The cleaning service industry is one of the easiest industries to get into; aside from the fact that building your own cleaning service does not require a big capital, the skills needed just include a penchant for cleaning and organizing, scheduling, and a bit of marketing and accounting. Nevertheless, since cleaning requires you or your hired employees to handle cleaning solutions and perform physical tasks, you will need to have some form of insurance to cover any liabilities you or your employees may incur.
Although you may be sure that you are trustworthy and dependable, accidents do happen and if you do not carry insurance, you may find yourself in a financial crisis even before you get the profits from your cleaning business. A house is a prime spot for unwanted incidents like falling off a ladder or getting burned by a cleaning solution. Instead of paying these on your own, get an insurer to cover medical expenses. Additionally, keep in mind that you may, in one of your cleaning appointments, damage your client’s property. Liability insurance ensures that you can pay for the ruined object without having to burn through your savings account.
Your hired employee is another matter. Sometimes, even if you conduct through background checks, you may get a person with a not so immaculate intention. If something gets stolen from your client’s home or office, and if it is proven that your cleaning crew is responsible for the item at the time of theft, then your cleaning business is liable to pay for it. Typically, you can waive the insurance of your other cleaners if they have insurance of their own. This only happens if they work for you part-time and are not on your payroll. However, if they are your direct report, then they are also your responsibility.
Most clients would understandably be very concerned when having other people in their homes or spaces. Of course, they have the right to be worried since you are handling their things. To make them more comfortable with you, it is much better that you inform them that you carry insurance for yourself and all other cleaning staff under you. This will surely impress them and allow them to relax, knowing that their homes, and everything else inside it, are in good and dependable hands.
Liability insurance depends on your chosen insurance company and your locality. Normally, insurance premiums are paid either quarterly or annually. As your business grows and you hire extra help, your insurance premiums go up. Although it may seem to be added financial baggage, note that it is well worth the money. Bonds can be bought from the insurance companies too and your responsibility is to renew it annually.
Being a responsible business owner includes recognizing your obligations toward your employees and your clients. Since you decided to be in the cleaning industry, you need to arm yourself for any possibilities of accidents that can harm you or your staff and your clients.
For more info:
How to start a cleaning service
