Cleaning businesses face risks every time they enter a client’s home or workplace. Accidental property damage, customer injuries, stolen equipment, and employee accidents can all lead to unexpected costs.
The best cleaning business insurance companies offer coverage tailored to these risks while making it easy to get a quote, purchase a policy, and access a certificate of insurance. I evaluated leading providers based on their coverage options, convenience, customer experience, claims process, and financial strength to identify the six best options for cleaning businesses.
Provider | Best for | Rating out of 5 |
| ERGO | NEXT | Best overall cleaning business insurance | 4.83 |
| The Hartford | Established cleaning businesses needing broad coverage | 4.51 |
| Hiscox | Cleaning businesses wanting customized liability coverage | 4.34 |
| Thimble | New or part-time cleaning businesses needing flexible coverage | 4.20 |
| Simply Business | Comparing quotes from multiple insurance companies | 3.94 |
| Insurance Canopy | Cleaning businesses needing insurance and bonding | 3.70 |
Methodology
To build this list of the best insurance for cleaning business owners, I focused on providers that offer coverage for the risks cleaners commonly face, including accidental property damage, customer injuries, stolen equipment, employee accidents, and vehicle-related incidents. My goal was to identify insurers that combine useful coverage with an easy quote process, reliable support, and convenient policy management.
Each provider was evaluated using consistent criteria that reflect how small business owners compare insurance for cleaning business operations, including the following categories:
- Quote and purchase process: I reviewed how easy it is to get a quote, how quickly coverage can begin, whether pricing is available online, and whether owners can purchase a policy without speaking to an agent.
- Policies offered: I compared the availability of important policies, including general liability, professional liability, commercial auto, commercial property, workers’ compensation, tools and equipment coverage, business owner’s policies, cyber insurance, and specialty coverage.
- Company reputation: I considered each provider’s market presence, financial strength, complaint history, Better Business Bureau rating, and customer review data when available.
- Customer experience: I looked at features that make insurance easier to manage, including mobile app access, online chat, online quotes, access to live agents, and automatic renewals.
- Claims process: I reviewed whether claims are handled in-house or by a third party, along with whether policyholders can submit claims online or receive help from an agent.
- Editorial opinion: I also considered each provider’s overall value for cleaning business owners, including how well its coverage, pricing, service model, and convenience fit the needs of residential and commercial cleaning companies.
Why you can trust Fit Small Business
At Fit Small Business, we are committed to providing reliable answers to your insurance questions through careful research and real-world experience. Drawing on more than a decade of experience in the insurance industry, including working with small businesses, I evaluate each provider using the knowledge and insight I have gained throughout my career.
Through years of working directly with customers, I have learned which coverage features truly matter for small business owners and which factors often have less impact in practice. I use that experience to assess each provider, focusing on the elements that make the biggest difference when choosing insurance for a small business.
- Best cleaning business insurance companies compared
- Ergo | Next: Best overall cleaning business insurance
- The Hartford: Best for established cleaning businesses needing broad coverage
- Hiscox: Best for cleaning businesses wanting customized liability coverage
- Thimble: Best for new or part-time cleaning businesses needing flexible coverage
- Simply Business: Best for comparing quotes from multiple insurance companies
- Insurance Canopy: Best for cleaning businesses needing insurance and bonding
- What kind of insurance does a cleaning business need?
- Factors that affect cleaning insurance costs
- How to choose the best insurance for a cleaning business
- How much coverage does a cleaning business need?
- Cleaning business insurance vs janitorial bonds
- Common cleaning insurance exclusions
- Bottom line
- You might also like…
Best cleaning business insurance companies compared
| Provider | Direct insurer or broker | Quote process | Purchase online | Instant COI available | Availability |
| ERGO | NEXT | Direct insurer | Online or by phone | Yes | Yes | Coverage varies by state |
| The Hartford | Direct insurer | Online or through an agent | Yes, when eligible | Yes | Nationwide |
| Hiscox | Direct insurer | Online or by phone | Yes | Yes | Nationwide except Alaska |
| Thimble | Broker/Marketplace | Online, through the app, or by phone | Yes | Yes | Nationwide |
| Simply Business | Broker/Marketplace | Online or by phone | Yes, for many policies | Yes, for many policies | Nationwide |
| Insurance Canopy | Broker/Marketplace | Online or by phone | Yes | Yes | All states except New York |
| Standout features |
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| Financial rating | AM Best rating: A+ (Superior) |
Why I like it
ERGO | NEXT is my choice for the best insurance for cleaning business owners because it combines industry-specific coverage with a convenient digital experience. Eligible cleaners can get a quote, select coverage, purchase a policy, and receive proof of insurance online in about 10 minutes.
