Commercial Cleaning Insurance: What Your Risk Team Actually Needs

Your risk team has a list. If your cleaning vendor doesn't tick every box, you can't sign them. Here's what the list actually is, plus why each one matters.

The core coverages

• Commercial General Liability — $2M general aggregate minimum. Protects against third-party bodily injury and property damage. Anything less and you're exposed.
• Workers' Compensation — required by California law. If your vendor's worker gets hurt at your property and they have no WC, you're on the hook.
• Employer's Liability — usually bundled with WC, covers gaps.
• Commercial Auto — if crews drive to your property in company vehicles, they need auto liability.
• Employee Dishonesty / Crime Bond — typically $25K-$100K per employee. Covers theft.
• EPLI (Employment Practices Liability) — bigger vendors carry this. Covers employment disputes, not usually required by clients.

Additional insured endorsement

This is the piece many cleaning companies miss. When you name your property owner and management company as 'additional insureds' on the vendor's general liability policy, their coverage extends to you. Your vendor should provide this at no charge — we do.