When a client asks for proof of insurance, they’re really checking one thing: if something goes wrong on the job, they don’t want the bill landing on their desk. Meeting cleaning company insurance policy requirements helps you win contracts and avoid surprises when filing a claim.
The good news: you don’t need to speak insurance to get this right. This guide explains the coverages clients ask for, what they mean, and what to double-check so you can get approved and get back to making spaces shine.
Quick Guide: What to Check on a COI for Cleaning Jobs
Your contract helps guide how you choose your cleaning business insurance. Make sure you:
- Check which coverages, limits, and endorsements the contract requires
- Confirm whether the client must be listed as an Additional Insured
- Review exclusions to ensure the services you offer are covered
- Verify your Certificate of Insurance (COI) matches the contract exactly
📋Use our full cleaning business insurance checklist to get the right coverage, meet requirements, and send your COI with confidence.
Why Clients Ask You To Have Insurance
Clients often ask for proof of insurance because it reduces the risk on their property. Your cleaning business insurance (or janitorial insurance for commercial cleaners) shows that you can pay for mistakes you cause, like injured tenants or bleach-stained carpets.
Some clients ask for specific coverages, amounts, and wording, so it’s crucial to know what the contract requires before buying your coverage.
Pro tip: Not sure what “bonded and insured” means, or whether your cleaning business actually needs it? Learn more in our guide to cleaning business insurance.
3 Things to Look For: Coverages, Limits & Special Wording
Understanding how to choose insurance for a cleaning business starts with reviewing what’s listed in the contract — not the insurance policy.
Focus on these three things the client or contract asks for (we’ll break these terms down in the next section):
- Coverages: The types of protections you need, such as general liability, workers compensation, or bonds.
- Limits: How much your insurance pays in the event of a claim, usually represented by two numbers: per occurrence and aggregate
- Wording: Special wording or policy endorsements they want your COI to include, like additional insured, Waiver of Subrogation (or a Waiver of Right of Recovery), and Primary & Noncontributory.
These details show up in most insurance requirements for commercial cleaning contracts, especially for offices, property managers, and larger facilities. If you’re unsure where to start, see how much insurance cleaners need based on your business size and services.
The Coverages Clients Ask For (& What You Need)
Use the chart below to navigate what your policy should include, what’s covered, and where to find it on your COI or other policy documents.
Remember: coverage needs can vary based on the type of cleaning you do. See who offers the coverages, limits, and endorsements you need by comparing cleaning insurance providers.
Coverages Cleaning Businesses Typically Need
| Coverage | Who Needs It | What It Covers | What & Where to Check |
|---|---|---|---|
|
All cleaning businesses |
Injuries to others or their property (including medical expenses and damage to rented premises) |
COI: liability limits match the contract |
|
|
If you hire employees (often required by state law) |
Medical bills and lost wages for employees injured on the job |
COI: coverage is listed with active dates and the correct state |
|
|
If you drive to jobs |
Accidents that happen while driving for work |
COI: coverage is listed and the limits match the contract |
|
|
If required by clients (separate from insurance) |
Protects clients from losses if your employee steals |
Bond certificate: Bond type, amount, and who’s covered |
|
|
Tools and Equipment (Inland Marine) |
If you bring your own gear |
Pays to repair or replace stolen or damaged cleaning equipment |
Policy documents: deductible amount, how it’s valued, and what equipment is covered |
|
Additional Insured status |
Most cleaning businesses |
Protects your client from claims related to your work |
Endorsement form: issued to the correct client name. COI: references “additional insured” in description. |
|
Waiver of Subrogation |
If a contract requires it |
Your insurance company won’t sue the client to recover costs |
Endorsement form: matches the contract requirements with correct client information |
|
Primary & Noncontributory wording |
If a contract requires it |
Your policy pays first for covered claims without asking the client’s insurer to pay |
Endorsement form: wording matches the contract requirements with correct client information |
💼 What If I Hire Subcontractors?
If you hire subcontractors to help with bigger jobs or speciality cleaning services like carpet cleaning or pressure washing, they’ll likely need their own liability and workers compensation insurance.
Check your contract to see if your client needs proof of insurance from your subcontractors, too.
Don’t Skip This: Exclusions That Can Void Your Coverage
Exclusions determine what’s not covered on your cleaning insurance policy, such as certain types of clients, chemicals, or high-risk services.
When getting a quote, double-check the exclusions to make sure the services or products you use are not listed. Otherwise, you may not qualify for contracts or coverage.
Pro tip: Insurance Canopy offers endorsements that add coverage for select excluded services, like cleaning medical facilities.
How to Make Sure Your COI Is Contract-Ready
Sending your proof of insurance shouldn’t feel like a pop quiz. Before you hit send, do this quick scan to make sure your COI matches the contract and gets approved faster:
✔️ Your business name and information match the contract exactly
✔️ The COI shows the correct limits and coverages
✔️ The coverage dates match or exceed the term of the contract
✔️ The client or property owner is listed as an additional insured
✔️ All required endorsements are issued and noted on the COI
✔️ Your policy doesn’t exclude the services you’re doing
How to Get Client-Approved Cleaning Business Insurance
Insurance Canopy makes it easy to understand your coverage, meet contract requirements, and get proof of insurance fast. With plans starting as low as $39 a month, you can instantly download your COI and send it to clients so you’re ready to win the job.
FAQs About Getting A Cleaning Business Insurance Policy
How Much Does Cleaning Business Insurance Cost?
Insurance for a cleaning business starts at $39 a month with Insurance Canopy. However, the final cost of cleaning business insurance, depends on factors like:
- Business size
- Services offered
- Liability limits
- Add-on coverages
Larger businesses, higher-risk services, or higher limits typically cost more. Get a free online quote to determine how much cleaning insurance will cost for your business.
How Much Insurance Do Cleaning Companies Need?
Cleaning companies need enough insurance to meet contract requirements and cover common risks like property damage, injuries, and employee accidents.
Coverage amounts vary based on business size, services offered, and client type. For example, commercial contracts often require higher limits than residential work.
Do I Need To Be Bonded And Insured To Clean Houses?
Most house cleaners need insurance, but bonding is usually required only if a client requests it. House cleaning insurance protects you from third-party claims and property damage, while janitorial bonds reimburse clients if an employee steals from them.
Some clients, like Homeowners Associations (HOAs) or senior living communities, may require both.
What General Liability Limits Should I Choose For Cleaning Business Insurance?
Most small cleaning businesses need $1M per occurrence and $2M aggregate in general liability insurance.
Smaller, lower-risk operations, like solo house cleaners, may be able to get by with lower limits, while commercial cleaning contracts often require higher limits. The right amount depends on your contracts, services, and client requirements.
