From house cleaning crews and residential maids to commercial janitorial teams and specialty cleaning providers, maid service businesses have specific insurance needs that differ from many other small businesses.
Coverage for maid service operations can still vary drastically, depending on what services are provided, the unique exposures the business has, and what state the company operates in.
We have been insuring Maid Service businesses since 2007.
The types of insurance required for a maid service business may vary by state and contract. Landlords, property managers, or general contractors often require general liability for third-party injury or property damage, commercial property insurance (sometimes as part of a BOP) for business equipment.
What’s Usually Covered
General liability insurance is designed to address third‑party claims alleging bodily injury (injury to others), property damage (damage to others’ property), and personal/advertising injury (e.g., certain slander/libel allegations). It often includes legal defense when covered allegations lead to a lawsuit, even if the claim is groundless (defense provisions vary by policy and state).
What Isn’t Usually Covered
General liability coverage usually won’t get involved in professional service claims, auto accidents, or employee injuries.
Claim Example: A client trips over cleaning equipment left in a hallway and suffers an injury. Your general liability insurance may be responsible for the claim based on the terms of your insurance policy.
💡 Is damage to a client’s belongings covered under GL?
It depends. Damage that occurs during cleaning may be addressed under general liability, depending on policy wording and exclusions.
What’s Usually Covered
Tools or equipment coverage is often written as inland marine. It can help protect movable gear such as vacuums, steamers, polishers, extension cords, and similar items at your office, at a job site, or in transit. Theft-from-vehicle restrictions, unattended-vehicle rules, and scheduling requirements are common.
Claim example: Someone breaks into a locked vehicle overnight and steals your commercial vacuums and cleaning supplies. You may be able to get coverage based on inland marine or equipment floater coverage terms.
💡 Does property insurance cover cleaning equipment?
While cleaning equipment may be covered at your listed business location under a property policy, it typically offers limited help for off-premise claims for your equipment.
What’s Usually Covered
In many states, workers’ compensation is usually required if a business has employees. The rules can change depending on the state and the type of work employees do. If a worker gets hurt or sick because of their job, maid service workers’ compensation insurance may help pay for their medical care and lost wages.
Claim example: While lifting equipment at a job site, a cleaner throws out their back. Your workers’ compensation policy may chime in for medical expenses and lost wages.
💡 If I only hire part-time staff, do I still need workers’ comp?
Yes, workers’ compensation may still be required if you only hire part-time employees, depending on employee classifications and state laws.
What’s Usually Covered
A business auto insurance policy that is intended for commercial purposes may protect a maid service 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 right route.
Claim Example: One of your workers hits another car while driving to a cleaning job, and someone gets hurt. Your work car insurance may help pay for the damage, depending on your policy.
💡 What if my cleaners use their own cars for work?
If employees use their personal vehicles for business-related errands, it may be appropriate to get hired & non-owned auto (HNOA) liability coverage.
Will general liability cover theft allegations?
In most cases, no. Crime or employee dishonesty coverage usually handles theft by employees.
Do I need workers’ comp for part-time cleaners?
In many states, yes, the requirement is based on having employees, not how many hours they work.
What limits do property managers usually ask for on a COI?
Requirements can be different. General liability limits and additional insured status are common.
What’s an “additional insured”?
This usually means a person, or maybe an organization, added to your liability policy by what’s called an endorsement. Coverage depends on the wording.
What information affects my premium the most?
Payroll, type of services performed, subcontractor use, prior losses, and vehicle exposure commonly affect your premium the most.
We partner with A-Rated AM Best Insurance Companies (ratings subject to change)
At USA Business Insurance Services, we strive to help cleaning companies obtain the coverage they need to operate legally and responsibly.
We can help you identify your exposures and coverage requirements, then help you determine the types of insurance that may benefit your business.
Let us protect your business like it’s our own. Reach out today!
(888) 900 0205
