If your cleaning team drives between job sites, your business needs protection that goes beyond personal car insurance. Cleaning business auto insurance provides coverage for accidents, injuries, and vehicle-related losses that can occur during work hours. Without the right policy, even a minor collision can result in major financial and legal consequences.
What Is Cleaning Business Auto Insurance?
This type of policy covers vehicles owned or used by your business, whether you’re transporting staff, hauling gear, or heading to multiple client sites in a day. Commercial auto policies typically include liability for third-party injury or property damage and physical damage to your owned vehicles, as well as coverage for hired and non-owned vehicles.
One common mistake is assuming that a personal auto policy will step in if something happens during work hours. In most cases, it won’t. Personal auto insurance excludes business use, leaving owners exposed when an accident occurs on the clock.
Common Risks for Cleaning Businesses on the Road
Cleaning professionals often work early mornings or late nights, drive unfamiliar routes, and carry expensive tools and supplies. These conditions create real exposure.
According to the National Safety Council, in 2023, an estimated 5.1 million motor vehicle incidents resulted in medically consulted injuries. Total injury-related costs exceeded $513 billion, including lost wages, medical care, vehicle damage, and employer expenses.
Beyond crashes, there are other risks to manage:
- Equipment can be damaged or stolen from unlocked vehicles.
- Distracted driving increases liability.
- Employees using their own cars for work may lack sufficient coverage.
For businesses with multiple drivers or shared vehicles, these risks can compound quickly.
Safe Driving Starts With Hiring the Right People
Cleaning business auto insurance is just one part of the equation. Driver behavior can make the difference between smooth operations and costly claims.
Insurers often review motor vehicle records (MVRs) before pricing your policy. Too many violations — or the wrong kinds — can lead to higher premiums or denied coverage. As such, it pays to screen for driving history during hiring and to revisit those records regularly.
Safety training also plays a critical role. Onboarding sessions, clear policies on cell phone use, defensive driving expectations, and even break-time protocols all shape how your employees drive. Regular refreshers help build habits that reduce risk over time.
Cleaning Business Auto Insurance + Safety = Peace of Mind
A proactive safety culture can help control costs, and insurers tend to notice. Businesses with strong policies and training programs often qualify for lower cleaning business auto insurance premiums and better terms. Just as important, knowing your coverage reflects your operations gives you the confidence to scale.
Review your policy at least once a year, especially if you’ve added routes, hired new drivers, or changed your vehicle fleet. Our overview of commercial cleaning business insurance requirements can help ensure all your coverages keep pace with your growth.
Moody Clean works with cleaning companies of all sizes to align policies with real-world operations, not just legal minimums. Reach out today for a free coverage review to protect your drivers, your vehicles, and your business from costly accidents.
FAQ About Cleaning Business Auto Insurance
What type of insurance is best for a cleaning company?
At a minimum, you’ll need general liability, workers’ compensation (if you have employees), and commercial auto insurance. Add-ons like property, crime, or equipment coverage may also be needed, depending on your setup.
Does my cleaning company need commercial auto insurance?
Yes, if your business owns vehicles or if employees drive for work. Personal auto policies usually don’t cover business use.
What does commercial auto insurance typically cover?
It covers third-party injuries and property damage, vehicle repairs, medical payments, and sometimes rented or employee-owned vehicles used for business.
Can I insure employees who drive their own vehicles for work?
Yes. Inquire about hired and non-owned auto coverage, which protects your business if an employee has an accident in their personal car during work duties.
How can I lower my auto insurance premiums as a cleaning business owner?
Maintain clean driving records, provide driver safety training, store vehicles securely, and work with a broker who understands your industry.
About Moody Clean Insurance
One relationship with a cleaning franchisor started it all. Over the next 20 years, that one relationship has expanded and multiplied. Moody is now one of the largest providers of insurance to independent and franchise cleaning businesses throughout the country. Relationships start with a conversation, so let’s talk. We look forward to learning about your operations and sharing what we’ve learned through decades of protecting cleaning businesses like yours.
