How does a company become bonded?
Michael Gray
Updated on March 05, 2026
In order to become bonded, you must first determine whether you need a surety or fidelity bond. The important difference between the two is that surety bonds are required by a third party (usually the government) to protect itself or the public. Fidelity bonds are insurance for you or your business.
What does it mean for a cleaning company to be bonded?
A janitorial bond is a business service bond that protects customers from property theft by one of your employees. It covers losses if an employee steals items or money from a client while cleaning a home or business. This policy doesn’t cover damage to a client’s property, only theft.
What type of bond does a cleaning company need?
Janitorial service surety bonds
Janitorial service surety bonds are a type of business service bond intended for a residential or commercial cleaning company. With this bond in place, you protect customers from losses incurred as a result of employee theft committed by employees while engaged in cleaning services.
What does it mean when a company is licensed and bonded?
When you say that you are licensed, bonded and insured, you have the required licensing for your business, proper insurance and you have made payments for additional coverage with a bond. A bond is like an added level of insurance on your coverage plan.
What is the difference between insured and bonded?
The main difference between liability insurance and surety bonds is which party gets financially restored, according to Alliance Marketing & Insurance Services, or AMIS. Insurance protects the business itself from losses, whereas bonds protect the person the company is working for.
Do I need to be bonded?
You will need to be bonded if your state or municipality requires it. In addition, if your business frequently performs services in customer’s homes or on the premises of other businesses, you should strongly consider getting bonded to protect your customers and your business’s financial health.
How much does it cost to get bonded and insured for house cleaning?
Residential or house cleaning companies are often asked to secure this bond by clients. Janitorial bonds are usually inexpensive. The median cost is about $8 per month, and 78% of cleaning businesses pay between $100-$150 annually.
Who is required to have a janitorial bond in Canada?
Janitorial Bonds for Cleaning Companies in Canada. Definition Of A Janitorial Bond And Who Is Required To Have It. For private or commercial business owners within the cleaning or janitorial industry are often required to get bonded.
How to become bonded and insured for cleaning services?
Becoming bonded and insured for cleaning services is a multi-step process. First, you’ll need to know what insurance coverage or bonds may be required by your city, county, or state. Start by contacting your local chamber of commerce to learn about the legal requirements in your area.
What kind of bonds do I need for my cleaning business?
There are two types of bonds that your cleaning business may be required to purchase. Even if your state doesn’t mandate cleaning bonds, some clients will only hire bonded businesses. License and permit bonds: Your business needs these bonds only if they are required by your local government.
What is the interest rate on a janitorial bond?
The bond premium rate will be based on personal credit scores, business tenure, and reputation. The average rate for applicants with a high credit score will be between 0.5-3% and 5-15% for individuals with a low credit rating. This premium must be paid upon approval and every year thereafter.