Hiring a cleaning company feels straightforward until something goes wrong. A broken vase, a slip on a wet floor, or damage to a countertop can turn a routine clean into a costly dispute. The difference between a stressful situation and a resolved one often comes down to one document: proof of insurance.

A Certificate of Insurance (COI) is the document that shows a cleaning company carries active coverage. Knowing how to request it, read it, and confirm it’s legitimate protects your home, your finances, and your peace of mind before anyone sets foot in your door.

Key Takeaways

• Always request a COI before hiring — not after the first clean.
• Two coverages matter most: general liability insurance and workers’ compensation.
• Call the insurer directly to confirm the policy is active, not just the paper.
• Check the coverage amounts — general liability should be at least $1,000,000 per occurrence.
• Bonding is separate from insurance — it covers theft, not accidents or injuries.
• Expired or altered COIs are a red flag — legitimate companies can produce a current one within 24 hours.

What Is a Certificate of Insurance and Why Does It Matter?

Quick Answer: A Certificate of Insurance (COI) is a one-page document from an insurer confirming a cleaning company’s active policies. It lists coverage types, policy limits, and effective dates. Without it, you have no proof the company can cover damage or injuries in your home.

A COI is not the insurance policy itself. It’s a summary document issued by the insurance company, confirming that a valid policy exists on a specific date. Think of it like a receipt that proves a purchase was made.

For homeowners, it answers three critical questions. Is the cleaning company covered right now? What types of incidents are covered? And how much will the insurer actually pay out if something goes wrong?

Without this document, you are taking the company’s word for it. That’s a significant risk when strangers have access to your home and its contents.

What Types of Insurance Should a Cleaning Company Carry?

Quick Answer: Cleaning companies should carry general liability insurance, workers’ compensation, and ideally a janitorial bond. General liability covers property damage and injuries. Workers’ comp covers employees hurt on your property. A bond covers theft by employees.

General Liability Insurance

General liability is the most important coverage. It pays for physical damage to your property and bodily injury that happens during a cleaning visit. If a cleaner knocks over an expensive mirror or a visitor slips on a freshly mopped floor, general liability is what covers the cost.

Look for a minimum of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate. “Per occurrence” means the max payout for a single incident. “Aggregate” means the total the policy will pay across all claims in a year.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

Workers’ compensation (often called “workers’ comp”) covers cleaning employees who get injured while working in your home. Without it, an injured cleaner could file a claim against your homeowner’s insurance, or even pursue legal action against you directly.

This coverage is required by law in most states for businesses with employees. A company that can’t show workers’ comp coverage is either operating illegally or using contractors to avoid the requirement, which creates its own liability risks for you.

Janitorial Bond (Surety Bond)

A janitorial bond is different from insurance. It’s a financial guarantee that pays you if an employee steals from your home. The bond amount is typically $10,000 to $25,000, which covers the replacement cost of stolen property up to that limit.

Bonding is not legally required in most places, but it signals that a company takes accountability seriously. It also means employees have been through some level of vetting, since bonding companies often require background checks.

Cleaning Company Insurance Types: Coverage Comparison

Coverage Type	What It Covers	Typical Minimum Amount	Required By Law
General Liability	Property damage, bodily injury to third parties	$1,000,000 per occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate	No (but industry standard)
Workers’ Compensation	Employee injuries on your property	State-mandated (varies by state)	Yes (most states, 1+ employees)
Janitorial Bond	Employee theft from client property	$10,000 to $25,000	No
Commercial Auto	Vehicle accidents during travel to/from jobs	$300,000 combined single limit	Yes (if company owns vehicles)
Umbrella / Excess Liability	Coverage above general liability limits	$1,000,000 to $5,000,000	No

How Do You Request a Certificate of Insurance From a Cleaning Company?

Quick Answer: Email or call the cleaning company and ask them to have their insurer send you a COI directly. Request that your name and address appear as the “Certificate Holder.” Legitimate companies can provide this within 24 to 48 hours at no cost to you.

Requesting a COI is normal and professional. Reputable companies expect it. If a company hesitates, makes excuses, or offers to send a photo of the document from their own files, those are warning signs.

Here is exactly what to say when you contact them:

“Before we schedule service, I’d like to receive a Certificate of Insurance. Could you have your insurance provider send it directly to my email? Please include my name and address as the Certificate Holder.”

Asking to be listed as the Certificate Holder adds a layer of accountability. It means you receive direct notification from the insurer if the policy is cancelled or modified.

Who Actually Sends the COI?

The insurer or insurance broker sends the COI, not the cleaning company itself. This matters because it makes the document harder to alter. When you receive it directly from the source, you know it reflects the current policy status.

If the cleaning company sends you a PDF they already have on file, that’s acceptable as a starting point. But always follow up by calling the insurer listed on the document to verify the policy is still active.

How Do You Read a Certificate of Insurance?

