valued at less than $1,500 is considered a tool, whereas anything above that amount is considered equipment.

Pollution Liability Insurance: Pollution liability insurance, or environmental insurance, covers the cost of damages to a customer’s property or to their health caused by pollution or toxic substances you use. For instance, a chemical cleansing agent you use on a property can trigger losses or damages that could include third-party liability claims for bodily injury, property damage, and clean-up costs.

Professional Liability Insurance: Professional liability insurance provides coverage for claims against negligence, errors or failure to deliver service. If a client was not satisfied with the quality of cleaning services that you provided, then your business may be held liable.

How much does cleaning business insurance cost?

The cost of insurance for a small cleaning business working on residential projects may start at around $450 per year for a general liability insurance policy with a $2 million coverage limit.

There are several factors insurance companies take into consideration when determining a price for an insurance policy package for professional cleaners, including:

Number of employees
The types of services you provide (commercial or residential)
Your years of experience
Your business’s location
The tools and equipment you own and use
Your annual and projected revenue

Who needs cleaning insurance?

Whether you offer residential or commercial cleaning services, there may be a risk of third-party injuries and property damage. Having adequate insurance coverage will provide you with financial protection should you or your employees be named in a lawsuit. The types of professional cleaners who need coverage include:

Commercial business and office cleaners
Residential and house cleaning professionals and companies
Janitors and janitorial service companies
Carpet and rug care specialists

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Common claims scenarios

Businessman slipping on wet office floor

Problem: After waxing the floor inside a commercial building, you forgot to place a caution sign, which caused a slip-related injury to an office worker.

Outcome: Your Commercial General Liability Insurance policy could cover the cost of the lawsuit filed against your business.

Problem: A student broke into your custodial storage room, causing significant damage to your cleaning equipment.

Outcome: Your Tools and Equipment Insurance policy could cover the cost of replacing the damaged janitorial equipment.

Problem: The cleaning solution used for house cleaning caused mold to grow on the client’s carpet. Going unnoticed for several months, a couple of family members developed respiratory illnesses as a result.

Outcome: Your Pollution Liability Insurance policy could cover the lawsuit placed against you for the pollution-related injuries.

Frequently asked questions

What do insurance companies need to know about my professional cleaning business?Zensurance

What do insurance companies need to know about my professional cleaning business?

To better understand the type of policy you need and the potential risks your business faces, insurance companies need an accurate description of the type of work you do. The professional cleaning and janitorial industry is diverse and has much variance. That’s why it’s vital to ensure you provide detailed information on your company, such as the services it provides, the types of customers you cater to, and how many employees you have.

How can I reduce the risks of my cleaning business to get a lower premium?Zensurance

How can I reduce the risks of my cleaning business to get a lower premium?

Any business that takes proactive steps to mitigate its risks from potential losses, damages, or lawsuits will typically receive a lower annual premium than one that does not. It’s worthwhile to have a safety program in place for your employees to adhere to including directions on how to properly handle and dispose of chemicals safely. It’s also recommended to provide them with the safety-related items they need to protect themselves while on the job, such as rubber or latex gloves, safety goggles, and respiratory masks.

Does the equipment or cleaning chemicals I use affect my annual insurance premium?Zensurance

Does the equipment or cleaning chemicals I use affect my annual insurance premium?

Your insurer will want to know what equipment you use as well as the types of cleaning agents and chemicals you require to do your job effectively. While the type of equipment your business has may influence the cost of a policy, the cleaning chemicals and agents you use typically does not.