The short answer
The short version
- General liability is usually the smallest bill; workers' comp is usually the biggest once you have staff.
- Commercial clients almost always ask for a janitorial (third-party) bond, not just a license bond.
- Your contracts set your limits — send them before you quote so you only buy once.
Typical 2026 premium ranges
These are broad ranges KTL sees for small cleaning businesses. Your actual price depends on state, payroll, the type of buildings you clean and your claims history, so treat them as a starting benchmark rather than a quote.
| Coverage | Solo / 1–2 people | Crew of 5–20 |
|---|---|---|
| General liability ($1M/$2M) | $500–$1,200 | $1,200–$4,000 |
| Janitorial (third-party) bond | $100–$300 | $250–$800 |
| Workers' compensation | Often not required for an owner alone | Priced on payroll; usually the largest cost |
| Commercial auto (per vehicle) | $1,500–$3,000 | $1,500–$3,000 |
| Umbrella ($1M) | $400–$900 | $800–$2,000 |
What pushes the price up
Floor care and stripping (slip-and-fall exposure), work at heights such as window cleaning, medical or lab facilities, after-hours access with keys and alarm codes, and any prior theft or injury claims. Payroll is the single biggest driver of workers' comp, so how you split staff between janitorial and clerical work matters.
Why contracts matter more than the price
Property managers and offices typically require $1M per occurrence general liability, additional insured status, waiver of subrogation, and a bond that covers theft from the client — not just from you. Buying a cheap policy that misses one of these means a rejected certificate and a lost contract. Send us the insurance section of your contract and we will match it exactly.
How to lower your janitorial insurance cost
Document hiring and background checks, train staff on wet-floor signage and chemical handling, classify payroll accurately for comp, and compare multiple carriers — prices for the same cleaning company routinely differ by a wide margin between markets. KTL quotes 20+ A-rated carriers at once.
Frequently asked questions
Do cleaning businesses need a bond?
Most commercial clients require a janitorial or third-party bond that protects them if an employee steals from their property. Some states and cities also require a license bond.
Is workers' comp required for a cleaning company?
In most states, yes, once you have employees. Rules for owners and very small businesses vary by state — California requires it from the first employee.
How fast can I get a certificate of insurance for a cleaning contract?
KTL issues certificates the same business day for clients in most cases, including additional insured and waiver wording.