Cleaning Insurance Cost & Coverage Guide

Q: If a cleaning product damages a client’s floor finish, is that covered?

This can be a gray area. While general liability may cover some accidental property damage, damage caused by using the wrong chemical could be considered "faulty workmanship" and may be excluded. It's important to review your policy's specific terms for product use exclusions.

Q: Will cleaning schools, medical facilities, or post-construction sites increase my premium?

Yes, cleaning higher-risk sites like medical facilities (with biohazard concerns), schools (with high foot traffic), or post-construction sites (with debris and dust) will likely increase your insurance premium due to the greater potential for accidents and liability claims.

Q: Is it tax-deductible?

Yes — insurance premiums are usually considered a business expense. But always check with your accountant for certain.

Q: Are my vacuums, buffers, and carpet extractors covered if stolen from my van?

Yes, they are typically covered if you have a Tools & Equipment insurance policy (also known as inland marine coverage). This policy is specifically designed to protect your professional gear when it's in transit or at a job site.

Q: Is it required by law?

Whether you need coverage depends on your state and if you have employees. But even if it’s not required, we recommend getting insured to financially protect your business. And in some instances, clients or landlords may require it before they’ll work with you.

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Cleaning Business Insurance Cost

As a cleaning professional, you make spaces sparkle. But your work comes with risks. A client could slip on a freshly mopped floor, a powerful cleaning solution could damage a surface, or an employee could get injured on the job. An accident can lead to thousands of dollars in unexpected costs that could harm your business. Cleaning business insurance is your financial safety net, protecting you from the spills and tumbles of day-to-day work.

This guide will break down the essential insurance coverages for cleaning businesses, what they typically cost, and how you can get the right protection. We’ve got you covered.

Cleaning Business Insurance

Your work involves operating in clients’ homes and offices, often using specialized equipment and chemicals. This exposes you to unique risks, from property damage to employee injuries. Cleaning business insurance is a suite of policies designed to protect your company from the financial fallout of these risks. Without it, you could be personally responsible for paying for costly legal fees, medical bills, and property replacement. Many commercial clients will require you to show proof of insurance before you can even start a job, making it essential for growing your business.

How Much Does Cleaning Insurance Cost?

The cost of cleaning business insurance varies, but most owners pay a median price of $33 per month, or about $398 per year, for a policy package. Your final premium will depend on several factors, including your location, number of employees, the types of properties you clean (e.g., residential vs. commercial), and your claims history.

Here’s a look at the median costs¹ for the most common policies cleaning businesses purchase.

Insurance Policy	Median Monthly Cost	Median Annual Cost
General Liability	$30	$354
Workers’ Compensation	$92	$1,106
Tools & Equipment	$21	$250

¹Data from Simply Business customers specializing as a ”housekeeping or maid business” who purchased at least one or a combination of general liability, tools and equipment, cyber, or workers’ compensation policies from July 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024. Reflected price tiers may not include purchase of all available policies under housekeeping insurance.

What Insurance Does a Cleaning Business Need?

While every cleaning business is different, most professionals need a combination of the following coverages to be fully protected from common on-the-job risks.

General liability

This is the foundation of your protection. It covers costs related to third-party accidents, property damage, and bodily injury claims that happen as a result of your work.

Why You Need It: A client’s employee doesn’t see your “wet floor” sign, slips, and fractures their wrist. Your general liability policy can cover their medical bills and your legal defense costs if they file a lawsuit.

Median Cost: $30/month

Tools & equipment (Inland marine)

Your industrial vacuums, floor buffers, and other cleaning equipment are expensive assets. This policy protects your gear from theft or damage, whether it’s at a client’s site, in your vehicle, or in storage.

Why You Need It: Thieves break into your locked work van and steal your commercial-grade carpet extractor and other supplies. This coverage can help pay to replace them so you can get back to work.

Median Cost: $21/month

Workers’ comp

If you have employees—even just one part-timer—most states require you to carry workers’ compensation. This policy covers medical bills and lost wages for employees who get injured or become ill on the job.

Why You Need It: An employee develops a repetitive strain injury in their shoulder from years of mopping and scrubbing. Workers’ comp can cover their physical therapy and a portion of their lost wages.

Median Cost: $92/month

How Much Will I Pay for Cleaning Business Insurance?

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Cleaning Business Insurance FAQs

If a cleaning product damages a client’s floor finish, is that covered?

Will cleaning schools, medical facilities, or post-construction sites increase my premium?

Is it tax-deductible?

Are my vacuums, buffers, and carpet extractors covered if stolen from my van?

Is it required by law?

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We make small business insurance simple — so you can get covered without the hassle. We’re a digital insurance brokerage. That means we’re not tied to one insurer. Instead, we partner with a range of top-rated carriers. With one easy form, you can compare quotes and choose coverage that fits your business, your risks, and your budget.

No hidden costs. No guesswork. Just clear, affordable options built for small business owners like you — so you can move forward with confidence, knowing you’re not overpaying.

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