General Liability Insurance for Janitorial Services in Georgia: Coverage, Costs, and Requirements

General liability insurance is one of the most important coverages for Georgia janitorial and cleaning companies. Cleaning operations create direct exposure to two of the most common small business claims: slip and fall injuries from wet floors, and damage to client property. GL covers third-party bodily injury and property damage claims arising from your cleaning operations, plus defense costs for covered claims. Georgia's below-average litigation costs translate to GL premiums below the national average.

Quick Answer

Estimated general liability premiums for Georgia janitorial and cleaning companies:

Business Size	Estimated Annual GL Premium
Small cleaning company (1 to 5 employees)	$375 to $750 per year
Larger janitorial firm (multiple crews)	$700 to $1,400 per year

Georgia janitorial and cleaning service GL premiums are below the national average.

What GL Covers for Georgia Janitorial and Cleaning Companies

Slip and Fall Injuries

If a third party -- a client's employee, a visitor, or a building occupant -- slips on a wet floor during or after your cleaning operations and suffers a bodily injury, GL covers the resulting claim against your business.

Damage to Client Property

If your crew damages a client's property during cleaning -- a broken fixture, a scratched surface, damaged equipment -- GL covers the resulting property damage claim.

Defense Costs

GL covers attorney fees, court costs, and settlement amounts for covered claims, even when the claim is ultimately unfounded.

What GL Does Not Cover for Georgia Janitorial and Cleaning Companies

Employee Injuries

Georgia requires workers compensation for employers with three or more employees. GL does not cover employee injuries regardless.

Theft by Employees

GL does not cover theft of client property by your employees. A janitorial service bond covers dishonesty claims including theft. Most Georgia commercial cleaning contracts require both GL and a bond.

Auto Liability

GL does not cover auto liability from vehicles your crews use. Commercial auto insurance covers those vehicles.

Your Own Equipment

GL does not cover damage to or loss of your own cleaning equipment.

Georgia-Specific Considerations

Georgia Cleaning Market

Atlanta's commercial real estate market, healthcare systems, corporate campuses, and hospitality industry support a significant janitorial services industry in Georgia. Georgia cleaning companies serving Atlanta's business corridor are routinely required to show GL certificates before being awarded commercial cleaning contracts.

Georgia Workers Compensation Threshold

Georgia requires workers compensation for employers with three or more employees. Small cleaning companies with fewer than three workers may not be required to carry workers comp, but GL does not cover employee injuries regardless. Cleaning companies should evaluate workers comp as they add staff.

Below-Average Premiums

Georgia's below-average litigation costs and favorable insurance market make GL very cost-effective for cleaning companies of all sizes. Georgia cleaning businesses can obtain solid coverage at lower premiums than firms operating in higher-litigation states.

Janitorial Bond

Most Georgia commercial cleaning contracts require both GL and a janitorial service bond. The bond covers client losses from employee dishonesty and theft. Both are separate requirements that address different exposures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does GL cover a slip and fall from a wet floor during cleaning in Georgia?

Yes. GL covers bodily injury claims from third parties injured during your cleaning operations, including slip and fall injuries from wet floors.

What does GL cover for a Georgia janitorial company?

GL covers third-party bodily injury, property damage to clients during cleaning, and defense costs.

Does GL cover employee theft of client property?

No. GL does not cover theft by your employees. A janitorial service bond covers dishonesty and theft.

How much does GL cost for a Georgia janitorial company?

Georgia small cleaning companies typically pay $375 to $750 per year for GL coverage, below the national average.

Does Georgia require GL insurance for janitorial companies?

Georgia has no statewide GL mandate for janitorial companies, but most commercial cleaning contracts require GL as a condition of engagement.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute insurance or legal advice. Coverage details and costs vary by carrier and individual circumstances. Consult a licensed insurance agent and attorney for guidance specific to your situation.

Sources

• Georgia Department of Insurance
• Insurance Information Institute
• Building Service Contractors Association International
• National Association of Small Business Insurance