House Cleaning Business Insurance

Why Do House Cleaners Need Insurance?

House cleaners need insurance because accidents can happen on the job, and without coverage, a simple mistake can lead to costly consequences. Imagine a cleaner accidentally knocks over an expensive vase while dusting a client’s shelf. Without general liability insurance, they’d be on the hook for replacing it, potentially hundreds or even thousands of dollars out of pocket.

Now add in the risk of slipping on a wet floor, damaging hardwood with a cleaning product, or a client claiming theft. Insurance acts as a financial safety net, protecting the business from claims of property damage, bodily injury, or even lawsuits.

It also adds credibility—many clients require proof of insurance before hiring a cleaning service. Whether you’re a solo cleaner or run a team, having the right insurance helps you operate confidently, knowing you’re covered if something goes wrong.

What Insurance Do House Cleaners Need?

Running a house cleaning business involves more risk than most people realize. You’re working inside clients’ homes, often unsupervised, handling valuable items, and using tools or cleaning chemicals that can cause damage or injury.

To protect yourself and your business, here’s a breakdown of the most important business insurance policies to consider.

General Liability Insurance

What it is: This is the foundational insurance policy for most small businesses. It protects you from third-party claims of bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury.

What it covers: If you accidentally damage a client’s property or someone gets hurt because of your work, general liability pays for legal fees, repairs, or medical bills.

Example: A cleaner accidentally knocks over a flat-screen TV while dusting. The client demands reimbursement. General liability insurance can cover the cost of replacing the TV and any legal fees if a lawsuit follows.

Only 65% of small businesses carry general liability coverage, leaving 35% potentially exposed to liability claims.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

What it is: This policy covers your employees if they get injured or become ill as a result of their job.

What it covers: Medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation, and even death benefits. It’s also required by law in most states if you have employees.

Example: One of your cleaners slips on a wet floor and breaks their wrist. Workers’ comp pays for their ER visit and covers time off while they recover.

Workers’ compensation insurance is required for cleaning and janitorial businesses with employees in almost every state.

Bonding (Janitorial Bond)

What it is: A janitorial bond protects your clients against theft by you or your employees.

What it covers: If a client accuses a cleaner of stealing and files a claim, the bond can provide reimbursement.

Example: A client reports a missing piece of jewelry after a scheduled cleaning. Even if it’s never proven, the bond gives the client peace of mind and protects your reputation.

The average cost of a janitorial bond is $11 per month, or $126 annually, for house cleaning companies.

Commercial Auto Insurance

What it is: If you or your employees drive for business purposes, personal auto insurance likely won’t cover accidents. Commercial auto fills that gap.

What it covers: Vehicle damage, injuries, and liability if you’re involved in an accident while driving for work.

Example: One of your employees rear-ends a car while driving to a client’s home in the company van. Commercial auto covers the damages and medical costs.

House cleaning companies pay an average of $138 per month, or $1,652 per year, for commercial auto insurance.

Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)

What it is: A BOP bundles general liability and commercial property insurance into one policy, often at a lower cost than buying them separately.

What it covers: Property damage to your business location or equipment, along with liability protection.

Example: A fire at your office damages cleaning supplies and business records. A BOP helps you recover both the physical and financial losses.

Inland Marine Insurance

What it is: This policy covers tools, equipment, or supplies while they’re in transit or temporarily off-site.

What it covers: Loss, theft, or damage to your equipment while being transported between jobs or stored away from your main business location.

Example: Your cleaning supplies and a portable carpet cleaner are stolen out of your van while parked at a client’s home. Inland marine insurance can help replace those items.

Commercial Property Insurance

What it is: If you own or lease space for your business, this policy covers the physical building and the contents inside.

What it covers: Fire, vandalism, theft, weather damage, and more—anything that could physically impact your business premises or equipment stored there.

Example: A storm causes water damage to your storage unit, ruining thousands of dollars’ worth of cleaning gear. Commercial property insurance helps you recover.

Business Personal Property (BPP) Insurance

What it is: BPP is a type of property insurance specifically for movable items like cleaning tools, computers, and office furniture used in your business.

What it covers: Repair or replacement of these items if they are damaged or destroyed due to fire, theft, or other covered events.

Example: A fire in your office destroys laptops, vacuums, and supplies. BPP helps cover the cost to replace those essential business items.

Hired And Non-Owned Auto (HNOA) Insurance

What it is: This policy covers liability if you or your employees use personal or rented vehicles for business purposes.

What it covers: If an employee causes an accident while using their personal car for a work errand, HNOA provides liability coverage where personal auto insurance might fall short.

Example: You send an employee to pick up extra cleaning supplies in their own car, and they cause a fender bender. HNOA helps with the liability claim.

Umbrella Insurance

What it is: Umbrella coverage provides extra protection beyond the limits of your existing policies, like general liability and commercial auto.

