Insured usually means the company carries general liability insurance, which covers accidental property damage and injuries to others. Bonded means it has a janitorial or fidelity bond, which reimburses a client if an employee steals, though the company must repay the bond company. Background-checked means the company has screened the people it sends. Ask for proof of whichever ones matter to you, and ask how each is used.
Letting someone into your home or office takes trust. Cleaning companies often list “licensed, bonded and insured” on their websites, but few explain what those words mean. We'll break it down in plain English.
Insured: protection against accidents
When a cleaning company says it's insured, it usually means general liability insurance. The U.S. Small Business Administration describes it as coverage that protects against financial loss from bodily injury, property damage and medical expenses, plus legal defense costs.
In practice: if a cleaner accidentally breaks a lamp or damages a floor, or someone is hurt because of the company's work, general liability is what responds.
Bonded: protection against theft
A janitorial bond (also called a fidelity or employee dishonesty bond) is a type of surety bond. If an employee steals from a client, the bond company pays the client, up to the bond limit. Three things to know:
- It isn't insurance. The cleaning company has to repay the bond company for any claim paid.
- It covers theft, not damage. Accidental damage falls under liability insurance.
- Conditions vary. Some bonds pay only after the employee is convicted of the crime. Ask to see the terms if a bond matters to you.
Background-checked: who's coming into your home
Insurance and bonds pay after something goes wrong. Screening the people who come into your home helps keep it from going wrong in the first place. Ask how the company checks its team: who runs the check, what it covers, and whether it's done before someone's first job.
Workers' compensation in Florida
If a cleaner is injured in your home, workers' comp matters. Florida's Division of Workers' Compensation says non-construction employers with four or more employees, including corporate officers and LLC members who haven't taken an exemption, must carry workers' compensation coverage. Smaller businesses may not be required to. Ask the company what applies to its team.
“Licensed” in Florida
Florida doesn't issue a state license specifically for house or office cleaning. When a cleaning company says it's licensed, it typically means it holds the local business tax receipt required by its city or county, and that it's properly registered with the state.
Questions to ask any cleaning company
- Can you send me a certificate of insurance?
- Are you bonded? If so, what are the bond's limits and conditions?
- Are your cleaners background-checked before their first job?
- Will the same people clean my home each time?
- What happens if something is damaged, or if I'm not happy with a cleaning?
- How do you handle keys, door codes and alarm codes?
Where Casabela stands
We believe in telling you exactly what we have. We're licensed and insured, and every cleaner we send is background-checked. When an account needs a bond, we get one for that account, so just let us know at your walkthrough if your building or contract requires it. And if you're ever not happy with something, tell us within 24 hours and we'll come back and make it right, free.
Sources
- U.S. Small Business Administration, “Get business insurance.” sba.gov
- Florida Department of Financial Services, Division of Workers' Compensation, “Coverage Requirements.” myfloridacfo.com
- Merchants Bonding Company, “Theft Guard Janitorial” bond terms. merchantsbonding.com
- Insureon, “Janitorial bonds.” insureon.com
Frequently asked questions
Is bonded better than insured?
They cover different things. General liability insurance covers accidental damage and injuries. A janitorial bond covers employee theft only, and many bonds pay a claim only after the employee is convicted. Insurance is the more important of the two for most homeowners.
Can I ask a cleaning company for proof of insurance?
Yes. Ask for a certificate of insurance. Commercial clients often require one before work starts.
Does a Florida cleaning company need workers' compensation?
Florida requires non-construction employers with four or more employees, counting corporate officers and LLC members who haven't taken an exemption, to carry workers' comp. Smaller companies may not be required to. Ask the company what coverage applies.
Is Casabela insured and bonded?
We're licensed and insured, and every cleaner we send is background-checked. We get bonding for accounts that need it, so just tell us if your building or contract requires a bond.
Want us to take a look at your space?
Book a free walkthrough. We'll come to you, see what you need and send a clear written quote. No cost and no pressure.