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Cleaning Business Insurance and Bonding in Illinois

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Program Benefits

Top Illinois Cleaning Businesses We Cover

Cleaning business insurance protects you, your team, and your clients. Below are the main types of coverage you may need, their functions, and typical costs.

General Liability Insurance

General liability insurance protects your business if you’re held responsible for third-party injuries or property damage. If someone trips on a freshly mopped floor or claims your crew scratched a surface, this policy covers repairs, medical bills, or legal defense.

In Illinois, cleaning businesses often pay close to $900 per year for coverage. Pricing varies depending on your business type, location, and level of risk.

Our starting price: $570 / year

Tools and Equipment Insurance

Cleaning equipment gets a lot of mileage in vans, on-site, and in storage. If your vacuums, polishers, or carpet machines are damaged or stolen, tools and equipment coverage is designed to repair or replace them.

Our starting price: $40 / year

Janitorial Bonds

A janitorial bond protects you and your client if an employee steals from them during a job. If the client files a valid claim, the bond company pays them, and then you reimburse that amount.

Bond Option Annual Cost (starts at)
$5,000 Bond
$131
$10,000 Bond
$175

Additional Insureds

An additional insured is a person or company you list on your insurance policy, usually because a client asks for it in a contract. It gives them protection under your policy.

For example, if someone slips during a job and sues you and the property manager, your policy may cover legal costs for both of you. Adding them doesn’t take coverage away from you — it just extends your protection to include them for that job.

Most clients who request this are property managers, landlords, or facility owners. You can add them for $10 per year per entity, and it’s often the final step before a job gets approved.

Workers Compensation

In Illinois, if you have one employee, even part-time workers, you’re legally required to carry workers compensation. It covers medical expenses and lost wages from work-related injuries.

Our average price: $1,141.86 / year

Cyber Liability Insurance

If you collect names, addresses, payment info, or use booking software, you store valuable data that hackers target. Cyber liability insurance protects your business if customer information is stolen, leaked, or hacked.

This coverage helps pay for notifying customers, restoring compromised systems, hiring legal help, and handling regulatory fines if a breach happens. It also helps cover credit monitoring services if your client’s personal information is affected.

Our price: $99 / year

Illinois Business Insurance Requirements

Illinois law requires you to carry workers compensation insurance if you have even one employee (including part-time, seasonal, or temporary workers). This coverage protects your staff and your business from the financial fallout of workplace injuries.

While general liability insurance isn’t mandatory by state law, most landlords, property managers, and commercial clients won’t hire you without it.

Do I Need Bonding for My Illinois Cleaning Company?

If you’re pursuing larger contracts or working with businesses, government entities, or property managers, bonding is often a requirement. A janitorial bond helps demonstrate your professionalism and reliability.

Here’s how bonding can protect your business:

Situation

During a routine residential cleaning, one of your employees steals a client’s expensive jewelry.

The client files a claim against your bond

How the Bond Works

The bond company investigates the situation and reimburses the client for the stolen jewelry.

Outcome

Your client is compensated for the loss, preserving your reputation and relationship with them.

You’re responsible for repaying the bond provider for the amount they paid out.

While getting bonded isn’t required by Illinois law, it can be a game-changer, especially if you’re working with larger clients or valuable properties.

How to Apply for Cleaning Business Insurance in Illinois

Applying for cleaning business insurance with Insurance Canopy is easy.

First, check Illinois state requirements, especially if you have employees. Gather your business license, financial records, and details about your cleaning services and equipment.

Then, fill out our simple online form that takes less than 10 minutes! You’ll get a custom quote. Process your payment and receive your Certificate of Insurance immediately!

If you need help, our U.S.-based, non-commissioned licensed agents are ready to assist.

Illinois Cleaning Business Resources

Ready to explore starting a cleaning business in Illinois? Explore essential industry insights, state licensing requirements, and key resources to help you hit the ground scrubbing.

Cleaning Industry Fast Facts in Illinois

  • The janitorial services industry in Illinois is projected to reach $4.9 billion this 2025.
  • The annual mean wage for building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations in Illinois is $39,640.

 

Sources: State Industry Research Reports, US Bureau of Labor Statistics

Illinois Cleaning License Guidelines

To start your cleaning business in Illinois, there are essential steps you need to follow.

If your business name differs from your legal name, you must register it with your local county clerk under the Assumed Name Act. Next, apply for an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), especially if you have employees or operate as a corporation.

If you plan to hire employees or provide services in Illinois, you must register with the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) for business taxes. Depending on your business activities, such as using cleaning chemicals or special equipment, you may also need additional permits.

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) handles licensing for most professions. Still, verify with your local city or county office, as the IDFPR typically doesn’t regulate general cleaning businesses.

image of a lady holding a cleaning bucket

Tip: Some municipalities may impose additional taxes or require specific permits. Check with your local city or county clerk to determine any local regulations, such as zoning requirements.

Get Instantly Insured Online with Insurance Canopy!

In Illinois, the cleaning industry is thriving, but so is the competition. Insurance Canopy understands the unique risks cleaning businesses face. Our comprehensive coverage protects your equipment, employees, and the hard work you’ve put into building your business.

Don’t leave your business vulnerable — get a quote today and ensure your cleaning business is fully protected in Illinois.