You have likely seen these words in every janitorial company’s marketing: “bonded, licensed, and insured.” They sound reassuring, but many facility managers don’t know exactly what each one protects against.
What “Licensed” Means
A business license means the company is legally registered to operate in the state. It’s the baseline requirement for any legitimate business — ask for a registration number if you want to verify it independently.
What “Insured” Means
General Liability Insurance
Covers property damage caused by the cleaning crew and third-party injuries resulting from their work. Ask for coverage limits, particularly for larger facilities.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance
If a cleaning employee is injured in your building, workers’ comp covers their medical costs and lost wages. Without it, you could bear unexpected liability — this is the coverage most often missing from under-priced providers.
What “Bonded” Means
A surety bond (also called a janitorial bond) is financial protection against employee theft. If a cleaning employee steals from your premises and the company is bonded, you can file a claim to recover the loss.
How to Verify
Always ask for a certificate of insurance (COI) before signing. It should list the insurer, policy numbers, coverage types, and expiration dates. Request to be named as an additional insured so you’re notified if coverage lapses.
We provide a current certificate of insurance with every quote — ask for it before you sign anything, from us or anyone else.