Cleaning businesses often get bonded despite having no legal bond requirement.
Why? Employees spend significant amounts of unsupervised time in other businesses and homes. Bonding safeguards clients from potential theft and sets their minds at ease. Plus, most commercial clients now require cleaning services to be bonded before they will award a service contract.
Learn how to get bonded and insured for a cleaning service in this quick guide.
How to Bond Your Cleaning Business in 4 Steps
To get bonded in under six minutes, complete the following steps on our Janitorial Services Bond page:
- Select your employee count and bond amount
- Enter your contact and company information
- Select your bond term start date and type of work you will be doing
- Pay online and receive instant confirmation via email
What Does ‘Bonded’ Mean for a Cleaning Company?
Being a bonded cleaning company simply means the business has purchased a surety bond. Janitorial service bonds are a type of surety bond that protects customers from theft by cleaning professionals working in their homes or facilities.
A surety bond is a financial guarantee that one party will uphold their obligations to another party. It is backed by a third party (the surety provider) that assumes responsibility for debts if obligations aren't met.
In reality, the bond does not protect from the act of theft but rather ensures that customers will be compensated for losses up to the full bond amount if theft occurs.
Here's a quick example: A cleaning company employee steals or breaks a valuable item in a client's office. The client can file a claim on the surety bond to be reimbursed up to the bond coverage amount. By having the bond as financial backing, clients are assured that the janitorial service will have the financial means to repay them promptly for any loss.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Bonded for a Cleaning Business?
Surety bond costs for cleaning businesses start at just $125 annually. Your exact cost will depend on how many employees you have and the bond amount you select.
Annual pricing for cleaning companies is as follows:
5 or Less Employees
- $125 for $10,000 coverage
- $175 for $25,000 coverage
- $250 for $50,000 coverage
- $350 for $100,000 coverage
6–10 Employees
- $145 for $10,000 coverage
- $200 for $25,000 coverage
- $300 for $50,000 coverage
- $450 for $100,000 coverage
11–20 Employees
- $185 for $10,000 coverage
- $250 for $25,000 coverage
- $450 for $50,000 coverage
- $650 for $100,000 coverage
| $10,000 Coverage | $25,000 Coverage | $50,000 Coverage | $100,000 Coverage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
5< Employees | $125 | $175 | $250 | $350 |
6–10 Employees | $145 | $200 | $300 | $450 |
11–20 Employees | $185 | $250 | $450 | $650 |
How Do I Determine My Bond Coverage Amount?
With janitorial service bond coverage ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, how do you choose the right amount?
- If you work in residential homes and small spaces, $10,000–$25,000 will likely cover your needs.
- If you service large commercial or public spaces, $50,000–$100,000 bonds may be more adequate.
Certain larger clients will also request proof of bonding before signing a service agreement. Check to see if new clients require a specific coverage amount.
Why Should a Cleaning Business Get Bonded and Insured?
Being bonded and insured financially shelters you and your clients from unexpected losses.
- Insurance covers your company from unforeseen circumstances such as accidents and weather-related damages.
- Surety bonds protect your clients from financial loss if an employee steals client property or causes damages.
When you pair bond and insurance coverage, you cover all the bases to protect your cleaning business and clients.
Which Types of Cleaning Services Need a Surety Bond?
These bonds are not legally required in any state. However, cleaning services will need a bond to meet the contract requirements for most commercial clients.
Common types of cleaning businesses that get bonded include:
- Commercial cleaning services
- Housekeeping services
- Maid services
- Carpet cleaning services
- Window washing services
- Power washing services
- Medical cleaning services
How to Get Bonded and Insured for Your Cleaning Business
You can get your janitorial business bonded and insured by following these three basic steps:
- Determine your bond and insurance coverage needs
- Purchase general liability insurance and other policies as needed
- Purchase a Janitorial Service Bond instantly online at SuretyBonds.com
If you have any questions, give our surety experts a call at 1(800) 308-4358.
