We’ve specialized in Janitorial Insurance since 2007, backed by nearly two decades of experience in commercial insurance.
Janitor insurance is a shorthand term for a bundle of coverages commonly purchased by janitorial and cleaning businesses, intended for cleaning businesses that provide custodial, maintenance, or janitorial services as part of their operations.
The type of coverage your business will need comes down to how your company actually operates, the scope of your services, and any off-premise exposures you may have.
While the type of coverage can vary from janitor to janitor, required coverage often includes general liability, property coverage, workers’ compensation, and commercial auto protection.
Are janitors required to have janitor insurance?
Requirements for janitor insurance will differ depending on your state. However, some property managers, landlords, or general contractor contracts may require you to carry certain coverages. Janitorial businesses with employees may also be legally required to have workers’ compensation.
What’s Usually Covered
Third-party bodily injury or third-party property damage caused by your cleaning operations are typically covered under general liability (GL). GL policies also include limited coverage for personal and advertising injury.
What Isn’t Usually Covered
General liability coverage typically does not cover employee injuries, auto accidents, or professional service-related claims. Workers’ compensation, commercial auto, or professional liability insurance would respond to those types of exposures, instead.
Claim Example
A tenant or visitor might slip on a recently mopped floor and become injured. Moreover, they might blame your company’s failure to properly warn of the wet surface. Any injuries and their legal defense may be covered under GL.
A package of property insurance, general liability, and business interruption insurance is commonly referred to as a Business Owners Policy or BOP.
Claim Example
Cleaning equipment is permanently damaged due to an unexpected fire at a storage unit. This causes a temporary business closure while the equipment is replaced. A BOP insurance policy might intervene in a property insurance claim and business income loss, depending on the cause of the loss.
Will a BOP provide professional liability coverage?
Not usually. This might be covered by professional liability insurance instead.
What’s Usually Covered
Workers’ compensation is typically required in most states, if you have employees, depending on state laws. Work-related injuries or illnesses of employees may be covered under a workers’ compensation policy.
Claim Example
An employee suffers a back injury while lifting cleaning equipment at a job site. Your workers’ compensation insurance may be applicable, depending on the underlying facts of the claim.
If I only hire part-time staff, do I still need workers’ comp?
Yes, workers’ compensation may still be required even if you only hire part-time employees, depending on employee classifications and state laws.
What’s Usually Covered
An inland marine or equipment floater policy may protect cleaning tools and equipment while you are off your premises or on route to somewhere. Unlike standard property insurance, which typically applies at your listed business location, tools coverage is made for equipment that travels to job sites.
Claim Example
Inland marine coverage would respond in the event that cleaning equipment is stolen from your locked vehicle overnight, but not if you only have a property policy.
Will tools be covered off premises?
While cleaning equipment may be covered at your listed business location as part of your property policy, it typically offers limited help for off-premise claims. Tools or inland marine coverage is usually needed for equipment that travels off site.
What’s Usually Covered
A business auto insurance policy that is intended for commercial purposes protects a janitorial business in case a work-related vehicle is involved in an accident where a third party is injured or has property damage. A commercial auto insurance policy may also include physical damage to vehicles if added as an endorsement.
If your employees use their own vehicles to complete business errands, hired & non-owned auto (HNOA) coverage would often be the appropriate option.
Claim Example
An employee rear-ends another vehicle while driving between job sites. Commercial auto may help provide coverage for third-party injuries and damages.
Is HNOA the same as personal auto?
No. HNOA protects your business when an employee uses their personal vehicle for work-related duties. Personal auto insurance protects the individual driver for personal use. One does not replace the other.
What’s the difference between GL and professional liability?
GL has to do with premises and operations liability. Professional liability revolves around service-related claims.
Does a BOP cover business interruption?
Often, yes. Business income coverage is usually tied to a covered property loss.
Is bonding the same as insurance?
No. A janitorial bond is a type of surety bond and is different from insurance.
Do I need commercial auto if no vehicles are titled to the business?
Maybe. You may need hired and non-owned auto coverage.
Is theft of equipment or property included in general liability insurance?
No, general liability coverage would not normally cover theft of your business property or equipment. Property or crime coverage would, instead.
From BOP policies to janitor-specific coverage options like tools coverage and hired/non-owned auto, we’ll help you understand what types of coverage you need to safely operate in your state.
Let us protect your business like it’s our own. Reach out today!
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