Janitorial Insurance Cost & Coverage Guide

Q: If a client's employee slips on a wet floor that my team just mopped, does my general liability policy cover their injury claim?

Yes. This is a classic example of a third-party bodily injury claim. Your general liability insurance is designed to cover the injured person's medical bills and your legal costs if they decide to sue.

Q: Does my general liability insurance cover damage if my employee uses the wrong cleaning product and ruins a client's expensive desk?

It depends on the specifics of the policy. Damage caused by using the wrong product could be considered "faulty workmanship" and may not be covered by a standard general liability policy. However, some policies include specific endorsements, or you may need Product Liability coverage to address this type of risk.

Q: Are my industrial floor buffers and vacuums covered by my equipment insurance policy?

Yes, if you have a Tools & Equipment policy (also known as inland marine insurance). This coverage is specifically designed to protect your professional gear from theft or damage while it's away from your primary business location.

Q: Does my insurance cost more if I clean industrial sites versus standard office buildings?

Yes, almost certainly. Cleaning industrial sites often involves more risks, such as exposure to hazardous materials and operating around heavy machinery. This increased risk profile typically results in a higher insurance premium.

Q: If one of my employees gets sick from inhaling cleaning chemical fumes, which policy would cover their medical care?

Their medical care and lost wages would be covered by your Workers' Compensation insurance. This policy is required in most states for businesses with employees and is essential for covering work-related injuries and illnesses.

Q: Is it tax deductible?

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

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Janitorial Insurance Cost

As the owner of a janitorial business, you leave every space spotless. But on any job, accidents can happen. A client slipping on a wet floor, an employee having a reaction to a chemical, or damage from the wrong cleaning product can lead to thousands of dollars in unexpected costs. Janitorial insurance is your financial safety net, protecting your business from the risks you face daily so you can focus on making your clients shine.

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.

Janitorial Insurance

Your work involves operating in your clients’ spaces, often after hours, using specialized equipment and chemicals. This exposes you to unique risks, from property damage to employee injury and even accusations of theft. Janitorial insurance is a suite of policies designed to protect your cleaning business from the financial consequences 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 working.

How Much Does Janitorial Business Insurance Cost?

The cost of janitorial insurance varies, but most cleaning businesses pay a median price of $51 per month, or about $612 per year, for a policy package. Your final premium will depend on factors like your location, number of employees, the types of properties you clean (e.g., offices vs. industrial sites), and your claims history.

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

Insurance Policy	Median Monthly Cost	Median Annual Cost
General Liability	$42	$504
Workers’ Compensation	$89	$1,068
Tools & Equipment	$21	$252

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

What Insurance Does a Janitor 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: An office employee doesn’t see your “wet floor” sign, slips, and breaks their wrist. Your general liability policy can cover their medical bills and your legal defense costs if they file a lawsuit.

Median Cost: $42/month

Tools & Equipment (Inland marine)

Your industrial floor buffers, vacuums, 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: Your work van is broken into, and your commercial-grade carpet cleaner and floor polisher are stolen. This coverage can help pay for their replacement so you don’t have to absorb the full cost.

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: One of your employees develops a severe respiratory reaction from inhaling chemical fumes in a poorly ventilated area. Workers’ comp can cover their doctor’s visits and a portion of their lost wages while they recover.

Median Cost: $89/month

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

If a client’s employee slips on a wet floor that my team just mopped, does my general liability policy cover their injury claim?

Does my general liability insurance cover damage if my employee uses the wrong cleaning product and ruins a client’s expensive desk?

Are my industrial floor buffers and vacuums covered by my equipment insurance policy?

Does my insurance cost more if I clean industrial sites versus standard office buildings?

If one of my employees gets sick from inhaling cleaning chemical fumes, which policy would cover their medical care?

Is it tax deductible?

The Simply Business difference

Simply Business is a digital insurance brokerage. That means we’re not tied to one insurer. Instead, we partner with a range of top-rated carriers and use smart technology to match you with policies that fit your specific business, your risks, and your budget.  

Maybe you’re just starting out and want solid protection without overspending. Or maybe you’re growing fast and need janitorial insurance coverage that can grow with you. Either way, we’re here to help –– with a choice of affordable policies and small business expertise to help you get the coverage you need.

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