"Licensed, bonded and insured" is printed on many cleaning vans, but the words mean different things. Here is what each protects, and who it protects.
General Liability Insurance
Pays if the cleaner damages your property (a broken TV, a flooded floor) or someone is hurt because of their work. Ask for a certificate of insurance (COI) in the company's exact name, check the dates, and for commercial jobs ask to be named as an additional insured.
Workers' Compensation
Covers a cleaner who is injured on the job. Without it, an injured worker may try to claim against the homeowner. Most states require it for businesses with employees; rules for small employers and contractors vary by state.
Janitorial (Fidelity) Bond
A janitorial service bond protects customers if an employee steals. Bonds are usually small (often $5,000–$25,000) and claims can require proof, sometimes a conviction. It is a good sign that a company is organized, not a guarantee.
Licenses
Most states do not have a special license for house cleaning, but businesses usually need a general business registration or local business license, and some cities require one. Specialty work can need more: for example, mold remediation in some states, and biohazard or crime-scene cleanup.
How to Verify
- Call the insurer on the certificate to confirm the policy is active.
- Look up the business name with your secretary of state.
- For commercial contracts, ask for references from clients of a similar size.
Related: how to choose a cleaning service.