Home Services Insurance: Complete 2026 Guide
Home services businesses operate in client homes and businesses, which creates unique liability exposures. This hub covers insurance for cleaning companies, landscapers, and related trades.
What insurance does a home services insurance business need?
Most home services insurance businesses need a stack of coverages. The priority list:
- General Liability — Property damage to client homes or businesses, third-party injuries at job sites.
- Workers' Compensation — Employee injuries (slips, strains, chemical exposure). Mandatory with W-2 employees.
- Commercial Auto — Vehicles used for business purposes (equipment transport, client travel). Personal auto excludes business use.
- Inland Marine — Tools and equipment in transit between job sites. Standard property policies exclude off-premises equipment.
- Bonding — Some commercial cleaning and property management contracts require a surety bond.
- Commercial Umbrella — Excess liability protection for high-exposure work (tree trimming, pressure washing).
Home Services Insurance costs by trade
Cost varies significantly by trade and revenue. Here are 2026 benchmarks:
| Trade | General Liability | Workers' Comp (per $100) | Typical Total / Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential cleaning | $700–$1,500 | $1.80–$3.50 | $1,200–$3,500 |
| Commercial cleaning | $1,000–$2,500 | $1.80–$3.50 | $2,000–$5,000 |
| Landscaping / lawn care | $1,200–$3,000 | $2.00–$4.50 | $2,000–$5,000 |
| Tree trimming | $3,000–$7,000 | $4.50–$9.00 | $4,500–$12,000 |
| Pressure washing | $1,000–$2,500 | $1.80–$3.50 | $1,800–$4,500 |
| Housekeeping (solo) | $500–$1,200 | N/A | $800–$2,500 |
Free calculators for home services insurance
Use these free calculators to estimate your specific costs based on your trade, revenue, employees, and state:
Frequently asked questions
How much does cleaning business insurance cost?
Cleaning business insurance costs $1,200–$5,000 per year depending on residential vs. commercial work, number of employees, and state. A solo residential cleaner pays $800–$2,500; a commercial cleaning company with crews pays $2,000–$5,000+.
Do cleaning businesses need bonding?
Not legally, but many commercial cleaning contracts require a surety bond. Bonding covers client losses from theft or damage by your employees. Costs run $100–$500 per year for a $10,000–$25,000 bond.
What insurance does a landscaper need?
Landscapers need GL, workers' comp, commercial auto, and inland marine (for tools and equipment in transit). Total cost is $2,000–$5,000 per year for a small operation.
Do home services businesses need workers' comp?
Yes, in almost every state once you hire your first W-2 employee, part-time included. Cleaning and landscaping class codes run $1.50–$4.50 per $100 of payroll depending on state and specific work.
Is personal auto insurance enough for my work van?
No. Personal auto excludes business use. If you drive to client sites, transport equipment, or use your vehicle for any business purpose, you need commercial auto. Even a work van used only for commuting to job sites typically needs commercial coverage.
How can I lower my home services insurance cost?
Five levers: (1) verify your NCCI class code, (2) maintain clean driving records for all drivers, (3) bundle coverage in a BOP (10–25% savings), (4) install tracking equipment and telematics, (5) shop 3+ carriers every year.
Related guides and resources
- Commercial Insurance for Small Business: The Complete 2026 Guide
- Commercial Insurance Cost in 2026: Benchmarks by Industry
- Business Owner's Policy (BOP): Complete Guide
- Commercial Insurance Costs by State — 50-State Analysis
- Best Commercial Insurance Carriers for Small Business
- Read more on the Calccover Blog →