For commercial janitorial contractors, finding the right insurance coverage at competitive rates is essential to protect against the unique risks of cleaning businesses. ContractorNerd’s proprietary quote platform simplifies this process by connecting you directly with contractor-friendly insurers who specialize in janitorial services. Our tech-enabled platform and expert agents understand that cleaning contractors face distinct challenges—from chemical exposure risks to working in client facilities after hours.
Whether you’re a solo operator transporting equipment between job sites or an established company managing multiple cleaning crews, securing proper coverage shouldn’t be complicated or overpriced. Our team has analyzed over 200 janitorial insurance quotes to help contractors like you find comprehensive protection that matches your specific operations and budget.
What You’ll Learn in This Guide
- Essential insurance types for janitorial businesses at every stage of growth
- General Liability specifics including GL Code 96816 requirements and exclusions
- Workers’ Compensation details with NCCI Class Code 9014 guidelines
- Quote benchmarks based on real quotes from contractors nationwide
- Coverage requirements for commercial auto, equipment, and janitorial bonds
- Total insurance quotes from solo contractors to established businesses
Ready to protect your cleaning business? Get your customized insurance quotes through ContractorNerd’s platform today and discover why contractors choose us for fast, accurate quotes from insurers who understand your industry.
What Insurance Do Janitorial Businesses Need?
Sole Proprietor Janitorial Contractors:
- General liability insurance is fundamental, protecting against damage claims and injuries
- Tools & Equipment coverage for cleaning equipment and supplies
- Commercial auto insurance for vehicles transporting equipment and teams
Small Janitorial Business with Employees:
- Workers’ compensation insurance becomes mandatory with employees
- Umbrella insurance for additional liability protection on larger contracts
- Bond coverage for commercial contracts
- Property insurance if maintaining a storage facility
Established Janitorial Business:
- Enhanced commercial property insurance for equipment storage
- Employment practices liability insurance
- Cyber liability insurance for businesses handling digital payments and customer data
- Professional liability insurance for specialized cleaning services
General Liability Insurance for Janitorial Business
General Liability (GL) insurance provides essential protection for janitorial service businesses against third-party claims. This coverage protects your business from financial losses due to:
- Bodily Injury – When someone is injured due to your business operations (e.g., a client slips on a wet floor you just mopped)
- Property Damage – When you accidentally damage a client’s property while performing cleaning services
- Personal and Advertising Injury – Protection against claims of libel, slander, or copyright infringement
- Medical Payments – Coverage for minor injuries regardless of fault
- Legal Defense – Covers attorney fees and court costs even if claims are groundless
Standard Coverage Limits
Most janitorial businesses carry a standard GL policy with:
- $1 million per occurrence – Maximum payout for a single incident
- $2 million aggregate – Maximum total payout during the policy period
These limits are often required by commercial contracts and provide adequate protection for most cleaning operations.
GL Classification Code 96816
The primary classification code for commercial janitorial services, GL Code 96816, has specific requirements and limitations that contractors must understand. This classification specifically applies to commercial office cleaning operations with strict guidelines on included and excluded activities.
Commonly Included Operations Under GL Code 96816
GL Code 96816 covers commercial office cleaning only, including incidental floor waxing when it comprises less than 10% of operations and interior window washing. This classification is narrowly defined and specifically limited to standard office environments.
Commonly Excluded Operations Under GL Code 96816
Many common cleaning services fall outside this classification and require additional coverage codes. These include cleaning model homes, retail spaces, churches, banks, medical facilities, and any residential properties. The code also excludes specialty services like power washing, industrial facility cleaning, computer clean room maintenance, and chemical sales. Essentially, any cleaning work performed outside traditional commercial office environments needs separate classification and coverage.
Liability Quote Benchmarks for Janitorial Services
General Liability insurance quotes vary significantly based on your business size and location. Here are national benchmarks to help you evaluate your quotes:
| Revenue Level | National Average | Favorable Rate | Potential Savings | Low % of Revenue | High % of Revenue |
| $50,000 | $950 | $570 | 40% | 0.5% | 0.8% |
| $150,000 | $1,930 | $1,020 | 47% | 0.7% | 1.8% |
| $500,000 | $5,490 | $2,970 | 46% | 1.9% | 5.3% |
For state-specific quote information and detailed pricing factors in your area, please refer to our comprehensive state-by-state quote guide for janitorial contractors, which provides localized benchmarks and market insights for janitorial service businesses across all 50 states.
Take a closer look at each state’s detailed pricing with our comprehensive janitorial insurance cost analysis showing savings opportunities ranging from 42% to 82% across different markets.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance for Janitorial Contractors
Workers’ compensation insurance is essential for janitorial contractors, with quotes typically ranging from $2.00 to $3.00 per $100 of payroll. Most janitorial services fall under NCCI Class Code 9014, which covers commercial cleaning, floor care, and restroom maintenance (excluding above-ground window cleaning).
The physically demanding nature of cleaning work creates several injury risks:
- Slip and fall injuries on wet surfaces
- Back injuries from lifting and bending
- Chemical exposure from cleaning products
- Repetitive strain injuries from continuous movements
- Equipment-related injuries
Commercial Auto Insurance for Janitorial Contractors
Essential for transporting equipment and teams to job sites. Standard limits: $100K/$300K/$100K. Annual quotes: $1,200-$2,800 per vehicle.
Key rate factors:
- Vehicle type and fleet size
- Driver history
- Service area and claims history
Tools & Equipment Insurance (Inland Marine)
Protects your specialized cleaning equipment. Annual quotes: $400-$1,800.
Covered equipment:
- Commercial vacuums and floor buffers
- Carpet cleaning machines
- Pressure washers and steam cleaners
- Automated cleaning systems
Janitorial Bonds
Required by many commercial clients to protect against employee theft. Quotes based on bond amount and credit score:
- $5,000 bond: $100-$350
- $10,000 bond: $150-$800
- $25,000 bond: $225-$2,000
Total Insurance Program Quotes
Solo contractor ($150K revenue): ~$4,800 annually
Established business with employees: up to $35,000 annually
Comprehensive packages typically include:
- General Liability
- Workers’ Compensation
- Commercial Auto
- Tools & Equipment
- Janitorial Bonds
- Property/Umbrella (larger operations)
Get Competitive Quotes with ContractorNerd
ContractorNerd’s proprietary quote platform connects janitorial contractors with contractor-friendly insurers who understand your unique business needs. Our tech-enabled platform streamlines the quote process, while our specialized agents provide expert guidance specific to the cleaning industry.
We’ve partnered with janitorial-friendly insurers offering:
- Competitive rates for cleaning contractors
- Flexible coverage options that match your operations
- Fast, efficient quoting through our digital platform
Our combination of cutting-edge technology and industry expertise means you get comprehensive coverage without the complexity or overpaying for unnecessary protection.
Get your customized janitorial insurance quotes today and discover how ContractorNerd makes protecting your cleaning business simple, fast, and affordable.