I recently started my own cleaning company. Insurance is needed, how much insurance and what type do I need if I am currently the only cleaner. My friends help me when they can but most homes/offices are serviced by me. I am moving in the direction to obtain insurance/bonded to protect me, them, and because it's the legal way. I also have high hopes that once I obtain insurance then business will further pick up as then I can advertise I am bonded and insured. My main concern is what is standard rates, what it covers, and basically where do I begin. One more thing bonding vs. insurance. What's the difference

Are you incorporated?

Are you cleaning residential, commercial or both?

Yo can get liability insurance coverage for only $500,000.00 to begin with. However most commercial clients require at least $1m.

Basically you are only required to have liability insurance. See your present agent or call at least three to get pricing.

Good luck Butter, you get of this what you put in... :)

Stringer

I have made it as far as filing a fictitious business name statement. I have been researching several county news paper (los angeles) to file at and thus far I have hit several dead ends. They either don't return calls or email requests or I can't get through. I keep a good record log for tax purposes, I am happy to be starting from the ground up as so much is learned in route of my dream. I have my customers needs in mind I offer so much that separates me from my competitors but I need to get it legalized to be able to expand my services further.

I have mostly residential customers, however, I have recently started getting small commercial accounts. Well 2 actually. One is a really small office bi weekly and the other is a new contact and service. Both are same day pay, one paid via cash and the other via check. New contact really expressed liking the service and wanting to be serviced one time per month.

Also, the new office account and the name filings were with in the last 2weeks, so I have not been sitting on this and want to get moving forward. I am so eager to go on this venture and have a lot to offer even in this competitive market and economy.

Do you have a brochure put together to give to prospects?

Continue to prospect for new business. The trick in the beginning is to add business and workers simultaneously to continue giving good service.

Butter, please search this site for past threads pertaining to; janitorial, cleaning, cleaning contracts, etc. There is a lot of info.

So you are going to get incorporated and insured?

As you have more questions please let us know, I would be happy to assist you.

Stringer

I have a website with detailed info. I am on yelp, Google, and a few other wesites. I am simataniously doing many things. I have stationary, email, and business cards. Currently working on brochures. Is it best to go as incorporated. Thanks for all your feedback