You know it better than anyone—sometimes life can be messy. A well-established cleaning service is a breath of fresh air for anyone who feels overwhelmed by the constant cycle of mess, wash, rinse, and repeat. When it comes to mopping up others’ messes, you’re an expert; but who’s there for you when life piles up?
Cleaning insurance is there to grant the confidence that your business reputation can start and stay squeaky clean, even in a risky industry. With the right coverage, you can focus on what you do best—providing excellent service—while leaving the risk management to the experts. Let’s delve deeper into why cleaning business insurance is a necessity, not just an option.
Picture this: Your cleaning business is thriving. You’ve painstakingly built a stellar reputation, and your schedule is packed with loyal clients. Suddenly, an unexpected slip-and-fall accident occurs on a freshly mopped floor, or a priceless heirloom breaks during a routine clean. The financial fallout could be devastating. This is where the hero of your story steps in: cleaning business insurance.
More than just a mundane policy, it’s your fortress against unforeseen liabilities and damages, providing coverage that keeps your business sparkling even in the face of adversity.
Do Cleaners and Cleaning Businesses Need Insurance?
Absolutely, yes! This line of work exposes you to unique risks, particularly as you travel to others’ precious homes and places of work. Establishing trust is essential to keep your clientele happy and coming back for more—and that starts with ensuring your clients that you’re prepared in the event of any mishaps.
Who Needs Cleaning Business Insurance?
Whether you’re a solo act keeping homes spick and span, a dedicated troop scrubbing commercial spaces to a high shine, or a specialized squad tackling carpets and floors, you need cleaning business insurance!
The Importance of Insurance for a Cleaning Business
While any kind of small business can use a good protection policy, cleaning businesses find them particularly beneficial to gain and keep clientele. Insurance for a cleaning business can help foster a sense of professionalism, as clients won’t be worried that you won’t be able to pay for possible damages.
Cleaners also may need to travel to multiple locations and work on third-party premises, meaning that work environments can be unpredictable; so, in the event of a worker injury or the loss of equipment, cleaning business insurance is there to help protect you from a heavy hit to the pocketbook.
What Does Cleaning Business Insurance Cover?
Cleaning insurance is a smart move—period. From potential property damage to liability claims arising from accidents, you deserve peace of mind when conducting your business.
General Liability Coverage
General liability coverage is a type of insurance policy that provides coverage to a business for bodily injury, personal injury, and property damage caused by business operations. This can provide blanket protection against potential mishaps on a cleaning job, such as:
- An employee leaving a wet floor without a sign, causing a customer to slip and
fall, resulting in injury - A product accidentally spills, causing damage to a client’s property
- An employee shatters a precious item while dusting
- A cleaning company inadvertently infringes on another company’s copyright (for
instance, using a similar logo or slogan)
In essence, general liability coverage is there to cover medical and legal costs when things go awry.
Products & Completed Operations Aggregate
Products and Completed Operations Aggregate coverage is a component of general liability insurance that specifically covers claims arising from the products a business sells or the services it has completed. This coverage is particularly important for cleaning businesses.
For example, imagine one of your employees accidentally uses the wrong cleaning product—one that ends up damaging a client’s expensive furniture. Yikes! If the client decides to sue your company for the damages, the Products Liability coverage would help cover the legal costs and potential settlement or judgment.
Similarly, let’s say your cleaning crew has finished a job at a client’s office, but they inadvertently left a floor wet, causing an employee at the office to slip and fall after your team had left. The Completed Operations coverage would step in to help cover the costs associated with this claim.
In both scenarios, the Products & Completed Operations Aggregate limit is the maximum amount your insurance will pay for all claims during your policy period. It provides a safety net for your cleaning business against claims related to the products you use and the service you provide once the work is completed.
Personal and Advertising Injury Coverage
Personal and Advertising Injury coverage is a part of general liability insurance that protects your cleaning business against claims of slander, libel, invasion of privacy, copyright infringement, and misappropriation of advertising ideas. In a cleaning business, common insurance claims include:
- Libel or Slander: If you make a false statement about a competitor, whether verbally or in writing, which harms their reputation, you could be sued for defamation. Personal and Advertising Injury coverage would help cover the costs associated with such a claim.
- Violation of Right to Privacy: If your cleaning business improperly shares a client’s private information without consent, it could lead to a lawsuit. This coverage would protect your business in such an event.
- Advertising Infringement: If your cleaning business uses advertising methods that are too similar to those of another company, you could be accused of copyright infringement or theft of advertising ideas. Your Personal and Advertising Injury coverage would step in to help handle legal expenses and potential settlements.
As always, check with your insurance provider to verify the specifics of your policy.
What is the Cost of Not Having Cleaning Insurance?
Not having cleaning business insurance can really put a damper on your shine. If you’re not covered, any unfortunate incidents or accidents could leave you footing the bill, and trust us, those costs can add up faster than dust on a forgotten bookshelf.
On average, the cost of business insurance for a cleaning company ranges from $96 to $114 per month. However, cleaning business insurance with Insurance Canopy can be as low as $26.67 per month, depending on specifics. Sounds more manageable than a huge out-of-pocket expense, right?
