Insurance can feel confusing, expensive, and full of fine print. Maybe you’re staring at a quote and thinking, Do I really need all this? The bottom line is you know a single broken vase or slip on a wet floor could derail your business, and you’ve heard you should get insurance, but you don’t know what it covers or if it’s worth it.
We’re here to help with clear, honest answers about what house cleaning business insurance covers, what it costs, and how to choose the right protection for your business.
TL;DR: House cleaning business insurance:
- Covers injuries, property damage, legal costs, and more
- Starts at $39 per month and protects your reputation and income
- Provides instant proof of insurance and peace of mind
You’re already doing the hard work of growing your business, and insurance is designed to keep your momentum going when the unexpected happens.
What’s Covered in House Cleaning Business Insurance (+ Add-ons You Might Need)
Liability insurance for house cleaning businesses typically includes several types of coverage. Some are built into your base policy, while others can be added to meet your specific business needs.
Here’s a basic breakdown:
| Coverage Type | What It Does | Included or Add-on? |
|---|---|---|
|
Pays for client injuries or property damage you accidentally cause while cleaning |
Included |
|
|
Damage to Client Property |
Covers the cost to repair or replace a customer’s belongings if you break or damage something |
Included |
|
Personal & Advertising Injury |
Helps if you’re accused of things like slander, libel, or using someone else’s slogan or image |
Included |
|
Third-Party Bodily Injuries |
Covers medical bills if someone gets hurt because of your cleaning work (like slipping on a wet floor) |
Included |
|
Tools and Equipment (also known as Inland Marine Insurance) |
Reimburses you if your cleaning tools or machines are damaged or stolen |
Add-on |
|
Helps pay for damages if your business gets hacked, including stolen client data, legal fees, or recovery costs. |
Add-on |
|
|
Pays medical bills and lost wages if an employee gets hurt on the job |
Add-on |
|
|
Covers vehicles used for business (accidents, damage, liability) — personal auto policies don’t apply to vehicles used for business purposes |
Add-on |
|
|
Protects your clients from losses if an employee steals from them
|
Add-on |
What Insurance for a House Cleaning Business Looks Like in Real Life
Accidents and surprises happen, but the good news is that even a worst-case scenario can turn into a manageable hiccup with the right insurance. Here are real-world examples of what can go wrong, and how insurance coverage is designed to keep your business moving forward.
| Scenario | How Insurance Helps | Outcome Without Insurance |
|---|---|---|
|
You spill water on a hardwood floor, and the client sues for damage |
General Liability helps pay for property damage repairs and legal fees |
You could be on the hook for thousands in repairs and legal costs out of pocket |
|
Equipment was stolen from your van while parked on a job |
Tools and Equipment Coverage can reimburse you for stolen cleaning tools, vacuums, and supplies |
You’d need to replace everything yourself — potentially several thousand dollars, before you can take on your next job |
|
A client says their heirloom clock was scratched during your cleaning
|
General Liability covers accidental damage to a client’s belongings, including replacement or repair costs |
Paying cash to replace or repair valuable items can drain your savings and cause conflict with clients |
|
A dog slips and is injured while the floor is wet, and the owner blames you |
General Liability also covers third-party bodily injury and related medical bills |
You may be responsible for the vet bill and possibly legal damages if the owner pursues a lawsuit |
|
Hackers breach your data and steal client payment info |
Cyber Liability Insurance helps with data recovery, client notification, and legal defense |
You’d cover forensic IT costs, credit monitoring for clients, and legal exposure on your own |
|
A competitor claims your website ad defamed their services |
Personal & Advertising Injury (part of General Liability) can cover defense costs and damages for claims like libel, slander, or copyright issues |
You’d pay for legal defense and settlements, which could instantly drain your business account |
Having insurance doesn’t just protect your finances; it helps you stay in business, build trust with clients, and move past accidents without skipping a beat.
What Is Not Covered by House Cleaning Business Insurance?
Your policy can do a lot, but it doesn’t cover everything. Here are a few common exclusions:
- Intentional damage (you broke it on purpose)
- Wear and tear or unexplained disappearances of your own equipment
- Using your personal vehicle for business (you need commercial auto insurance)
- Jobs outside your listed services (like construction or pest control)
- Undocumented employees
Good to know: Always read your policy carefully (or ask us!) to understand what is and isn’t included, and consider add-ons! It’s a smart way to fill common coverage gaps that many house cleaners don’t realize they’re missing until something goes wrong.
How Much Does Insurance Cost to Cover a House Cleaning Business?
