Bonded, Licensed & Insured: Why It Matters for Medical Office Cleaners
These words show up in every provider's marketing. Here's what each one actually protects you against.
What "Licensed" Means
A business license means the company is legally registered to operate in the state. It's the baseline requirement for any legitimate provider — ask for their business registration if you want to verify it independently.
What "Insured" Means
General liability insurance covers property damage caused by the cleaning crew and third-party injuries connected to their work — a broken piece of equipment, chemical damage to a floor, or a slip-and-fall incident.
Workers' compensation insurance covers medical expenses and lost wages if a cleaning employee is injured in your facility. Without it, your practice could face liability for those costs. This is the coverage most often missing from underpriced providers.
What "Bonded" Means
A surety bond (janitorial bond) is financial protection against employee theft. If a cleaning employee steals from your premises and the provider is bonded, you can file a claim to recover the loss.
How to Verify
Always ask for a certificate of insurance (COI) before signing. It lists the insurer, policy numbers, coverage types, and expiration dates. Request to be named as an additional insured so you're notified if coverage lapses.
See our insured and bonded page for our own coverage, and request a quote when you're ready to compare.