Quick Answer: A standard COI uses the ACORD 25 form. Check the insured’s legal name, the insurer’s name, policy effective and expiration dates, coverage types, and per-occurrence limits. Every field should match the company’s details and your conversation with them.

Most COIs use a standardized document called the ACORD 25 form. ACORD stands for Association for Cooperative Operations Research and Development, the organization that creates standard insurance forms used across the U.S. industry. Even if you’ve never seen one before, the layout is consistent and readable once you know what to look for.

Section-by-Section Breakdown of an ACORD 25 COI

ACORD 25 COI: Key Fields and What to Check

Field / Section	What It Shows	What to Verify
Producer	Name of the insurance broker or agency	Real, searchable business with a phone number
Insured	Legal name of the cleaning company	Matches the company name on your contract and invoice
Insurer	Name of the insurance carrier	Should be a licensed, AM Best-rated carrier
Policy Number	Unique identifier for the policy	Use this when calling to verify coverage
Effective / Expiration Dates	Period the policy is active	Coverage must be active on your cleaning date
Each Occurrence Limit	Max payout per single incident	Minimum $1,000,000 for residential cleaning
Aggregate Limit	Total max payout for all claims in the year	Minimum $2,000,000
Certificate Holder	Person or entity receiving the certificate	Should include your name and address
Description of Operations	What work is covered	Should mention residential cleaning or janitorial services

What Does “Per Occurrence” vs. “Aggregate” Mean?

Per occurrence is the ceiling for one single event. If a cleaner damages your hardwood floors, the per-occurrence limit is the most the insurer will pay for that specific incident.

Aggregate is the total the policy pays across every claim in the policy year. Once the aggregate is exhausted, the insurer stops paying, even for new incidents. This is why both numbers matter.

How Do You Confirm a COI Is Legitimate and Not Fake?

Quick Answer: Call the insurance carrier listed on the COI directly. Use the phone number from the carrier’s official website, not the number printed on the document. Give them the policy number and ask to confirm coverage is active for the dates you need service.

A COI document can be altered. Dates can be changed in a PDF editor in minutes. That’s why reading the document is only step one. Verification is step two.

Step-by-Step: Calling to Verify Coverage

1. Look up the insurer’s phone number independently. Search the carrier name (for example, “Travelers Insurance contact number”) on their official website. Do not use the number printed on the COI.
2. Have the policy number ready. This is on the COI in the coverage section.
3. Ask two specific questions: “Is policy number [X] currently active?” and “Does it include general liability coverage for residential cleaning services?”
4. Note the date and name of the person you spoke with. Keep a record in case you ever need it later.

This call takes about five minutes. It’s the single most effective thing you can do to confirm the COI is real.

Red Flags on a Certificate of Insurance

• Policy expiration date has already passed
• The insured name on the COI doesn’t match the company name on your quote or contract
• The insurer is not a recognizable or AM Best-rated carrier
• The document has no policy number listed
• The company is reluctant to let you contact the insurer directly
• Coverage limits are unusually low (under $300,000 per occurrence)
• The description of operations says “commercial only” or excludes residential work

What Coverage Amounts Are Adequate for Residential Cleaning?

Quick Answer: For a residential home, general liability coverage of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence is the standard minimum. Homes with high-value contents, art collections, or luxury finishes should look for companies carrying $2,000,000 per occurrence or umbrella policies above that.

Recommended COI Coverage Amounts by Home Value and Risk Level

Home Profile	Recommended Per-Occurrence Limit	Recommended Aggregate Limit	Additional Coverage to Request
Standard residence (under $600,000)	$1,000,000	$2,000,000	Janitorial bond ($10,000+)
Mid-value home ($600,000 to $1.2M)	$1,000,000 to $2,000,000	$2,000,000	Janitorial bond + workers’ comp confirmation
High-value home (over $1.2M)	$2,000,000+	$4,000,000+	Umbrella policy confirmation + bonding
Home with valuable art or antiques	$2,000,000+	$4,000,000+	Verify individual item coverage under homeowner’s policy

Does a Cleaning Company’s Insurance Protect You Directly?

Quick Answer: Not automatically. A cleaning company’s general liability insurance protects you only if the company or its employees caused the damage. Your homeowner’s insurance remains your first line of protection. The cleaning company’s COI fills the gap when they’re at fault.

Here’s how the two policies interact. If a cleaner breaks a window, the cleaning company’s general liability pays. If a pipe bursts unrelated to the cleaning, that’s your homeowner’s insurance. If a cleaner is injured and has no workers’ comp, your homeowner’s policy may be dragged in, and your rates could go up.

The cleaning company’s insurance and your homeowner’s insurance are complementary layers of protection. Neither replaces the other. That’s exactly why verifying the cleaning company’s COI before starting service matters so much.

What If the Cleaning Company Claims Your Homeowner’s Insurance Should Cover It?

This is a common deflection tactic used by uninsured or underinsured companies. If their employee damaged your property, the cleaning company’s general liability policy is the appropriate source of the claim.