What it covers: Once a claim exceeds the limits of your underlying policy, umbrella insurance kicks in to cover the remaining amount.

Example: You’re sued for $1 million after a client claims bodily injury from a cleaning product you used. Your general liability policy caps at $500,000. Umbrella insurance can cover the remaining $500,000.

Cyber Liability Insurance

What it is: This covers losses related to cyberattacks, data breaches, and other digital risks, particularly important if you store client info online.

What it covers: Legal costs, notification expenses, and credit monitoring for affected clients.

Example: Your scheduling software is hacked, and client addresses and payment details are leaked. Cyber liability helps manage the fallout.

Together, these policies form a comprehensive insurance plan for house cleaning businesses. While not every business needs all of them, understanding your risks and matching them with the right coverage ensures your operation stays protected, whether you’re a solo cleaner or manage a growing team.

House Cleaning Insurance Requirements

House cleaners and cleaning businesses are generally not mandated by federal law to carry specific insurance policies. However, certain types of insurance may be required depending on state laws, local regulations, and the nature of your business operations.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

In most states, if you have employees, you’re required to carry workers’ compensation insurance to cover medical expenses and lost wages for work-related injuries or illnesses. However, Texas does not mandate this coverage for private employers, though it’s still highly recommended to protect both your employees and your business.

Commercial Auto Insurance

If your cleaning business owns vehicles used for work purposes, most states require commercial auto insurance to cover liabilities arising from accidents.

General Liability Insurance

While not legally required, general liability insurance is often necessary to secure contracts and is highly recommended to protect against claims of property damage or bodily injury. Some clients or landlords may require proof of this coverage before doing business with you.

Janitorial Bonds

Not a legal requirement, but many clients may request a janitorial bond, which protects them against theft by your employees. Having a bond can enhance your credibility and trustworthiness in the eyes of potential clients.

It’s important to check with your local city or county government to understand specific licensing and insurance requirements applicable to your area.

How Much Does House Cleaning Insurance Cost?

House cleaning insurance typically costs between $350 and $1,000 per year for general liability coverage, depending on the size and structure of the business. For solo cleaners with no employees, rates often fall at the lower end of that range.

However, if you operate a growing cleaning company with multiple employees, use vehicles for work, or require additional coverages like workers’ comp or commercial property insurance, your premiums could be higher, sometimes exceeding $2,000 annually.

Several factors influence the cost of coverage, including your business location, the number of employees, the types of services you offer (standard cleaning vs. deep or specialty cleaning), your claims history, and whether you transport expensive equipment. Insurers also consider the amount of coverage you choose and whether you package policies together.

While it may be tempting to go with the cheapest option, it’s important to choose a plan that truly protects your business from its most likely risks.

How Is Your House Cleaning Insurance Cost Calculated?

Insurance underwriters calculate your house cleaning insurance premium based on several key risk factors unique to your business. One of the biggest considerations is the size and scope of your operation—solo cleaners typically pay less than businesses with multiple employees.

The services you offer also matter; if you specialize in high-risk work like post-construction cleanup or use strong chemicals, your rates may be higher. Location plays a role, too, since insurance costs can vary by state, city, or even ZIP code.

Underwriters also look at your claims history—if you’ve filed previous insurance claims, you could be seen as a higher risk. The value of your equipment, whether you own or lease business vehicles, and the type and amount of coverage you choose all factor into the cost as well. Even your business structure (LLC vs. sole proprietor) can affect how your policy is priced.

Tips To Lower Your House Cleaning Insurance Costs

Insurance costs can add up quickly for house cleaning businesses, but there are practical ways to keep your premiums manageable without skimping on coverage. The key is to understand which factors you can control and take proactive steps to minimize risk.

• Bundle your policies. Combine general liability, property insurance, and other coverages into a Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) to qualify for a multi-policy discount.
• Consider Hired and Non-Owned Auto (HNOA) coverage. If you or your employees use personal vehicles for work, HNOA can be more cost-effective than a full commercial auto policy.
• Keep a clean claims history. Avoiding claims through proper training and safety procedures can lower your risk profile and lead to reduced premiums over time.
• Invest in workplace safety. Implementing safety protocols and training for employees helps reduce the chances of injury claims and can lower workers’ compensation costs.
• Raise your deductible. Opting for a higher deductible can lower your monthly premium, but be sure your business can absorb the extra out-of-pocket cost in case of a claim.
• Review your coverage annually. Adjust your policies as your business evolves to avoid paying for coverage you no longer need.
• Compare quotes from multiple insurers. Rates vary widely, so shopping through Insuranceopedia can help you find the best deal for your current needs.

Taking a strategic approach to your insurance planning can make a real difference in your bottom line. With a little research and regular review, you can stay protected and cost-efficient at the same time.

Following these steps helps ensure you’re properly insured and set up to handle risks confidently and professionally.