You've probably seen these words in commercial cleaning company profiles: “bonded, licensed, and insured.” They sound reassuring, but many business owners don't know what each one actually means — or why the distinctions matter when things go wrong. See our full insurance and bonding guide for more detail.
What “Licensed” Means
A business license means the company is legally registered to operate. It's the baseline requirement for any legitimate business. Ask for the company's business registration and verify it if you want to be thorough.
What “Insured” Means — and Why It's Critical
General Liability Insurance: This covers property damage caused by the cleaning crew (a broken window, a knocked-over monitor, chemical damage to a floor) and third-party injuries that occur as a result of their work.
Workers' Compensation Insurance: If a cleaning employee is injured in your building, workers' comp covers their medical expenses and lost wages. Without it, you could be liable for those costs even though they aren't your employee. This is the insurance most often missing from under-priced cleaning companies.
What “Bonded” Means
A surety bond (also called a janitorial bond) is a form of financial protection against employee theft. If a cleaning employee steals from your premises and the cleaning 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 any contract. The COI will list the insurer, policy numbers, coverage types, and expiration dates. Request to be named as an additional insured on the policy — this means you're notified if coverage lapses. Verify our credentials by calling (866) 958-8773.