Are You Insured and Bonded? Understanding Cleaning Service Insurance in Portland

If a cleaning company isn’t insured and bonded, they shouldn’t be anywhere near your building. Not because something will go wrong - but because when it does, you’re the one holding the bag.

Here’s what “insured and bonded” really means, what to watch for, and how we handle it at RKA Cleaning.

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What “Insured and Bonded” Really Means

The Insurance Side

A legit cleaning company should have:

• General Liability Insurance Covers damage to your property or injury to others caused during the job.

• Workers’ Comp Covers cleaners if they get hurt on the job - so you’re not dragged into lawsuits or payouts.

• Professional Liability Covers mistakes. If something isn’t cleaned properly and it causes a problem (think data centers, labs, health facilities), this kicks in.

• Commercial Auto Covers any cleaning vehicles. Not always needed, but essential if they’re transporting supplies or equipment.

The Bonding Side

This protects you if an employee steals or commits fraud.

• Fidelity Bonds = Employee dishonesty protection
• Surety Bonds = Contract performance guarantee

It’s not about what’s likely. It’s about being covered if the unlikely happens.

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Why It Matters for Your Business

Real-World Scenarios

Without coverage:

• A cleaner accidentally ruins your hardwood floor with the wrong chemical. You pay.
• Someone slips on a wet floor and sues. You’re pulled into it.
• A cleaner gets hurt and files a claim. You’re liable.
• Something goes missing from your breakroom. You’re stuck proving it.

With coverage:

• We file the claim, fix it, and cover the cost.
• You stay focused on business. Not legal headaches.

Legal + Lease Requirements

Most Portland commercial leases require proof of liability insurance - and usually a minimum amount. Same with government contracts, schools, and healthcare.

If your cleaning service can’t provide it, you’re the one out of compliance.

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What Coverage Should Look Like

General Liability

• $1M per occurrence minimum
• Covers property damage, accidents, legal defense

Workers’ Compensation

• Required by Oregon
• Covers medical care, lost wages, rehab, and more

Professional Liability

• Covers service errors, missed tasks, and damage from improper cleaning methods
• Especially important in regulated industries

Commercial Auto

• For companies with vehicles or supply transport

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Bonding: Often Overlooked, Always Critical

What It Covers:

• Employee theft
• Property or money stolen during service
• Fraud or dishonesty

What It Proves:

• Your cleaning company takes accountability seriously
• They’ve gone through vetting and financial checks
• You’re not left alone to chase losses

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How to Actually Verify Coverage

Ask for the Documents

• Certificate of Insurance (COI)
• Ask to be listed as Additional Insured
• Look for: date, limits, provider info, coverage types

Verify With the Provider

• Call the agent if needed
• Confirm coverage is current and active
• Red flag: stalling or “we’ll get that to you later”

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Portland-Specific Considerations

• Rain = More slip risks → liability coverage is critical
• Green buildings = Need proof of chemical compliance
• Healthcare/food = Require advanced liability + bonding
• Urban density = More potential for property damage

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What Can Go Wrong (And Who Pays If It Does)

Common Claims We’ve Seen:

• Water damage from leaking vacuums
• Chemical spills damaging furniture or walls
• Slips near entrances after mopping
• Theft of small tech or personal items
• Injury claims from improper lifting or handling

Without proper coverage, these become your problem.

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What You Should Ask Cleaning Services Before Hiring

1. Can you show me proof of insurance - today?
2. What’s your coverage per incident and in total?
3. Are your employees bonded? For how much?
4. Are we covered if one of your employees steals or damages something?
5. Can you add us as an additional insured on your policy?

If you get hesitation, vague answers, or outdated paperwork - move on.

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What We Carry at RKA Cleaning

We’re fully insured, fully bonded, and we’ll prove it. No drama.

• General Liability: $1M per occurrence / $2M total
• Workers’ Comp: Oregon compliant, low claim history
• Bonding: $50,000 per employee for theft or fraud
• Professional Liability: For performance-based issues
• Commercial Auto: Fleet + equipment transport covered
• Certificates on demand: Yours, updated annually
• Additional Insured: No problem - we include it when requested

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Going a Step Further

We also carry:

• Environmental Liability: If chemicals or waste are mishandled
• Employment Practices Liability: Protects against HR-related issues like discrimination or wage claims

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Bottom Line

Hiring a cleaning service without insurance is like leaving your front door open and hoping nothing goes wrong.

At RKA CLEANING, we don’t just carry coverage - we operate like it matters. Because it does.

Want proof? We’ll send it before you even ask.

Let’s protect your space - together. Contact us to get the documentation you need and see what fully covered service really looks like.

We’ve got your back - on-site and on paper.