Janitorial Insurance

Janitorial business owners can find the right protection by comparing business insurance policies from leading providers through Insuranceopedia. You can search for plans that cover general liability, property damage, and employee safety. It is also easy to find coverage for janitorial bonds.

Cleaning services are vital for maintaining safe environments, but the work carries risks. A client might slip on a wet floor and sue for damages. Your insurance handles the costs for injuries, legal defense, and professional mistakes. This financial support lets you focus on your job without the stress of unexpected bills.

Why Do Janitorial Professionals Need Insurance?

Operating as a janitor or managing a cleaning service requires a strong defense against financial loss. Unforeseen accidents occur frequently, and the costs often fall directly on you if you lack proper coverage.

Imagine you accidentally knock over a client’s specialized equipment worth $3,000 while dusting. You would likely be responsible for the replacement costs. There is also the significant risk of a third party slipping on a wet surface you recently mopped. This could result in a lawsuit for bodily injury that costs thousands in legal fees and settlements.

Insurance acts as a shield against these potential disasters. It pays for damages to property, medical costs for injuries, and even defense against theft accusations. Whether you work solo or manage a crew, having a policy ensures you can operate your business without the constant fear of a claim ruining your finances.

What Insurance Do Janitorial Professionals Need?

Janitors often work late at night when no one else is around. You are responsible for cleaning schools, offices, and medical facilities while handling strong chemicals and heavy machinery. You also work near expensive electronics and furniture. If an accident happens, you could be held liable for damages. The right insurance coverage stops a simple mistake from becoming a financial disaster.

Here are the main types of business insurance policies janitorial professionals should consider to stay protected.

Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)

What it is: A Business Owner’s Policy is a great way to save money on premiums. It bundles general liability and commercial property insurance into one easy package. This is usually cheaper than purchasing the two policies separately.

What it covers: This protects your physical assets and provides liability coverage. It covers damage to your own office, cleaning supplies, and equipment.

Example: A pipe bursts in your storage unit and ruins your floor buffers and stock of paper towels. A BOP pays to replace your damaged tools and supplies so your business can keep running without a huge financial loss.

Surety Bonds (Janitorial Bond)

What it is: Trust is the most important part of the cleaning business. A janitorial bond protects your clients if they suspect you or your employees of theft.

What it covers: If a client claims a cleaner stole something, the bond reimburses the client for the value of the item.

Example: You finish cleaning a medical office, and the doctor reports that a laptop is missing. Even if there is no proof of theft, the claim looks bad for your reputation. A bond pays the client for the loss. This helps you keep the contract and proves you run an honest company.

Janitorial professionals pay an average of $11 per month, or $132 annually, for this coverage.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

What it is: Cleaning is physical work, and injuries happen. This policy protects your staff if they get hurt or sick because of their job.

What it covers: It pays for medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages. Most states require this coverage by law as soon as you hire your first employee.

Example: An employee is waxing a floor, slips on the wet surface, and breaks a wrist. Workers’ compensation pays for the emergency room visit. It also provides partial wages while the employee stays home to heal.

Commercial Auto Insurance

What it is: Personal car insurance usually denies claims if you are driving for work. Commercial auto insurance covers vehicles owned by your business or used for business tasks.

What it covers: It pays for vehicle repairs, property damage, and medical bills if you or a worker causes an accident while driving for the company.

Example: Your employee is driving the company van to a job site and rear-ends another car at a stoplight. Commercial auto insurance pays to fix the other driver’s car and covers the damage to your van.

The average price for this policy is $160 per month, or $1,920 per year.

General Liability Insurance

What it is: This is the most basic and essential policy for small businesses. It protects you against claims from third parties regarding injury or property damage.

What it covers: If you damage a client’s property or someone gets hurt because of your cleaning operations, this pays for the legal fees, settlement costs, and repair bills.

Example: You are dusting a conference room and accidentally knock over an expensive sculpture. The client expects you to pay for it. General liability insurance covers the cost of the sculpture, so you do not have to pay out of pocket.

Cheapest Janitorial Workers’ Compensation Insurance

The cheapest option for workers’ compensation is Next Insurance, with an average annual cost of approximately $535.

Note: These estimates are based on 2025 rate data for cleaning businesses with 1-3 employees and a standard payroll (approx. $40,000–$50,000). Actual premiums will vary based on your state’s specific class codes, your claims history, and total payroll size.

Cheapest Janitorial General Liability Insurance

The cheapest option for general liability coverage is biBERK, with an average annual cost of approximately $512.

Note: Estimates are based on standard liability limits of $1 million per occurrence / $2 million aggregate for small janitorial businesses. Actual premiums will vary depending on your location, the types of buildings you clean (commercial vs. residential), and your business revenue.

Cheapest Janitorial Business Owner’s Policy

The cheapest option for a Business Owner’s Policy is Progressive Commercial, with an average annual cost of approximately $790.

Note: These estimates reflect a bundled package including General Liability and Commercial Property coverage for a small cleaning service with standard equipment values (under $10,000). Actual premiums will vary based on your property value, deductible choices, and specific endorsements required by your contracts.

How Much Does Janitorial Insurance Cost?

A standard general liability policy for janitorial work typically costs between $600 and $1,000 per year. Independent cleaners who work alone often pay rates on the lower end of this scale. However, the price increases if you run a larger operation with a crew or company vehicles. Adding essential extras like property coverage or workers’ compensation can raise your yearly expense to over $2,000.

Your final cost of business insurance depends on details like your business location and payroll size. Insurance carriers also look at the specific cleaning services you offer and your past claims. It is important to prioritize adequate coverage regarding these risks instead of simply choosing the cheapest option available.

Note: These estimates are based on national industry averages for small to medium-sized janitorial businesses in 2024-2025. The figures reflect standard policy limits (e.g., $1 million per occurrence for General Liability) and typical risk profiles for cleaning services. Actual premiums will vary significantly based on your specific location, number of employees, claims history, coverage limits, and the insurance carrier you choose.

How Is Your Janitorial Insurance Cost Calculated?

Insurance underwriters calculate your premiums by reviewing the specific risks involved in your cleaning business. The size of your team is a major factor. A sole proprietor generally pays less than a company with a full staff.

The services you provide also affect the price. High-risk work like construction cleanup or handling hazardous chemicals will likely increase your costs. Your location matters too. Insurance rates often vary significantly by state and city. Lastly, insurers check your claims history. A record of past claims signals a higher risk and usually leads to a more expensive policy.

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