Is general liability required for cleaners?

It's required by most property managers, facility managers, and commercial clients. Some states require it for licensed contractors. Even where it's not legally required, it's essential protection — one claim can easily cost more than years of premiums.

What's the difference between general liability and a janitorial bond?

GL covers third-party bodily injury and property damage claims. A janitorial bond is a surety bond that protects your client if an employee steals or a job isn't completed. Many commercial and government contracts require both.

Does GL cover me if I hire someone to help on a job?

If the helper is truly an independent subcontractor with their own insurance, your GL may not need to cover them. If they're working under your direction and using your equipment, they may need to be on your policy. We'll help you structure coverage correctly.

How fast can I get a GL certificate for a job starting tomorrow?

Same-day coverage is typically available. Fill out the form today and our agents work fast. Once you bind, your COI is issued instantly.

Can I get GL coverage if I've had claims before?

Prior claims can affect your rate and in some cases carrier eligibility, but coverage is often still available. Tell us about any prior claims on the quote form and we'll find the best option for your situation.

General Liability Insurance for Cleaners

What Is General Liability Insurance for Cleaners?

General liability (GL) insurance protects your cleaning business from third-party claims of bodily injury and property damage. It's the most fundamental coverage for any cleaning contractor — and the one most clients, property managers, and facility managers require before you start work.

What General Liability Covers for Cleaners

Third-Party Bodily Injury

If someone is injured in connection with your work — a client slips on a freshly mopped floor before it's marked wet, a bystander is hurt by equipment left in a walkway, or a client's employee is injured around your work area — general liability covers the medical costs and legal fees associated with that claim.

Third-Party Property Damage

A cleaning solution discolors carpet or flooring, a piece of furniture is broken while cleaning around it, you accidentally damage electronics with the wrong product — these are common claims for cleaners. GL covers the cost of repairing or replacing the damaged property plus any legal costs if the claim becomes a lawsuit.

Products and Completed Operations

This covers claims that arise after a job is finished. If a client discovers damage that traces back to your work — a chemical reaction that shows up hours later, residue that damages a surface over time — completed operations coverage responds to after-the-fact claims.

Personal and Advertising Injury

Covers claims of libel, slander, or copyright infringement arising from your business activities. Less common for cleaners, but included in standard GL policies.

What General Liability Does NOT Cover

It's important to understand the limits of GL coverage:

Employee theft or dishonesty — You need employee dishonesty coverage or a janitorial bond for that
Your employees' injuries — That's workers compensation
Your business vehicles — That's commercial auto
Your own property — That's commercial property insurance
Faulty workmanship itself — GL covers the resulting damage, not the cost of redoing the work

GL Coverage Limits Explained

GL policies have two main limits: per occurrence and aggregate. A common limit is $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate. The per occurrence limit is the maximum paid on any single claim. The aggregate is the total the policy will pay in a year across all claims. Many commercial contracts require $2M/$4M limits.

How to Get GL Coverage Fast

Fill out the quote form and our licensed agents will build your general liability quote — typically the same business day. Once you bind, your certificate of insurance is issued instantly.