The provider covers several types of cleaning businesses, including residential cleaners, janitorial companies, carpet cleaners, pressure washers, and window cleaners. It also offers policies that can protect a company’s employees, equipment, vehicles, and work performed at customer locations. Access to unlimited COIs at no additional cost is especially helpful for cleaners who regularly need proof of insurance to secure contracts or enter client properties.
Cost, coverage & other deciding factors
| Cost | ERGO | NEXT says janitorial insurance can start at $41.67 per month. General liability costs between $38 and $50 per month for 52% of its janitorial customers. Pricing depends on the services provided, location, number of employees, vehicles, revenue, claims history, limits, and selected policies. Eligible businesses may save up to 25% through available discounts. |
| Convenience | Business owners can request a quote, customize coverage, purchase a policy, and receive a COI online in about 10 minutes. Policies can be managed 24/7 through the website or mobile app. Customers may pay monthly or annually and can cancel coverage through their accounts. |
| Customer experience | Policyholders can access documents, update payment information, add additional insureds, and download or send COIs by email or text. Claims can also be filed online. Customers who need help can use online chat to reach ERGO | NEXT’s U.S.-based support team. |
| Coverage types |
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| Standout features |
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| Financial rating | AM Best rating: A (Excellent) |
Why I like it
The Hartford is a strong choice for established cleaning businesses that need more than basic liability protection. Its broad selection of policies can cover a company’s customer interactions, employees, equipment, property, and work vehicles. Eligible businesses can also combine general liability, commercial property, and business income coverage in a business owner’s policy.
I also like The Hartford for cleaning companies with employees or valuable equipment. Its workers’ compensation experience and optional tools and equipment coverage make it suitable for businesses that are expanding beyond a one-person operation. The Hartford may offer the best insurance for cleaning business owners who value an experienced carrier, broad coverage, and access to representatives when they need help.
Cost, coverage & other deciding factors
| Cost | The Hartford says general liability insurance costs its customers an average of about $68 per month, while a business owner’s policy averages approximately $141 per month. Actual costs depend on the cleaning services provided, business location, number of employees, claims history, coverage limits, and selected policies. |
| Convenience | Cleaning business owners can begin a quote online and may be able to purchase coverage digitally, depending on eligibility. The Hartford’s online customer service center allows policyholders to pay bills, access documents, request COIs, check claims, and manage premium audits. |
| Customer experience | Customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Central Time. Claims can be reported by phone 24/7. Policyholders can also use My Account to view claim information and complete common account-management tasks. |
| Coverage types |
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| Standout features |
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| Financial rating | AM Best rating: A (Excellent) |
Why I like it
Hiscox stands out for offering liability insurance tailored to specific cleaning professions. Its website includes dedicated coverage information for janitors, carpet cleaners, and window cleaners, making it easier for business owners to understand how a policy may address the risks associated with their work.
It is a particularly good option for small cleaning companies and independent cleaners that primarily need general liability coverage. Eligible applicants can request a quote, purchase coverage, and receive policy documents online. Hiscox may offer the best insurance for cleaning business owners who want a customized liability policy with access to licensed agents seven days a week.
Cost, coverage & other deciding factors
| Cost | Hiscox says general liability insurance for janitors starts at $30 per month. Carpet cleaning general liability insurance typically costs between $300 and $800 annually. Premiums vary based on the company’s size, revenue, location, claims history, coverage limits, and services provided. Monthly payments are available without additional fees. |
| Convenience | Eligible cleaning businesses can get a quote online in minutes and may receive same-day coverage. Hiscox emails policy documents and COIs immediately after purchase. Policyholders can also generate customized COIs, request documents, update certificate holders, and submit certain policy changes online. |
| Customer experience | Licensed agents are available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern time. Claims can be submitted online 24/7 or reported by phone, email, or mail. A dedicated claims professional is assigned after a claim is reported. |
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| Financial rating | AM Best rating: Policies are backed by A-rated insurance carriers. Thimble is an insurance agency and is not rated by AM Best. |
Why I like it
Thimble is a strong option for new, seasonal, or part-time cleaning businesses that do not need continuous annual coverage. Owners can purchase insurance for a single job or choose monthly or annual protection as their businesses grow. This flexibility can help newer companies manage costs while meeting a client’s insurance requirements.
Thimble also covers several cleaning specialties, including house cleaning, janitorial work, carpet cleaning, pressure washing, window cleaning, and vehicle detailing. It may offer the best insurance for cleaning business owners who need coverage quickly for an upcoming contract or occasional project.