Let’s say you want the basics, enough to land jobs and protect yourself from common accidents. Start with a general liability policy with coverage up to $1 million per year for just $39 per month or $435 per year.
Need protection for your vacuums and carpet extractors? Add tools and equipment coverage starting at just $3.33 per month. If you have employees, you can protect them with workers compensation and add janitorial bonds to help you qualify for bigger commercial contracts.
There are no one-size-fits-all price tags. House cleaning insurance pricing is similar to cleaning quotes — it depends on the job. Your premium is based on things like:
- The type of work you do
- Whether you work solo or have employees
- Your coverage limits
- Optional add-ons like cyber or equipment coverage
Here’s the bottom line: You can protect your business for less than the price of a few takeout meals each month. Curious what your exact rate looks like?
What’s the Best Insurance for House Cleaning Businesses?
The best insurance is built for your business. Here’s what to look for when choosing a policy:
✅ Designed specifically for house cleaners
✅ Includes general liability coverage to protect against client injuries or property damage
✅ Optional add-ons like tools and equipment coverage or bonding
✅ Easy to purchase online with instant proof of insurance
✅ Backed by a trusted provider
Multiple providers offer cleaning business insurance. Review our best cleaning business insurance guide to help you find the right coverage for your needs.
Is House Cleaning Business Insurance Worth It?
Yes, house cleaning business insurance is worth it. Bonding and insurance might not be the flashiest part of running your business, but it is one of the wisest decisions you can make to protect what you’ve built.
You don’t buy insurance because you expect something to go wrong. You buy it so that if you face a cleaning claim, it doesn’t send you into bankruptcy. It’s like carrying an umbrella. You might not use it every day, but when it rains? You’ll be glad you have it.
Plus, more and more property managers, real estate agents, and commercial building owners require a Certificate of Insurance (COI) before they’ll even let you set foot in the door. Having insurance isn’t just protection; it’s your ticket to bigger, better-paying jobs.
What Could Happen If I Clean Homes Without Insurance?
You’re wrapping up a job, and everything looks great. But then your client points out a scratch on their hardwood floor. They’re certain it wasn’t there before, and now they want you to pay for it. You can:
A: Pay out of pocket to fix it, potentially delaying paying yourself or dipping into your savings.
B: Refuse to pay and risk the client suing you or leaving a bad review, damaging your reputation and/or losing even more money to pay legal fees.
Neither option feels great. And if you’re a solo cleaner or a small team, one surprise expense could throw your whole budget off. When you do have insurance, the pressure eases. You’re no longer stuck between protecting your reputation and protecting your wallet because your insurance steps in to help with both.
How to Get Insurance for a House Cleaning Business (Fast)
Good news: getting insured is easier than deep-cleaning a shower. You can be fully insured before your next job. No hassle. No hold music. Just coverage that lets you focus on what you do best. Here’s how to get started:
- Answer a few quick questions about your business
- Choose the coverage you need
- Get an instant quote and instant proof of insurance
Common Questions About House Cleaning Insurance Coverage
Do I Need Insurance to Run a Cleaning Business?
Yes, you need insurance to run a cleaning business, especially if you’re working inside clients’ homes or with third-party contractors. Accidents happen (even to the most careful cleaners), and one minor mishap can lead to expensive damages or legal issues.
Having insurance not only protects your finances but also helps you land jobs. Many clients and agencies require proof of insurance before hiring you, and it shows that you’re a pro who takes the job seriously.
Do I Need Insurance if I Am Cleaning Houses Part-Time?
Yes, part-time house cleaners still need insurance. Working fewer hours doesn’t lower the risk of something going wrong.
Whether you’re cleaning five days a week or just on weekends, you’re still dealing with valuable property, cleaning products, and potential safety hazards.
How Much Does It Cost to Insure a New House Cleaning Business?
The cost to insure a new house cleaning business starts at $39 per month with Insurance Canopy. If you want to add extra protection for your tools, employees, or client data, your price will increase slightly (think: a few dollars more per month).
Is Insurance Legally Required for House Cleaners?
No, house cleaning insurance isn’t always legally required, but it’s strongly recommended. Most states don’t have a law requiring liability insurance, but clients and companies do. If you’re working with real estate agents, property managers, or commercial clients, expect to be asked for a COI before you can get hired.
Legal or not, it’s one of the smartest things you can do to protect your business from costly surprises.
Does My Insurance Cover Client Property Damage From Cleaning Solutions?
Yes, most general liability policies cover property damage caused by cleaning solutions. If a product you used accidentally damages a client’s countertop, furniture, or flooring, your policy can help cover the cost of repairs or replacements.
