You take care of people’s homes, but who takes care of your business? When cleaning houses is a solo job, you need residential cleaning insurance to protect your work and your finances. Find out which coverage you need, how much it costs, and how to get proof of insurance fast with this guide.
The Once-Over (TL;DR)
You need two types of insurance to protect yourself from the risks of working inside clients’ homes:
✔️ General liability insurance for client injuries or property damage
✔️ Tools and equipment coverage for lost, stolen, or damaged gear
Depending on your business and the jobs you take, you might also need workers compensation, commercial auto insurance, or janitorial bonds.
The cost? Cleaning business insurance starts at $39/month with Insurance Canopy.
The 3 Risks Every Residential House Cleaner Faces
No matter your experience, client roster, or in-depth knowledge of cleaning products, every house cleaner faces three common risks the moment they’re on the job:
- People getting hurt
- Damage to a client’s property
- Lost or broken cleaning equipment
From a slip on a wet floor to a misplaced vacuum attachment, messes like these are easier to manage when you have the right house cleaning insurance.
The 2 Types of Insurance Every House Cleaner Needs
When it comes to what insurance is needed for domestic house cleaning, most cleaners rely on two types of coverage to protect them from the most common risks:
- General Liability: Covers third-party accidents, like if a client slips or you break their personal belongings. It also covers situations like slander, false advertising, and problems that occur after the job is done.
- Tools & Equipment: Pays to replace or repair your business-related gear if it gets stolen or damaged.
Real Claims, Real Lessons: Real World Claim Examples
Need a clearer picture of how insurance for residential cleaning works? Here are three examples of common house cleaning claims and the coverage that helps:
The Rug That Fought Back
While vacuuming a client’s heirloom rug, Rita’s vacuum snags a loose thread. The thread wraps around the brush roll, tears the rug, and overheats the motor, ruining both.
Her general liability insurance helps pay to repair the damaged rug, while tools and equipment coverage helps replace the burned-out motor so she can keep working.
The Dishwasher Disaster
During a vacation-rental turnover, Mason wipes down the dishwasher and accidentally knocks the filter loose. After guests check in and run it, the dishwasher floods the kitchen. The property owner traces the damage back to Mason’s last cleaning.
Because the damage appears after Mason leaves, his products and completed operations coverage under his general liability policy pays for repairs and related damages.
The Unexpected Return
Clara mops a client’s entryway while the home is supposed to be empty. The homeowner unexpectedly returns on their lunch break, slips on the damp floor, and sprains their wrist.
Clara’s general liability insurance helps cover the client’s medical bills and legal costs if the homeowner decides to sue.
What’s Covered, and What’s Not (So You’re Not Surprised)
Understanding what cleaning insurance covers and what it doesn’t helps you avoid paying for the wrong protection. This breakdown compares what a standard residential cleaning policy does and does not cover:
| What's Covered | What's Not Covered |
|---|---|
|
✔️ Third-party injuries |
❌ Injuries to you |
|
✔️ Damage to a client’s property or belongings |
❌ Accusations of theft (janitorial bonds cover employee-related theft) |
|
✔️ Advertising mistakes, like posting a before/after image without permission |
❌ You’re vehicle (unless you have commercial auto insurance) |
|
✔️ Claims that happen during or after a job is complete |
❌ Damage to your personal property |
|
✔️ Sudden, unexpected theft or damage to equipment (if you have tools and equipment coverage) |
❌ Client property that’s in your custody (like house keys) |
|
|
❌ Intentional property damage |
|
|
❌ Normal wear and tear of equipment |
|
|
❌ Unexplained losses to equipment |
Always review the limits and exclusions on a policy before you buy. If you spot potential gaps, Insurance Canopy lets you customize your policy with add-on options, so you can build protection that fits like a glove.
Insurance Your Residential Cleaning Business Needs as it Grows
Insurance doesn’t limit your business — it helps you grow with the confidence that you’re covered. Whether you’re taking on more clients, signing bigger contracts, or hiring help, protect your business at every stage with these additional coverages:
| Add-On Coverages | When You Need It | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
|
If you take payments or store customer information online |
Losses from cyber-related crimes like data breaches, malware attacks, and phishing |
|
|
If you hire employees (often required by state law) |
Medical bills and lost wages for employees injured on the job |
|
|
If you drive to and from jobs |
Vehicle damage and liability expenses if you or an employee cause an accident driving for work |
|
|
To meet bid requirements and earn client trust |
Reimburses clients if your employee steals from them |
|
|
To meet contract requirements |
Protects property owners, landlords, and homeowners from paying for accidents you cause |
How Much Does House Cleaning Insurance Cost?
House cleaner insurance costs as low as $39/month with Insurance Canopy, giving you the general liability coverage you need at an affordable rate. You can also add tools and equipment coverage starting at $40 for the entire year — the same cost as a mop and bucket system.
Your location, business size, services, and the coverages you select will affect the final price. Learn more about the cost of house cleaning insurance or get an exact estimate with a free, online quote from Insurance Canopy.
Get Residential Cleaning Insurance Today (It’s Easy!)
You already know how to make homes shine. The right coverage lets your business shine, too — confident, credible, and ready for bigger jobs. Choose a policy that fits your budget and get fast proof of insurance with Insurance Canopy.
Need help? Contact us to speak to a licensed customer service agent in English or Spanish.
FAQs About What Type of Insurance House Cleaners Need
What Type of Insurance Covers Me if I Accidentally Damage Customer Property?
General liability insurance covers third-party property damage, like if you accidentally damage a customer’s property while cleaning their home. It covers the cost to repair or replace the customer’s property up to the limits on your policy.
How Fast Can I Get Proof of Insurance for My House Cleaning Business?
Get proof of insurance as a house cleaner in minutes with Insurance Canopy. Get a free quote, customize your coverage, then purchase your policy and download your Certificate of Insurance (COI) instantly.
Do I Really Need Insurance to Clean Houses if It’s Just Me?
Yes. You need liability insurance to clean houses especially if you’re self-employed and work alone. While having employees does increase your risk, working on your own means you could be held solely liable for the cost of unexpected accidents.
Insurance covers these costs to keep you from paying out of pocket, providing financial protection for self-employed and solo house cleaners.
Do I Need Insurance to Clean Houses on Taskrabbit and Other Platforms?
Yes. Insurance is highly recommended if you clean houses using platforms like Taskrabbit, Thumbtack, Angi, or Facebook.
While these apps don’t require you to carry insurance, they also cannot be held liable for damages. Self-employed house cleaners need their own liability insurance to protect them from paying for third-party injuries or property damage.
Is Being Bonded and Insured Required for a House Cleaner?
Being bonded and insured is not legally required for self-employed house cleaners, but insurance is strongly recommended and sometimes required by clients.
General liability insurance helps cover injuries or property damage, while janitorial bonds are typically required when cleaning multiple homes for a property owner or landlord. Having insurance and bonding protects you from unexpected costs and can help you qualify for larger or higher-paying jobs.
What Limits Should I Choose for a House Cleaning Business?
Most house cleaning businesses choose general liability limits between $500,000 and $1 million to start. The right limit depends on your business size, the types of homes you clean, and the services you offer.
You may need higher limits if you have employees, clean large or high-value homes, or provide specialized services. Some clients require specific liability limits, so always check your contract before choosing coverage.