Cost, coverage & other deciding factors
| Cost | Thimble lists average cleaning business insurance costs of $9 hourly, $47 daily, $53 weekly, and $50 monthly. Business equipment protection starts at $6 per month. Pricing depends on the business location, policy length, crew size, coverage limit, services performed, and selected add-ons. |
| Convenience | Cleaning business owners can request a quote in about 60 seconds and purchase insurance online, through the mobile app, or by phone. The policy and COI are emailed after purchase and can be accessed through the Thimble app. |
| Customer experience | Policyholders can use the app to access COIs, add or change additional insureds, and manage coverage. Eligible policies can be modified, paused, or canceled online, making it easier to adjust insurance when workloads change. |
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| Financial rating | AM Best rating: Simply Business is an insurance marketplace that works with highly rated insurance carriers. Simply Business is not rated by AM Best |
Why I like it
Simply Business is a good choice for cleaning companies that want to compare coverage and pricing before selecting an insurer. Because it’s a digital brokerage, it can provide quotes from multiple carriers through one application. This saves owners from entering the same business information on several insurance websites.
Its cleaning insurance options can include protection for third-party accidents, employee injuries, equipment, and professional mistakes. Simply Business may help owners find the best insurance for cleaning business operations when price comparison and access to several carriers are the main priorities.
Cost, coverage & other deciding factors
| Cost | Simply Business reports that cleaning business owners pay a median price of $33 per month, or approximately $398 annually, for a policy package. Median monthly costs are $30 for general liability, $92 for workers’ compensation, and $21 for tools and equipment coverage. Pricing varies by carrier, location, number of employees, services provided, claims history, and selected limits. |
| Convenience | Owners can complete one online application, compare quotes, select a policy, and purchase coverage in less than 10 minutes when eligible. Policy documents, billing information, and COIs are available through the online account 24/7. |
| Customer experience | Licensed agents are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time. Customers can use their accounts to download COIs, add additional insureds, update contact information, manage payments, and purchase additional policies. Claims must be filed with the carrier, although Simply Business can help customers locate the correct claims contact. |
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| Financial rating | AM Best rating: Insurance Canopy is an insurance marketplace that works with highly rated insurance carriers. Insurance Canopy is not rated by AM Best |
Why I like it
Insurance Canopy stands out because its program was built specifically for cleaning businesses. In addition to general liability insurance, it offers janitorial bonds that can help businesses meet contract requirements and reassure customers concerned about employee theft or dishonesty.
The company also publishes its starting price, liability limits, equipment coverage options, and major exclusions online. This makes it easier for owners to understand what they are purchasing before beginning the application. Insurance Canopy may offer the best insurance for cleaning business owners who want liability coverage and bonding from the same online marketplace.
Cost, coverage & other deciding factors
| Cost | Cleaning business insurance starts at $39 per month. Insurance Canopy says customers can save up to 12% by selecting annual payments. Final pricing depends on the cleaning services provided, selected limits, optional coverages, number of employees, location, and other risk factors |
| Convenience | Eligible applicants can purchase a policy online and receive immediate coverage confirmation and a COI after completing the application and payment. Coverage is available in every state except New York. Customers can manage policies and file claims through an online dashboard. |
| Customer experience | Noncommissioned, licensed agents are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time. Cleaning policies renew automatically, and policyholders receive an email before renewal. Customers can cancel by contacting the service team, although fees and refund eligibility depend on the policy terms. |
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What kind of insurance does a cleaning business need?
The best insurance for cleaning business owners usually combines several policies. The right mix depends on whether you work alone, employ a team, operate company vehicles, or own expensive cleaning equipment.
| Coverage | What it can cover | Who should consider it |
| General liability | Third-party bodily injuries, property damage, and personal or advertising injury claims | Most residential and commercial cleaning businesses |
| Workers’ compensation | Medical expenses and lost wages resulting from employee injuries or work-related illnesses | Cleaning businesses with employees |
| Tools and equipment | Cleaning equipment that is stolen, lost, or damaged while being transported, stored, or used at a job site | Cleaners with vacuums, carpet extractors, floor buffers, pressure washers, or other valuable equipment |
| Commercial auto | Accidents, injuries, and vehicle damage involving a company-owned or business-use vehicle | Businesses using cars, vans, or trucks to transport workers and equipment |
| Business owner’s policy | General liability, commercial property, and, typically, business income coverage | Established cleaning companies with offices, storage facilities, or valuable business property |
| Professional liability | Claims involving mistakes, negligence, or failure to perform contracted services | Cleaners offering specialized or advisory services |
| Cyber insurance | Data breaches, cyberattacks, and costs associated with restoring compromised information | Businesses that store customer information or accept electronic payments |
| Janitorial bond | Customer losses resulting from employee theft or dishonesty | Cleaning companies whose clients require bonding |
Factors that affect cleaning insurance costs
Insurance companies generally consider the following information when calculating a cleaning company’s premium:
- Cleaning services performed
- Residential or commercial clients
- Business location
- Annual revenue and payroll
- Number of employees
- Years in business
- Claims history
- Value of tools and equipment
- Business vehicle use
- Coverage limits and deductibles
- Use of subcontractors
Providing accurate information is important. Leaving out higher-risk services could create problems if you later file a claim involving work that was not disclosed.
