In the cleaning industry, handling a client’s property comes with the territory — and so does the risk of accidental damage. Many business owners assume their general liability policy covers these situations, but that’s not always the case. The care, custody, and control (CCC) exclusion, found in many standard policies, leaves a potentially costly gap. Choosing cleaning business insurance that addresses this exposure is essential to keeping your operations protected and your client relationships intact.
What Is Care, Custody, and Control?
In insurance terms, care, custody, and control refers to property that is in your possession but owned by someone else. It could include anything your team is actively cleaning or has access to while on-site. The CCC clause exists in most standard general liability policies and often excludes coverage for damage to such property.
Imagine your employee accidentally knocks over a client’s antique vase while dusting. Or maybe a team member stains a custom couch during upholstery cleaning. Because the item was under your care at the time, your general liability policy may not cover the loss. These are real-world examples where a CCC exclusion could leave your business on the hook.
The Coverage Gap Created by CCC Exclusions
A general liability policy typically covers damage to a third party’s property — but not if that property is under your direct supervision. This distinction is crucial. Once an object is under your care, the policy’s protection often stops. That’s the gap that can expose cleaning business owners to thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs.
Here are some examples of CCC risks for cleaning businesses.
- Residential cleaning: A cleaner drops a decorative glass sculpture while dusting.
- Commercial janitorial work: Equipment malfunctions and floods a server room.
- Carpet or floor care services: Over-saturation during steam cleaning warps hardwood floors.
- Specialty cleaning: A client’s fine art is damaged during high-end estate cleanings.
These scenarios aren’t uncommon, and they can be financially devastating without the right coverage in place.
How Specialty Cleaning Business Insurance Covers CCC Scenarios
Fortunately, the industry has evolved to meet this risk head-on. Specialty insurance for cleaning businesses often includes optional endorsements or policy add-ons specifically designed to cover CCC exposures. These endorsements expand your coverage to include damage to client property under your control — exactly what general liability policies exclude.
When reviewing your options, look for policies that explicitly list CCC protection or offer property damage extensions. This is a key differentiator when evaluating what makes cleaning business insurance comprehensive versus cookie-cutter.
Benefits of CCC Coverage for Cleaning Business Owners
Investing in CCC coverage does more than protect your bottom line. It builds trust with clients and can give you an edge when bidding on commercial contracts.
- Protection from unexpected costs: Avoid paying out-of-pocket for accidental damage.
- Enhanced credibility: Show clients you take responsibility seriously.
- Stronger bids: Stand out by proving you carry coverage others may not.
How To Assess If Your Policy Covers CCC
Not sure if your current policy covers CCC exposures? Start by reviewing your declarations page and exclusions section. Then, talk to your insurance agent and ask direct questions:
- Does my policy cover damage to items in my care or control?
- Are there policy limits or conditions I should be aware of?
- Can I add CCC protection if it’s not included?
If you’re shopping for new coverage, compare liability insurance options designed specifically for cleaning professionals.
Final Thoughts for Cleaning Business Owners
In a business where your team regularly interacts with valuable property, assuming your insurance “covers it all” is risky. The care, custody, and control exclusion can be a blind spot. Take the time to review your current policy, ask the right questions, and partner with a provider who understands your industry.
Moody Clean Insurance is here to help you close the coverage gaps before they become costly surprises.
About Moody Clean Insurance
Moody knows relationships are the cornerstone of good business. One relationship with a cleaning franchisor 20 years ago started it all. Since then, 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.
