Cleaning Service Insurance in District of Columbia
District of Columbia requires Workers' Compensation for cleaning services. See the checklist below for the full breakdown and costs.
District of Columbia coverage requirements
| Coverage | Required? | Minimum | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Workers' Compensation | Required | Statutory | Required once you have W-2 employees; statutory limits apply. |
State regulator: DC Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking
Coverage checklist
| Coverage | Requirement | Annual cost |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial AutoCA | Required | $1,298–$2,832/yr |
| General LiabilityGL | Required | $472–$1,062/yr |
| Workers' CompensationWC | Required | $1,770–$5,310/yr |
| Inland Marine / Tools & EquipmentIM | Recommended | $236–$826/yr |
| Business Owner's PolicyBOP | Optional | $590–$1,652/yr |
| Commercial PropertyCP | Optional | $590–$2,124/yr |
| Professional Liability / E&OPL/E&O | Optional | $472–$1,062/yr |
Cost breakdown
- ·Fleet size
Required for cleaning crews traveling between client locations.
- ·Residential vs. commercial
- ·Crew size
- ·Revenue
Covers damage you cause to a client's property and slip-and-fall claims; commercial clients often require it by contract.
- ·Payroll
- ·Crew size
Required once you have employees; slip/fall and chemical exposure injuries are common.
- ·Equipment value
Covers vacuums, extractors, and equipment kept in vehicles.
- ·Office/storage
If you lease an office or supply storage.
- ·Office/storage ownership
If you own/lease a workspace.
- ·Commercial contracts
Rare; mainly for firms offering specialized cleaning consulting.
Best carriers for cleaning service
Cleaning Service insurance in District of Columbia — FAQ
Do cleaning services need insurance?+
Yes. General liability covers damage to a client's property (a common claim), and workers' comp is required once you have employees. Commercial cleaning contracts also require insurance by contract.
How much does cleaning business insurance cost?+
General liability runs $400–$900 per year, workers' comp $1,500–$4,500 depending on payroll, and commercial auto $1,100–$2,400 per vehicle. Total for a small crew is often $3,500–$8,000 per year.
Does general liability cover damage I cause to a client's home?+
Yes — accidental damage to a client's property (like a broken fixture or stained flooring) is the core claim general liability covers for cleaners.
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