Trade insurance
Insurance for cleaning businesses.
Commercial cleaning contracts almost always require general liability plus a janitorial bond before award. Cleaners work unsupervised in client property daily, making liability and bonding non-negotiable for winning work.
Updated 2026-05-16 · Beaconcover editorial§ 01
Why this matters
What can go wrong on the job.
- Damage to client property. Chemical damage to floors, broken valuables
- Theft allegations. Working unsupervised in client homes/offices invites accusation
- Slip-and-fall on wet floors. Third-party injury during or after cleaning
§ 02
Required vs recommended
What contracts require, and what's worth adding.
- ✓General liability
- ✓Surety bond
§ 03
Typical premium ranges
What it tends to cost.
- General liability: $580 avg (house cleaning ~$525, pressure washing ~$895) / year[Q]Insureon
- Surety bond: $126 avg (janitorial bond) / year[Q]Insureon
Figures are reported averages, not quotes. Actual premiums vary by state, revenue, payroll, and underwriting.
§ 04
Common gaps
Where this coverage trips people up.
A janitorial bond is not insurance — it covers client theft loss, not your liability
Lost-key coverage is a common add-on commercial clients demand
Some carriers exclude damage to the specific item being worked on (care, custody & control)
§ 05
Before you bind
Questions to ask any carrier for cleaning businesses.
- Does the quote include the lines listed above as typically required?
- What does a certificate of insurance cost and how fast can the carrier issue one?
- How is workers' compensation rated for this trade — by payroll or by class code?
- Is there a separate deductible for tools and equipment in transit between sites?
- If a client requires an additional-insured endorsement, is there a fee?