Question 1

Do cleaning businesses need CGL insurance in Ontario?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Cleaning and janitorial businesses work inside other people's homes, offices, and commercial spaces every day, which creates constant exposure to accidental property damage and injury claims. Most commercial clients and property managers require proof of CGL insurance before they'll sign a cleaning contract.

Question 2

What's the difference between being 'insured' and 'bonded' as a cleaner?

Accepted Answer

They cover different risks. CGL insurance covers accidental property damage or injury your business causes while working — a knocked-over vase, a slip on a wet floor. A janitorial bond (technically a fidelity bond) instead protects the client against employee theft. Many clients ask for both — 'insured and bonded' — because they cover different scenarios.

Question 3

How much does CGL insurance cost for a cleaning business in Ontario?

Accepted Answer

Most cleaning and janitorial businesses in Ontario pay $500 to $900 per year for $2 million in CGL coverage. Larger commercial cleaning operations with more staff working across multiple client sites can pay somewhat more. See our full CGL cost guide for comparisons against other industries.

Question 4

Does CGL cover damage my cleaning staff cause at a client's home?

Accepted Answer

Yes — this is exactly what CGL is designed for. If a cleaner accidentally breaks a client's property, damages flooring with the wrong chemical, or causes water damage while cleaning, CGL covers the repair or replacement cost and any resulting legal claim, subject to your policy's deductible and limit.

Question 5

What if a client is injured while I'm cleaning their space?

Accepted Answer

If a client or their employee trips over your equipment, slips on a wet floor you just mopped, or is otherwise injured because of your work, CGL covers their medical costs and legal defense if they pursue a claim against your business — one of the most common cleaning-industry claim types.

Question 6

Do I need CGL insurance if I only clean a few homes part-time?

Accepted Answer

Yes, even part-time and single-operator cleaners benefit from CGL — your homeowner's insurance (yours or the client's) will not cover a liability claim arising from your paid work. Coverage for a small operation typically starts around $500/year, which is inexpensive relative to the cost of even one uninsured claim.

Scenario	What CGL Covers
Broken or damaged client item	Repair or replacement cost for accidental property damage
Water damage from cleaning equipment	Resulting damage to flooring, walls, or client belongings
Client or their employee is injured	Medical costs and legal defense for a slip-and-fall or similar claim
Locked out / lost client keys	Costs to re-key or replace locks, subject to policy terms
Chemical damage to surfaces	Damage caused by cleaning products used on the wrong surface

CGL Insurance for Cleaning & Janitorial Businesses in Ontario

Why Cleaning Businesses Need CGL Insurance

Common Cleaning-Industry Claims

"Insured and Bonded" — Why Clients Ask for Both

Cleaning Business CGL Insurance — FAQ

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