Two different kinds of protection
When people talk about an insured cleaning company, they often mean two separate things. Commercial general liability insurance responds when something is accidentally damaged, such as a scratched countertop, a broken fixture or water damage from a spill. Workplace injury coverage responds when a worker is hurt on the job, for example by slipping on a wet floor or straining a back while moving furniture.
A company can have one without the other, so it is worth asking about both. Cleaning is physical work: ladders for light fixtures, wet floors, heavy furniture, cleaning products and delicate finishes are part of every visit. Professionals take care to avoid accidents, but proper coverage exists precisely because no one can guarantee they will never happen.
What WSIB is and why it matters
The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) is Ontario's workplace insurance board. It provides no-fault benefits to covered workers who are injured or become ill because of their work. When a cleaning company is registered with the WSIB and its workers are covered, an injured worker has access to benefits through that system.
For the person who hired the company, that coverage generally provides protection from injury-related claims. Without it, an injury that happens in your home can leave questions about responsibility that are far better avoided.
A WSIB clearance certificate is a straightforward way to confirm a company's status. Certificates are issued for a set period, so check that the one you are shown is current, and confirm that it belongs to the business you are actually hiring.
What liability insurance covers
Even the most careful professionals occasionally have accidents. Liability insurance ensures that accidental damage to your home or belongings can be addressed properly. The amount of coverage matters: it should be meaningful relative to the value of the homes and businesses the company works in. Policy details vary, so ask what is covered and how a claim would be handled.
Liability coverage also matters for property managers, condominium corporations and commercial landlords, many of whom require contractors to provide a certificate of insurance before they are allowed on site. If a cleaning company cannot produce one, that is a strong signal to look elsewhere.
Questions to ask any cleaning company
A reputable company will answer these questions readily and provide documentation on request:
- Do you carry commercial general liability insurance, and what is the coverage amount?
- Can you provide a certificate of insurance?
- Are you registered with the WSIB, and can you provide a current clearance certificate?
- Are your cleaners employees or subcontractors, and are they all covered?
- Do you background-check and personally vet everyone who enters a client's home?
- What happens if something is damaged, or if I am not satisfied with the clean?
Why the lowest quote can cost more
Insurance, WSIB premiums, background checks and training are real business costs. A quote that seems remarkably low may be low precisely because those protections are missing. Our article on what determines the cost of house cleaning explains the other factors that shape a fair quote.
This article provides general information only and is not legal or insurance advice. For questions about your specific situation, consult the WSIB, a licensed insurance professional or a lawyer.
How Sevenday Services approaches protection
Sevenday Services carries $2M commercial general liability insurance and is registered with the WSIB. Every cleaner is background-checked, personally vetted and uniformed, and every visit is documented with before-and-after photos. If anything falls short of your expectations, our satisfaction guarantee means we return and re-clean at no charge.
You can read more on our insurance and safety page, or explore residential and commercial cleaning.