Insurance for a carpet cleaning business is crucial to protect against the unique risks associated with working in clients’ homes and commercial spaces. The specialized nature of carpet cleaning—from handling expensive oriental rugs to operating powerful extraction equipment in high-end properties—presents distinct challenges and potential liabilities. Service errors can lead to water damage, color bleeding, or material deterioration that may not become apparent for days or weeks after service completion.
At ContractorNerd, we’ve built a proprietary quote platform that connects carpet cleaning professionals with contractor-friendly insurers who understand your industry’s specific risks. Our tech-enabled team of specialized agents has analyzed over 200 insurance quotes for carpet cleaning businesses across the US, giving us unique insights into coverage options and competitive pricing.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover:
- Essential insurance coverage for different business sizes (solo operators to established companies)
- General liability insurance for Class Code 91405, with quotes ranging from $740 to $7,800 annually
- Workers’ compensation requirements for NCCI Code 5221 and common workplace injuries
Finding the right carpet cleaner insurance can be complex, but our platform simplifies the process by matching you with insurers who specialize in contractor coverage. Get your customized carpet cleaning insurance quotes today through ContractorNerd’s streamlined platform.
Below, we break down the essential coverage types for different business sizes and explore strategies for securing comprehensive protection for your carpet cleaning business.
What Insurance Do Carpet Cleaning Businesses Need?
Starting Out Sole Proprietor
When you’re running a one-person carpet cleaning operation, these are your essential coverages:
- General Liability Insurance – Your foundation coverage that protects against damage claims and injuries on client properties
- Tools & Equipment Coverage (Inland Marine) – Protects your specialized cleaning equipment like extractors, wands, and portable units
- Commercial Auto Insurance – Essential for your service vehicle that transports equipment and cleaning supplies to job sites
Growing Small Business with Your First Employee
As you hire your first 2-3 employees, you’ll need to add:
- Workers’ Compensation Insurance – Legally required once you have employees; covers workplace injuries
- Bond Coverage – Often required for commercial cleaning contracts
- Property Insurance – Important if you’re leasing a facility or maintaining equipment storage space
Established Business with Multiple Employees and Projects
For businesses with 5+ employees handling various commercial projects:
- Fleet Insurance – Cost-effective coverage for multiple service vehicles under one policy
- Excess / Umbrella Insurance – Provides extra liability protection beyond your general liability limits
- Employment Practices Liability Insurance – Protects against employee-related claims like wrongful termination or discrimination
General Liability Insurance for Carpet Cleaning & Upholstery Contractors
General liability insurance is your primary defense against third-party claims arising from your carpet cleaning operations. This coverage protects your business when:
- Property Damage – You accidentally damage a client’s furniture, walls, or flooring during cleaning
- Bodily Injury – A client slips on wet carpet or trips over your equipment
- Advertising Injury – Claims of copyright infringement in your marketing materials
- Completed Operations – Issues that arise after you’ve left the job site, such as slips from improperly dried carpets or damage from cleaning solutions (frequently via endorsement)
- NOTE: Mold claims from improper drying or water damage are typically excluded or sublimited (often to just $10,000-$25,000) in standard GL policies. Carpet cleaners concerned about mold liability should consider pollution liability and/or professional liability insurance with endorsements.
Standard coverage limits are $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate, which meets most commercial contract requirements.
Understanding GL Insurance Quotes
For carpet and upholstery cleaning services performed on customer premises (Class Code 91405), general liability quotes vary based on your annual revenue:
| Annual Revenue | National Average Quote | Favorable Rate Quote | Potential Savings |
| $50,000 | $1,160 | $740 | 36% |
| $150,000 | $2,720 | $1,530 | 44% |
| $500,000 | $7,800 | $3,420 | 56% |
Quote ranges as a percentage of revenue:
- Small operations typically see quotes between 0.5% to 1.2% of annual revenue
- Growing businesses face quotes from 1.1% to 2.6% of revenue
- Larger operations experience quotes ranging from 3.0% to 7.9% of revenue
Important exclusions typically include new residential construction work, equipment rental operations, and water damage extraction services – a significant exclusion despite its connection to carpet cleaning. Also excluded are tile/grout cleaning, air duct cleaning, and wood refinishing. These services require different class codes or separate policies due to their distinct risk profiles.
For state-specific quotes and detailed pricing breakdowns, refer to our comprehensive carpet cleaning insurance cost guide, as rates can vary significantly based on your location and local market conditions.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance for Carpet Cleaners
Workers’ compensation insurance is mandatory in most states once you hire employees. Carpet cleaning businesses typically use NCCI Class Code 5221 (Carpet/Upholstery Cleaning) for their workers’ comp coverage.
Common workplace injuries in carpet cleaning include:
- Back injuries from moving furniture and heavy equipment
- Slip and fall injuries on wet surfaces
- Chemical exposure and respiratory issues from cleaning agents
- Repetitive motion injuries from equipment operation
Reduce your premiums by:
- Implementing documented safety training programs
- Providing proper PPE (gloves, knee pads, back supports)
- Maintaining written safety protocols for chemical handling
- Establishing regular equipment maintenance schedules
The physically demanding nature of carpet cleaning work – including lifting equipment, kneeling, and exposure to cleaning chemicals – makes workers’ comp coverage essential for protecting both your employees and your business from costly injury claims.
Commercial Auto Insurance for Carpet Cleaners
Commercial auto protects your service vehicles and mounted equipment. Carpet cleaners need coverage for:
- Truck-mounted extraction units
- Transported chemicals and cleaning solutions
- Tools and equipment theft from vehicles
- Business income loss if your van is damaged and you can’t service clients
Tools & Equipment Insurance (Inland Marine)
This coverage is essential for expensive portable equipment that moves between job sites:
- Portable extractors
- Air movers and dehumidifiers for drying
- Rotary machines and wands
- Specialized tools like upholstery cleaning attachments
Coverage follows your equipment wherever it goes – in vehicles, at job sites, or in storage.
Risk Management for Lower Premiums
Carpet cleaning-specific strategies to reduce insurance costs:
- IICRC certification for technicians shows professionalism and proper training
- Use moisture meters and document drying procedures to prevent mold claims
- Install van security systems to prevent equipment theft
- Implement pre-inspection forms noting existing damage before cleaning
- Maintain chemical safety data sheets (SDS) and proper storage
- Schedule monthly safety meetings covering proper lifting of equipment and slip prevention on wet carpets
These industry-specific practices demonstrate professionalism to insurers and can significantly reduce your premiums.
Carpet Cleaning Insurance Quotes from ContractorNerd
Navigating carpet cleaning insurance requires industry expertise and the right carrier connections. ContractorNerd’s proprietary quote platform matches your business with insurers who understand the unique risks of carpet cleaning operations.
Why ContractorNerd delivers better results:
- Tech-enabled platform designed specifically for contractors
- Specialized agents who understand Class Code 91405, IICRC certifications, and equipment values
- Direct access to contractor-friendly insurers who actively write carpet cleaning policies
- Insights from analyzing over 200 carpet cleaning quotes nationwide
Our team knows the difference between insuring a sole proprietor with portable extractors and a fleet operation with truck-mounted systems. We connect you with carriers who recognize these distinctions and offer appropriate coverage.
Get your personalized carpet cleaning insurance quotes today. Our specialized platform and expert agents are ready to help you secure comprehensive coverage for your specific operation.