You’ve got a shortlist of cleaning providers. The quotes are in. The scope of work looks solid. But here’s the question most people forget to ask:
“Are you properly insured?”
It’s not the sexiest part of hiring a commercial cleaning company, but it might be the most important. Because if something goes wrong on-site, you could be the one left holding the bag... financially, legally, and reputationally.
Let’s talk about why insurance matters, what it actually mean, and how they protect your business when it counts.
Here’s a quick breakdown, without the legal-ese:
The cleaning company carries insurance that covers:
Public liability: If a cleaner damages property or someone gets hurt
Workers’ compensation: If a cleaner is injured while working at your site
Cleaning companies are often on-site after hours. They have access to:
Keys and alarm codes
Staff kitchens, bathrooms, and even executive offices
Sensitive areas like server rooms or file storage
And while most of the time, everything runs smoothly... what happens if it doesn’t?
A cleaner trips over a cable and breaks their ankle. Are you liable?
A staff laptop goes missing. Is the cleaning company covered?
Cleaning products damage a tenant’s expensive flooring. Who pays?
Without the right insurance and bonding, the answer might be: you do.
When comparing commercial cleaners, don’t just ask if they’re insured - ask for proof. Here’s what to check:
Covers property damage or injury caused by the cleaners
Minimum coverage should be $10 million (Cleancorp carries this and more)
Legally required to protect workers on your site
Ensures you’re not liable for on-site injuries
Ask for copies of insurance certificates
Check that policies are current and match the company name
Look for companies that proactively include this info in proposals or service agreements
Insurance isn’t just protection, it’s a signal.
Maintaining high public liability coverage, workers’ compensation, and compliance documentation isn’t cheap. Fly-by-night operators avoid it because they can’t afford it or don’t plan to stick around long enough for it to matter.
Established commercial cleaning companies invest in proper insurance because they’re building long-term partnerships, not chasing short-term contracts. It shows financial stability, operational maturity, and a commitment to doing business the right way.
When a cleaning provider can confidently hand over up-to-date insurance certificates without hesitation, it’s usually a good sign you’re dealing with a company that takes its responsibilities seriously.
At Cleancorp, we’ve spent over 30 years earning the trust of commercial clients across Australia and New Zealand. That trust is built not just on our service - but on how we protect your business behind the scenes.
We carry $20 million in Public Liability Insurance and Workers’ Compensation for all our employees.
We also vet and background-check our staff rigorously, because risk management starts long before anyone walks through your doors.
And yes - we’ll send you copies of our certificates anytime. No awkward chasing. No fine print.
Partnering with a fully insured cleaning company means:
You're protected from legal liability
You don’t have to worry about hidden risks
You can focus on your business, not cleaning drama
You know your provider is serious about compliance, safety, and accountability
In short? It’s one less thing you need to worry about.
Insurance might not be the first thing you think about when hiring a cleaner, but when things go wrong, it’s the only thing that matters.
Protect your people, your property, and your peace of mind by choosing a cleaning partner who takes your risk seriously.
Cleancorp is fully insured and trusted by businesses across Australia and New Zealand. Want a copy of our insurance documents? Just ask, we’ll send them with your quote.
Contact us today to find out how we protect your business at every step.
Because cleaning happens inside your workplace, not in isolation. If an accident, injury, or property damage occurs, insurance determines who carries the financial responsibility. Proper coverage protects your business from legal disputes and unexpected costs.
Yes, and professional providers expect it. Any reputable commercial cleaning company should be able to provide current insurance certificates immediately. It’s a standard part of due diligence, especially for corporate and multi-tenant sites.
Public liability covers damage or injury caused to third parties or property. Workers’ compensation protects cleaners if they’re injured while working. Together, they ensure both your site and the cleaning staff are financially protected.
Indirectly, yes. Companies that maintain strong insurance coverage tend to have better internal systems, compliance processes, and operational discipline. Insurance isn’t just protection, it reflects how seriously a company runs its business.
Ideally, yes. Your service agreement should reference insurance coverage and outline responsibilities clearly. This avoids confusion later and ensures both parties understand what protections are in place.