Starting a cleaning company is a great way to become your own boss and make some money. But, before you can start cleaning, you need to make sure that you have the proper insurance and bonding in place. Here are some tips on how to do just that.
Cleaning Business Insurance Policy Options & Cost
The four most common types of insurance for cleaning businesses are as follows:
- General liability insurance, which protects you from lawsuits arising from injuries or property damage that occurs as a result of your business activities. General liability insurance can also help protect your cleaning business’ assets in the event of a lawsuit. Average costs are $500-$2000 per year, depending on the size and scope of your business.
- Commercial property insurance, which can help reimburse you for lost or damaged property caused by fire, theft, or other covered events. Average costs are $500-$2000 per year, depending on the value of your business property.
- Workers’ compensation insurance, which helps cleaning businesses cover the costs of employee injuries or illnesses. This type of insurance can help businesses pay for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and other related expenses. Workers’ compensation insurance is required in all states except Texas. Workers’ compensation insurance typically costs between 1% to 1.5% of your total payroll costs.
- Business income insurance, which is sometimes called business interruption insurance or business continuity insurance. This insurance helps businesses recover from certain losses caused by events such as property damage, theft, or business interruption. This type of insurance can help businesses cover the costs of not being able to operate for a period of time. It can also help businesses pay for expenses such as employee salaries, rent, and other ongoing costs.
Typical costs are $500-$2000 per year for business income insurance.
Other types of business insurance to consider based on the specifics of your cleaning business include:
- Product liability insurance, a type of insurance that helps businesses protect themselves from lawsuits that may arise due to products that they sell.
- Professional liability insurance, also known as Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance, helps professionals protect themselves from lawsuits. Average costs can be relatively high per year, depending on the size and scope of your business. Check several companies before choosing reasonably-priced liability insurance.
- Employment practices liability insurance, also known as EPLI, helps cleaning businesses protect themselves from lawsuits that may arise from the way they employ their staff.
- Cyber liability insurance, which protects you from lawsuits that may arise from a data breach or other cyber incident.
- Business identity insurance, which protects your business from theft or misuse of your company name or logo.
- Commercial auto insurance and commercial fleet insurance, which protect you from lawsuits that may arise from accidents involving employees while driving for work.
- Key person insurance or key man insurance, which protects your cleaning business from losses that may arise from the death or illness of a key employee,
- Equipment breakdown insurance, which can help pay for the cost of repairing or replacing damaged equipment,
While this list of insurance options covers most cleaning businesses, you may be required to purchase additional coverage depending on the specific nature of your cleaning business. It is important to speak with an insurance company to determine which policies are right for your business.
The cost of business insurance will vary depending on the type and amount of coverage you purchase. However, business owners can expect to pay a few hundred dollars per year for general liability insurance.
It is important to talk to your insurance company to make sure you have the right coverage in place for your cleaning company.
How Much Insurance Should a Cleaning Business Have?
This is a difficult question to answer, as the amount of insurance you need will vary depending on the type of services you offer and the size of your company. That being said, most insurance experts recommend that business owners purchase enough coverage to protect their assets in the event of a lawsuit.
When shopping for liability insurance, be sure to ask your insurance company about the coverage limits and supplemental coverage options available.
Cleaning Business Bonding
Bonding is another important consideration for cleaning businesses.
When shopping for business insurance, be sure to ask your insurance company about the coverage limits and supplemental coverage options available. You should also speak with a bonding company to determine if you are required to have a bond in place.
Conclusion
In summary, every cleaning business should have general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance. You may also need to purchase additional coverage, depending on the specifics of your business.
It is important to speak with an expert to determine which type and amount of coverage is right for your business.