Without proper coverage, you’d have to pay directly for any claims against your cleaning business. This could include anything from property damage to bodily injury claims. And let’s not forget, if you’re employing others, you may also need to consider workers’ compensation insurance.
So, in the grand scheme of things, the cost of not having cleaning insurance could potentially be far greater than the monthly premium. Keep your business sparkling and safeguarded with the right insurance.
Factors to Consider in Choosing the Best Cleaning Insurance Policy
Insurance for a cleaning business should be just that—tailored to work specifically for you, not just a one-size-fits-all coverage set. When considering an insurance policy, make sure you consider all factors.
Type of Cleaning Services Offered
Step one: Assess your needs. You may ask yourself the following:
- How many employees does your cleaning service have?
- What kind of services do you offer? (ex. Green cleaning, window cleaning, carpet cleaning, dry cleaning, car detailing, etc.)
- Do you drive to and from work sites?
- Do you have a vehicle titled to your business?
- Do you travel with equipment or store it in an off-site location?
Bottom line, you are situated within a unique industry, so don’t settle for cookie-cutter coverage. Look for an insurance provider who has a demonstrated knowledge of the cleaning industry (hint: they may have a blog or other resources on their website!)
Financial Considerations
Step two: Consider your budget.
The cost of general liability insurance for a cleaning business is typically affordable, with the median price being less than $45 per month or $530 per year. However, the exact cost can vary based on the size of your business, the number of employees, and the specific risks associated with your operations. Do some market research and know that cleaning insurance isn’t supposed to break the bank; in the long run, it’s a fraction of the cost of a potential pricey lawsuit.
Industry Regulations
Step three: Review industry regulations.
These can vary by location and the specific services your cleaning business provides. Understanding these regulations can help ensure that your coverage meets all legal requirements and adequately protects your business. For instance, some regions may require a certain minimum amount of liability insurance, or specific types of coverage like workers’ compensation for employees.
Additionally, certain clients or contracts might require proof of specific insurance coverage as part of their conditions. By familiarizing yourself with these regulations, you can make informed decisions about your insurance purchase and even promote your cleaning business with insurance!
Coverage Limits and Policy Exclusions
Step four: Read the fine print.
When it comes to coverage, transparency is everything! Coverage limits are the maximum amount an insurance company will pay for a covered loss, while policy exclusions detail what is not covered by the insurance policy. These could include certain types of damages, incidents, or situations. Being aware of these exclusions can help you avoid unexpected out-of-pocket expenses in the event of a claim. It’s advisable to work with an insurance professional to ensure your policy covers all the specific risks associated with your cleaning business and that the coverage limits align with your business’s potential risk exposure.
Customization Options
Step five: Pick the right add-ons for you.
Before purchasing cleaning insurance, it’s important to review customization options, such as inland marine coverage. These options can tailor your policy to better suit the unique needs of your cleaning business. Inland marine insurance, for instance, provides coverage for cleaning supplies, equipment, or tools while they’re in transit or at a job site, which is particularly relevant for cleaning businesses that transport their equipment to various locations. By understanding and considering these customization options, you can ensure your insurance policy covers all aspects of your operations.
FAQs about Cleaning Business Insurance
How Much Does Cleaning Insurance Cost?
The cost of cleaning business insurance varies greatly based on factors such as the type of services provided, the number of employees, and the specific risks involved. According to multiple sources (Insureon, Investopedia, and MoneyGeek), cleaning insurance ranges from $36 to $114 a month.
However, Insurance Canopy offers rates starting as low as $26.67 a month. This affordable rate provides comprehensive coverage tailored to the unique needs of cleaning businesses, and—despite its affordability—Insurance Canopy’s policy does not compromise on coverage, providing essential protection against various risks involved in the cleaning industry.
Are Subcontractors or Temporary Workers Covered by My Cleaning Insurance?
While a cleaning business’s insurance may provide comprehensive coverage for the business and its employees, it generally does not extend to subcontractors or temporary workers. These individuals should secure their own insurance policies to ensure they’re protected in the event of an accident or injury.
How Do I File a Claim With Cleaning Insurance if an Incident Occurs?
To file a claim with your cleaning insurance:
- Document the incident: It is crucial to take a detailed report of any accident—including how, when, who, and where it occurred. If possible, take clear photos or videos of the scene and any damage that may have occurred.
- Gather witness information: If there were any witnesses to the incident, record their statements and collect contact information.
- Contact your insurance provider: As soon as possible following the incident, contact your cleaning business insurance provider to report the accident. This typically can be done by calling the insurance company or opening an insurance claim on the insurer’s website.
- Follow the insurer’s instructions: Each insurance company has its own process for handling claims. Fill out any specific forms and provide documentation when asked. Be sure to follow these instructions carefully to avoid delays in processing your claim.
- Track your claim: Most insurance companies allow you to track your claim online so you can stay updated on its progress.
Don’t leave your business exposed to unnecessary risk. With Insurance Canopy, you can get comprehensive coverage tailored to your cleaning business needs for as low as $26 a month. Keep your business clean with Insurance Canopy and gain the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re covered. Get your cleaning business insurance quote now!
