Insurance isn’t just for big companies — it’s for cleaning businesses of any size that want to stay protected and professional, without wasting time or money.
TL;DR: Business insurance for carpet cleaning protects you from lawsuits, property damage, and stolen equipment. Comprehensive coverage is available online for as low as $39 per month.
What Carpet Cleaning Business Insurance Covers
Insurance terms can be complicated, but here’s the simple version: different coverages protect you from different issues. The right cleaning business policy keeps you from paying out of pocket if (and when) accidents, theft, or injuries happen.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common coverages for carpet cleaners, when you might need them, and how they work in real life:
| Coverage Type | You Need It If... | What It Covers | Real-World Example |
|---|---|---|---|
|
General Liability (Included) |
You clean homes or offices |
Third-party property damage and bodily injury |
You break a vase, or a client slips on a wet carpet |
|
Tools and Equipment (Add-on, also known as Inland Marine Insurance) |
You use portable gear or keep equipment in your vehicle |
Theft and accidental damage to your cleaning tools |
Your $3,000 extractor was stolen from your van |
|
Workers Compensation (Add-on) |
You hire employees |
Medical bills and lost wages if an employee gets hurt |
An employee slips on wet tiles and needs medical treatment |
|
Commercial Auto (Add-on) |
You drive for work |
Repairs, replacement, and liability if your work vehicle is damaged or causes damage |
You get into a fender bender in your work van on the way to a job |
|
Janitorial Bonding (Add-on) |
You handle client keys or valuables
|
Theft caused by employees |
An employee takes cash from a client’s home |
|
Cyber Liability Insurance (Add on) |
You accept online payments or store client data online |
Cyberattacks, data breaches, and data restoration costs |
A hacker steals client credit card information from your computer |
|
Additional Insureds |
An employer or client requires you to list them as an additional insured |
Other business entities you work with |
A tenant of the apartment building whose lobby you clean slips on a wet floor, and they name you and the property management company in a lawsuit |
With the right mix of coverages, you can protect your gear, your team, your vehicle, and your reputation.
Want to learn more? We created a guide to help cleaners like you understand their cleaning business insurance policy.
Did you know? You’ll need proof of insurance (also known as a certificate of insurance, or COI, when you:
- Clean for property managers or landlords
- Apply to commercial or city contracts
- Join platforms like Thumbtack or HomeAdvisor
- Get licensed in some states
Having your COI ready builds trust and opens doors. With Insurance Canopy, you can download your COI instantly after purchase, so you never miss an opportunity.
How Much Does Carpet Cleaning Insurance Cost?
The cost of protection doesn’t have to break the bank. Insurance Canopy policies start as low as $39 a month or $435 a year (that’s way below the national average of $580.)
Several factors may influence the final cost of your policy, including:
- Where you operate
- Your revenue or annual income
- Your number of employees or vehicles
- The type of jobs you do (residential, commercial, etc.)
How to Get Business Insurance for Carpet Cleaning Services
Getting the right policy at the right price is quick and simple with Insurance Canopy. Here’s how:
- Tell us what you do: No complicated forms, just the basics
- Pick your coverage: Find what fits best
- Buy online and get covered: Get instant proof of insurance and hit the ground running
With Insurance Canopy, you can update or adjust your policy anytime through your customer dashboard — no need to call, unless you want help from a licensed agent!
Common Questions About Insurance for a Carpet Cleaning Business
Does carpet cleaning insurance include equipment coverage?
No, carpet cleaning insurance does not automatically include equipment coverage, but you can add it. Most basic policies include general liability coverage, which protects you from third-party injuries or property damage. You’ll need to add tools and equipment coverage to your policy to protect your tools and machines from theft or accidental damage.
Do I still need carpet cleaning insurance even if I work part-time or have just started?
Yes, you still need carpet cleaning insurance even if you work part-time or have just started your business. Accidents can happen whether you clean carpets once a week or every day.
Without coverage, even a single incident, like damaging a client’s flooring or someone slipping on a wet carpet, could cost you thousands. Starting with affordable coverage early protects you from unexpected expenses and helps build credibility with future clients.
Is insurance required for carpet cleaning businesses?
There’s no law that says every carpet cleaner must have cleaning business insurance. But the reality is, most clients will require it. Even if it’s not legally required in your area, it’s still one of the smartest ways to protect your business.
- Legally, some cities or states may require proof of insurance for licenses or permits
- Contractually, many commercial cleaning clients require a Certificate of Insurance (COI)
- Financially, paying $39 per month for insurance is preferable to facing a $12,000 lawsuit or the loss of $3,500 in equipment
Can I get proof of insurance right away?
Yes, you can immediately get proof of insurance when you buy coverage through Insurance Canopy. As soon as your payment is processed, you can instantly download your COI. This means you can take on last-minute jobs or meet client requirements without delay.
