Here's a breakdown for cleaning business owners who are trying to figure out what insurance they actually need and how much it costs.

The core policies to know about

1. General Liability—Starting around $20.75/month
This is the foundation. It covers third-party bodily injury and property damage—think a client slipping on a freshly mopped floor. Many commercial clients and property managers require proof of this before they'll let you on-site.

2. Workers' Compensation—Starting around $38.91/month
If you have employees (even part-time), most states legally require this. It covers medical bills and lost wages if a worker gets hurt on the job. Even if you're a sole proprietor, it's worth considering—most personal health insurance policies don't cover work-related injuries.

3. Contractor's Equipment and Small Tools Insurance—Starting around $20.83/month
Also called inland marine insurance. If your steam cleaner or commercial vacuum gets stolen out of your van at a job site, this is what helps you replace it.

4. Business Owner's Policy (BOP)—Starting around $33.75/month
This bundles general liability and commercial property insurance together. If you have a physical shop or store equipment at a fixed location, a BOP gives you broader protection than general liability alone—and it often doesn't cost much more.

Why get small business insurance?

• It may be legally required. Workers' comp is mandatory in most states if you have employees. Some state licenses also require proof of general liability.
• Clients will ask for it. Commercial accounts, property managers, and short-term rental platforms routinely require a Certificate of Insurance (COI) before letting you work.
• Lawsuits happen more than you'd think. Around 43% of small business owners report being involved in a lawsuit at some point. Even if you're in the right, legal defense costs money.
• It builds trust. A client choosing between an insured and uninsured cleaner will almost always go with the insured one.

Who needs it?

Most cleaning businesses do, including:

• Residential house cleaners and maid services
• Commercial janitorial companies
• Carpet and upholstery cleaners
• Window cleaners
• Pressure washing specialists
• Airbnb and short-term rental turnover cleaners

Disclosure: I'm with Simply Business, a small insurance broker.