Commercial Auto Insurance for Cleaning Businesses

If your cleaning business uses a vehicle for work-related tasks, personal auto insurance won’t provide the coverage you need. Commercial auto insurance protects your cleaning business from financial losses caused by accidents, vehicle damage, or liability while driving for work.

What Is Commercial Auto for Cleaners?

Commercial auto insurance is built for businesses that rely on vehicles to transport equipment, employees, or supplies. It helps cleaners cover accidents, vehicle damage, and liability expenses, ensuring your business stays protected while on the road.

What Does It Cover?

Commercial auto insurance keeps your cleaning business on the move, covering risks like:

Auto liability: If your work vehicle injures someone or damages property
Uninsured / underinsured motorist coverage: If the other driver does not have auto insurance and can’t cover the damage
Hired auto coverage: If you use rented vehicles for work
Employer's non-ownership liability: If employees use personal vehicles for work tasks
Optional add on:

Roadside assistance and rental reimbursement: Towing and temporary replacements if your vehicle breaks down

What Does It Not Cover?

While commercial auto insurance is comprehensive, there are some exclusions:

Do Cleaning Businesses Need Commercial Auto?

You need commercial auto insurance if your cleaning business operates vehicles for work-related purposes, such as transporting supplies, traveling to client locations, or moving employees.

Remember: Even if you or your employees use personal vehicles for business tasks, a personal auto policy typically excludes work-related coverage, leaving your business exposed to financial risk.

Is It Required by Law?

In most states, except for New Hampshire, commercial auto insurance is legally required if your business owns vehicles registered in the company’s name.

Each state sets minimum liability requirements for bodily injury and property damage, and failing to meet these requirements can result in fines, license suspension, or financial liability in an accident.

Here’s a breakdown of some state-specific minimum liability coverage requirements for commercial vehicles:

California: $30,000 per person for bodily injury, $60,000 per accident, and $15,000 for property damage.
Texas: $30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
Florida: Requires only $10,000 in property damage liability, but businesses should carry higher limits for protection.

Pro-tip: Even when it’s not required, coverage protects your business from lawsuits and major repair bills.

Common Commercial Auto Claims for Cleaning Businesses

Cleaning business vehicles face daily risks — whether it’s a distracted driver, a sudden hailstorm, or an unexpected break-in. Here are the most common commercial auto claims cleaning businesses face:

Fender benders while driving between jobs
Storm and hail damage to vans and trucks
Break-ins and theft targeting cleaning gear
Employee-caused accidents in company vehicles
Uninsured or underinsured drivers crashing into your work vehicle

This policy keeps you covered — even when the unexpected happens.

How Much Does Commercial Auto for Cleaners Cost?

The industry average for commercial auto insurance is around $1,588 per vehicle each year, but most cleaning businesses pay less with Insurance Canopy.

Pricing depends on factors like:

Vehicle type and size: Larger vehicles like vans or trucks tend to have higher premiums
Coverage limits: Higher coverage or add-ons (e.g., roadside assistance) can increase premiums but offer long-term savings
Driving history: Clean driving records lead to lower rates, while accidents or violations may increase premiums
Location: Businesses in busy urban areas typically pay more, while rural locations might see lower premiums
Number of vehicles: More vehicles mean higher premiums due to increased risk

How To Apply For Commercial Auto Insurance

Before you apply for commercial auto insurance, you must have a cleaning business insurance policy in place. Getting coverage for your vehicles is easy through our trusted partner, The Hartford.

Start your application online: After your general liability insurance checkout, fill out a short form from The Hartford
Speak with an agent: A licensed agent will call to walk you through your quote and coverage options
Get covered: Finalize your policy with The Hartford and protect your business vehicles.

Questions About Commercial Auto Insurance for Small Cleaning Businesses

Does my personal auto policy cover me when I’m working?

No, your personal auto policy won’t cover you for business-related tasks. Personal auto insurance typically excludes coverage when a vehicle is used for business purposes, such as transporting cleaning equipment or driving to a client’s location.

What types of vehicles can I cover with commercial auto insurance?

Commercial auto insurance can cover a wide range of vehicles used in your cleaning business. These include:

Vans and trucks used to transport cleaning equipment and employees
Cars used for errands, client visits, or any other business-related tasks
Utility vehicles or specialized vehicles, if applicable to your services (e.g., vehicles that carry heavy cleaning machinery)
Rented vehicles used for business purposes

Do I need commercial auto insurance if I’m a solo cleaner with one car?

Yes, even if you’re a solo cleaner using one car for work, you still need commercial auto insurance. Personal auto policies don’t cover accidents or damage incurred while using a car for business. This means you’d be left exposed to liability and repair costs if an incident happens during a work-related task.

Can I add employees or additional drivers to my policy?

Yes, you can add employees or other drivers to your commercial auto insurance policy. It’s crucial to ensure that anyone who drives your business vehicle is covered.

Insurance Canopy makes adding employees to your policy easy, ensuring your drivers are protected while operating company vehicles.

Get Your Cleaning Business on the Road to Protection – Get Covered Today!

Don’t let vehicle issues or accidents slow down your cleaning business. With commercial auto insurance, you can focus on growth while knowing your vehicles are protected. Protect your assets today so you can keep driving your business forward.