Insurance is not optional in construction cleaning — it's a fundamental business requirement. General contractors require it, project owners require it, and working without it exposes everyone to catastrophic financial risk. This guide covers the insurance types, coverage limits, and COI requirements for construction cleaning contractors.
Required Insurance Types
1. Commercial General Liability (CGL)
CGL insurance covers bodily injury and property damage caused by the cleaning company's operations. In construction cleaning, this is critical because:
- A worker could scratch a $15,000 marble countertop with the wrong cleaning product
- A vacuum could crack a $3,000 custom tile floor
- A cleaning solution could permanently stain $8,000 hardwood flooring
- A third party could slip on a wet floor during cleaning
| Coverage | Minimum | Typical GC Requirement | Recommended |
|---|---|---|---|
| Each Occurrence | $500,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 |
| General Aggregate | $1,000,000 | $2,000,000 | $2,000,000 |
| Products/Completed Ops | $500,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 |
| Personal & Advertising Injury | $500,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 |
| Damage to Rented Premises | $50,000 | $100,000 | $100,000 |
Typical annual premium: $800–$3,000 depending on revenue, claim history, and coverage limits.
2. Workers' Compensation
Workers' comp is legally required in Ohio (and most states) for any business with employees. It covers:
- Medical expenses for work-related injuries
- Lost wages during recovery
- Rehabilitation costs
- Death benefits
Why GCs require it from subs: Without workers' comp, if a cleaning crew member is injured on the GC's site, the GC's insurance may be liable. This is why nearly all GCs require proof of workers' comp before allowing any subcontractor on site.
Ohio specific: Workers' comp in Ohio is administered through the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC). Rates for cleaning services (NAICS code 561720) are based on payroll and claim experience.
3. Commercial Auto Insurance
Required if the cleaning company uses vehicles to transport crews and equipment. Covers accidents, property damage, and injuries related to business vehicle use.
| Coverage | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Combined Single Limit | $300,000 | $1,000,000 |
| Uninsured Motorist | $100,000 | $300,000 |
4. Umbrella/Excess Liability (Optional but Recommended)
Umbrella policies provide coverage above the limits of your CGL, auto, and workers' comp policies. For construction cleaning, a $1M umbrella policy typically costs $300–$800/year and is increasingly required by larger GCs and commercial projects.
Certificate of Insurance (COI)
A COI is a one-page document issued by your insurance company that proves your coverage. GCs request COIs before allowing subcontractors on site.
What a COI Must Include
- Insured company name — must match the company providing services
- Policy numbers — for each coverage type
- Coverage limits — per occurrence, general aggregate, etc.
- Policy dates — must cover the dates of your project
- Certificate holder — typically the GC or project owner's name and address
- Additional insured endorsement — the GC is listed as an additional insured on your policy
💡 COI Turnaround Time
Most insurance companies can issue a COI within 24–48 hours. Some offer online portals for instant COI generation. Keep your insurance agent's contact information ready — GCs often request COIs on short notice.
Additional Insured vs. Certificate Holder
These are different and the distinction matters:
- Certificate Holder — simply receives a copy of the COI as documentation. No coverage is extended to them.
- Additional Insured — the GC is added to your policy as a covered party. If a claim arises from your work, your insurance defends both you and the GC. This is what most GCs require.
What Happens Without Insurance
Operating without proper insurance in construction cleaning creates severe risks:
| Scenario | Without Insurance | With Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Worker scratches $12,000 quartz countertop | You pay $12,000 out of pocket | Insurance covers replacement |
| Crew member falls from ladder, breaks leg | You're liable for $50,000+ medical bills + potential lawsuit | Workers' comp covers medical + lost wages |
| Wrong cleaning product permanently damages $8,000 hardwood floor | You pay for floor replacement | CGL covers damage claim |
| Visitor slips on wet floor during cleaning | Personal liability — potential lawsuit | CGL covers bodily injury claim |
Insurance Costs for Construction Cleaning
| Coverage | Annual Cost (Small Co.) | Annual Cost (Mid-Size Co.) |
|---|---|---|
| General Liability ($1M/$2M) | $800–$1,500 | $1,500–$3,000 |
| Workers' Comp (Ohio) | $1,200–$3,000 | $3,000–$8,000 |
| Commercial Auto | $1,000–$2,500 | $2,500–$6,000 |
| Umbrella ($1M) | $300–$800 | $800–$1,500 |
| Total | $3,300–$7,800 | $7,800–$18,500 |
Insurance is a cost of doing business — and it's what separates professional construction cleaning companies from unreliable operators who expose builders to risk.
✅ Fully Insured Since 1983
Dunnington General Maintenance carries comprehensive CGL, workers' comp, auto, and umbrella coverage. We provide COIs with additional insured endorsement within 24 hours of request. Call (937) 469-5099.