Cleaning Services Coverage Guide
Janitorial and residential cleaners face customer property damage, theft accusations (employee dishonesty / janitorial bond), and chemical-related claims. Mostly mobile workforces drive hired/non-owned auto exposure.
Critical Coverage
General Liability
Covers third-party bodily injury and property damage claims
What it covers
Customer property damage (broken items, surfaces damaged by chemicals), slip/fall during cleaning.
Common misconception
Cleaners think 'we're careful.' Damage to customer property is the #1 claim type.
What it does NOT cover
Theft (need janitorial bond). Employee injuries.
The gap — what happens without it
Bleach damages a $12K hardwood floor. GL with care/custody/control pays.
What drives your premium
Annual revenue, residential/commercial, claims
Endorsements to ask about
Care/custody/control rider. Employee dishonesty / janitorial bond.
Workers' Compensation
Covers employee injuries and illnesses on the job
What it covers
Slip/fall, chemical exposure, lifting injuries, repetitive motion.
Common misconception
Cleaners face higher injury rates than expected — chemicals + heavy lifting + ladders.
What it does NOT cover
Owner exemption.
The gap — what happens without it
Cleaner falls from ladder cleaning windows — $24K. WC pays.
What drives your premium
Payroll, state
Endorsements to ask about
All-states. Voluntary comp.
Important Coverage
Commercial Auto
Covers vehicles used for business purposes
What it covers
Vans hauling supplies and crews.
Common misconception
Hired/non-owned auto for crews driving personal cars.
What it does NOT cover
Personal vehicles.
The gap — what happens without it
Service van rear-ends — $80K. Auto pays.
What drives your premium
Vehicles, MVRs
Endorsements to ask about
Hired/non-owned auto.
Situational Coverage
Inland Marine (Tools & Equipment)
Covers tools, equipment, and materials in transit or at job sites
What it covers
Cleaning equipment (extractors, buffers, vacuums) at customer premises.
Common misconception
Equipment in vans/customer locations isn't covered by commercial property.
What it does NOT cover
Wear, breakdown.
The gap — what happens without it
Theft of $4K of equipment. Inland marine pays.
What drives your premium
Equipment value
Endorsements to ask about
Newly acquired.
Employment Practices Liability (EPLI)
Covers wrongful termination, discrimination, and harassment claims
What it covers
Employment claims; high-turnover industry.
Common misconception
Cleaner staff file EEOC charges regularly.
What it does NOT cover
Wage/hour.
The gap — what happens without it
Terminated cleaner alleges discrimination — $25K. EPLI pays.
What drives your premium
Employees, state
Endorsements to ask about
Wage/hour.
Not sure what you need?
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