How to choose the best insurance for a cleaning business
Price matters, but the lowest quote may not provide the protection your business needs. Use this checklist when comparing providers:
How much coverage does a cleaning business need?
Many cleaning businesses select general liability limits of $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate, but the right amount depends on the company’s contracts and risk exposure.
Consider the following when selecting limits:
- Client requirements: Commercial customers may specify minimum liability limits before awarding a contract.
- Properties cleaned: Working in offices, medical facilities, or high-value homes may increase potential losses.
- Equipment value: Add up the replacement cost of vacuums, floor machines, carpet extractors, and other equipment.
- Employees: Review state workers’ compensation requirements as soon as you hire.
- Vehicles: Make sure vehicles used for business have appropriate commercial coverage.
- Growth plans: Revisit your policies when adding employees, vehicles, locations, or new services.
| A COI provides evidence of active coverage and summarizes important policy details. Clients may request one before allowing your company to begin work. Learn more in our guide to certificates of liability insurance. |
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Cleaning business insurance vs janitorial bonds
Insurance and bonding are not the same, although a customer may require both. Here are the main differences.
Cleaning business insurance | Janitorial bond | |
| Primary purpose | Protects against covered accidents, injuries, property damage, and other business risks | Provides a financial guarantee to customers |
| Who it protects | The policyholder and, depending on the claim, an injured third party | The customer or organization requiring the bond |
| Common cleaning example | A cleaner damages a customer’s flooring or someone slips on a wet surface | An employee is accused of stealing from a customer |
| Repayment | The business generally does not repay the insurer for a covered claim | The cleaning business may have to repay the surety for a paid claim |
| Contract requirement | Often required by commercial clients | May be required when cleaners or employees enter customer properties |
| Being bonded can help build trust, but it does not replace general liability or other business insurance. Read our complete comparison of being bonded vs insured. |
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Common cleaning insurance exclusions
Every policy has its own terms, but coverage may be restricted for certain activities. Common areas to review include:
- Work performed above a specified height
- Scaffolding or high-rise window cleaning
- Mold remediation
- Fire, smoke, flood, or disaster restoration
- Hazardous materials
- Construction cleanup
- Damage to the surface being cleaned
- Uninsured subcontractor work
- Employee injuries under general liability
- Personal vehicles used for business
Ask the insurer to confirm these activities in writing if they are part of your operations. A general cleaning classification does not automatically cover every specialty service.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Do I need insurance for a cleaning business?
General liability insurance is not usually required by state law, but customers, landlords, and commercial contracts may require it. Workers’ compensation and commercial auto requirements vary by state and business structure. Check your state’s rules and any contract requirements before beginning work.
What is the most important insurance for a cleaning business?
General liability is the starting point for most cleaning businesses. It can cover third-party injury and property damage claims, such as a customer slipping on a wet floor or an employee accidentally damaging furniture. It does not cover every risk, so businesses may also need workers’ compensation, commercial auto, and equipment coverage.
Does cleaning business insurance cover damaged customer property?
General liability can cover accidental damage to a customer’s property, but policies may exclude property being directly cleaned or otherwise in the business’s care, custody, or control. Review this provision carefully because coverage differs among insurers.
Do self-employed house cleaners need insurance?
Self-employed house cleaners face many of the same risks as larger cleaning companies. General liability can protect a solo cleaner from covered customer injury and property damage claims. It can also provide the COI that some customers require before hiring a cleaner.
Is a janitorial bond the same as insurance?
No. Insurance covers specified business risks, while a janitorial bond provides a guarantee to the customer. If a surety pays a bond claim involving employee dishonesty or theft, the cleaning business may be required to reimburse the surety.
Can I buy cleaning business insurance online?
Yes. Several providers allow eligible cleaning businesses to request quotes, purchase policies, and receive COIs online. Some applications may require additional underwriting or assistance from an agent, particularly for specialized or higher-risk cleaning services.
Bottom line
The best insurance for cleaning business owners should match the services they provide, the customers they serve, and the risks they face. Most cleaning businesses should consider general liability coverage, while those with employees, vehicles, or valuable equipment may also need workers’ compensation, commercial auto, and tools and equipment insurance.
Before choosing a policy, compare coverage limits, exclusions, costs, claims support, and access to COIs. The right provider is the one that offers appropriate protection for your cleaning operations while fitting your budget and preferred way of managing coverage.
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