Filing a claim against your own homeowner’s insurance for damage caused by a service provider can raise your premiums. Document the damage thoroughly with photos and written records before agreeing to file any claim.

Should You Ask for Proof of Insurance Before Every Visit?

Quick Answer: No, not before every visit. Request a COI when you first hire the company. Then set a calendar reminder to re-verify annually or when their policy comes up for renewal, since annual renewals can change coverage limits or let policies lapse.

Insurance policies typically renew annually. A company that was fully covered in January may have a lapsed or reduced policy by December. Asking for an updated COI once a year is reasonable and professional.

If you ever receive a notice that you’ve been removed as a Certificate Holder or that the policy has been cancelled, stop service until you receive confirmation of new coverage. That notification is one of the benefits of asking to be listed as a Certificate Holder in the first place.

What Should You Do If a Cleaning Company Refuses to Provide Insurance Proof?

Quick Answer: Walk away. A licensed, insured cleaning company has no reason to refuse a COI request. Refusal means either the company isn’t insured, coverage has lapsed, or they’re operating informally. None of these scenarios protect you if something goes wrong.

Some companies may say things like “we’re covered, don’t worry” or “we’ve never had a claim.” These responses don’t change the risk. They just tell you the company isn’t used to being asked.

Hiring an uninsured cleaner puts you in a vulnerable position. If an employee is injured in your home, you may face a personal injury lawsuit. If property is damaged, there’s no policy to file against. The short-term convenience is not worth those risks.

Independent Contractors vs. Employees: Why It Changes Your Risk

Some cleaning companies use independent contractors (also called 1099 workers) instead of employees. This affects your risk in two ways.

First, independent contractors are not covered by the company’s workers’ compensation, since that only applies to employees. If an independent contractor is injured in your home, they may pursue action against your homeowner’s insurance or against you personally.

Second, general liability coverage may or may not extend to subcontracted work, depending on the policy language. When a company uses contractors, ask specifically whether their general liability covers subcontractor-performed work.

Employee vs. Independent Contractor: Insurance Implications

Factor	W-2 Employee	Independent Contractor (1099)
Workers’ Comp Coverage	Covered by company policy	Not covered — contractor needs own policy
General Liability	Typically included	May be excluded — verify policy language
Injury Liability Risk to Homeowner	Lower — company absorbs it	Higher — homeowner may be exposed
Theft Coverage via Bond	Often included in janitorial bond	Rarely included — contractor may lack bond

What Other Documents Should You Request Alongside the COI?

Quick Answer: Request the COI, a copy of the janitorial bond, and confirmation of workers’ compensation coverage. For a recurring service, also ask for the signed service agreement, which should reference the company’s insurance obligations and liability limits.

A complete pre-hire document package gives you everything you need if something goes wrong. Here’s what to ask for:

• Certificate of Insurance (COI) — general liability, workers’ comp confirmation
• Surety bond certificate — confirms bonding company, bond amount, and expiration
• Business license — confirms the company is legally registered in your state
• Service agreement — spells out scope, liability limits, and dispute process
• Subcontractor disclosure — if contractors are used, ask this in writing

Legitimate companies have all of these ready. Requesting them is standard due diligence, not an unusual demand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a cleaning company give me a fake COI?

Yes, it’s possible but uncommon among established companies. A PDF can be edited to change dates or coverage amounts. That’s why you should always call the insurance carrier listed on the document using a phone number found on their official website, not the number on the COI itself.

What is an AM Best rating and why does it matter?

AM Best is an independent agency that rates the financial strength of insurance carriers. A rating of “A” or better means the insurer has the financial resources to pay claims. If a cleaning company’s insurer has a poor or unrated AM Best score, their ability to actually pay a claim is in question.

Does renters insurance protect me if a cleaning company causes damage?

Renters insurance covers your personal belongings from certain risks, but it’s not designed to cover damage caused by a third party. The cleaning company’s general liability insurance is the appropriate coverage for damage they cause. Always verify the COI before inviting any service provider into your rented home.

Is a cleaning company required to name me as an additional insured?

No, not in most cases. Being listed as a Certificate Holder is the standard request for residential clients. Additional insured status is more common in commercial contracts and gives broader legal protections. For home cleaning, Certificate Holder status is typically sufficient.

How do I verify workers’ compensation coverage specifically?

The ACORD 25 COI has a dedicated row for workers’ compensation in the coverage section. Confirm a policy number is listed and that the effective date covers your service period. You can also call your state’s workers’ compensation board to verify a company’s coverage status by name, since workers’ comp records are often publicly accessible.

What happens if the cleaner gets injured and the company has no workers’ compensation?

In many states, if a worker is injured at your property and the employer lacks workers’ comp, the injured worker can file a claim against your homeowner’s insurance. Your premium could increase, or your insurer might pursue the cleaning company on your behalf. This is why confirming workers’ comp before the first visit is just as important as checking general liability coverage.