What Type of Insurance Do Independent Cleaners Need?

Cleaning homes and offices might seem low-risk on the surface—but as a professional cleaner, you know how quickly things can go wrong.

A spilled cleaning solution on hardwood floors. A broken antique vase. A slip-and-fall accident. These aren’t hypotheticals—they’re real risks that could lead to costly legal or financial fallout.

If you’re an independent cleaner or run a small cleaning business, having the right insurance coverage isn’t just smart—it’s essential.

Let’s break down the key policies every cleaner should consider, what they cover, and how to get them quickly (and affordably).

🛡️ 1. General Liability Insurance – Non-Negotiable

This is the most important insurance policy for any independent cleaner.

What it covers:

• Damage to a client’s property (like breaking a lamp) 
• Bodily injury (like a client slipping on a wet floor) 
• Legal fees and settlements if you’re sued 

💡 Why it matters: Most cleaning clients will require a Certificate of Insurance (COI) before you can step foot on-site. General liability is the base coverage on almost every COI.

🧾 2. Janitorial Bonds – Protecting Against Theft Claims

A janitorial bond isn’t technically insurance, but it’s often required by clients.

What it covers:

• Financial protection for your client if one of your team members is accused of theft 

💡 Why it matters: Even unfounded accusations can ruin your business reputation. A janitorial bond helps show you’re trustworthy and professional.

👥 3. Workers’ Compensation Insurance – If You Have Employees or Subcontractors

What it covers:

• Medical expenses and lost wages if a worker is injured on the job 

💡 Why it matters: Even if you hire part-time help, many states (and most commercial clients) require workers’ comp coverage for legal compliance.

💻 4. Professional Liability Insurance – For Specialized Cleaning Services

If you offer high-end cleaning (like for medical facilities or clean rooms), you may also want professional liability coverage (a.k.a. Errors & Omissions Insurance).

What it covers:

• Claims related to negligence or mistakes in your professional service 
• Failure to meet expected cleaning standards in contracts 

💡 Why it matters: Clients may sue if they believe your service caused them financial loss—even if you didn’t do anything wrong.

💥 5. Inland Marine or Equipment Insurance – For Your Gear

What it covers:

• Cleaning equipment or supplies that are stolen, lost, or damaged in transit 

💡 Why it matters: If you carry valuable vacuums, floor machines, or specialized cleaning tools, this can help keep you working—even after a theft or accident.

🧾 Certificates of Insurance (COIs): Your Ticket to More Work

More and more clients—especially commercial properties, offices, and property managers—require proof of insurance before you can begin work.

With Bunker, you can:

• Get instant COIs tailored to each client 
• Add clients as Additional Insureds 
• Meet specific coverage limits with custom-built policies 
• Get support from insurance experts who know your industry 

🧼 Final Thoughts: Insurance Is Your Business Safety Net

Independent cleaning work can be rewarding, but it’s also full of risks. One mishap can lead to a lawsuit, loss of income, or a lost client.

With the right insurance:
✅ You protect your livelihood
✅ You stay compliant with client contracts
✅ You build trust with new customers

👉 Ready to Get Covered?

At Bunker, we make it easy for independent cleaners to get insured—often in under 5 minutes.
Visit buildbunker.com to get a quote, generate your COI, and start your next job with confidence. You can also contact us at support@buildbunker.com!