Housekeeping Insurance Cost & Coverage Guide

If a client trips over my mop bucket or slips on the floor that I just waxed and breaks their hip, which policy pays for their ambulance and medical bills?

Housekeepers carry general liability insurance for scenarios like this. General liability insurance typically covers third-party medical expenses arising from your cleaning services and can help pay for your client’s ambulance fees, medical treatment, and your legal defense if they decide to sue you.

A client is accusing me of scratching their high-end stainless steel appliances during a deep clean. Is this covered by my general liability, or do I need another type of coverage?

Scratches or physical damage to a client’s property are typically handled by general liability insurance, whereas business interruption coverage usually covers financial losses due to professional errors, such as a missed move-out clean that costs a client their security deposit.

If I leave a faucet running and cause a major flood in a client’s apartment building, does my policy cover the damage to the units below them too?

Generally yes. Your general liability policy will typically cover damage to the client’s property and any neighboring property that was damaged as a result of your business operations.

My $1,500 floor scrubber was stolen from my trailer while I was parked at a jobsite. Is this covered by my general liability insurance?

No, standard liability insurance, also known as general liability, only covers third-party damage. To protect your own equipment while it’s on the move or at a client’s home, you typically need contractor’s equipment and small tools insurance, also known as inland marine insurance.

If I hire an employee or a part-time helper to assist with a large move-out clean and they hurt their back, am I liable for their lost wages?

In many cases, yes. If an employee or part-time helper is working under your direction, you may be responsible for their injury. Workers’ compensation insurance is designed to help cover those medical costs and lost wages, and in most states it’s legally required even for part-time help.

What are the main factors affecting my housekeeping insurance cost?

As with most types of insurance, your cleaning business insurance rates will depend on a number of factors, such as:

• Your business location 
• Your type of business: high-end vs. standard residences 
• The services you provide
• The number of employees you have
• Your estimated revenue, payroll, and sales
• And more
  

Does my insurance premium increase if I transition from cleaning standard family homes to cleaning “luxury” estates or high-value vacation rentals?

It may. Luxury estates often contain higher-value items such as fine art or custom finishes, which increase the potential cost of a claim. If a mistake happens in a high-value home, the repair or replacement costs are typically much higher than in a standard residence.

How can I lower my cleaning business insurance rates without losing coverage?

A few ways to keep strong protection while trimming costs include:

• Bundle smartly: A BOP can be more cost-effective than buying general liability and property insurance separately.
• Right-size your limits: Make sure your limits match your real exposure and budget.
• Reduce preventable claims: Slip-and-fall prevention, staff training, and good maintenance can pay off over time.
• Keep your info current: Accurate payroll, sales, and equipment values help avoid over paying.
• Compare options: We provide customized coverage recommendations and housekeeping insurance quotes from top-rated small business insurers so you can see them side by side.