Schools and daycare centers face unique liability risks—from slip-and-fall incidents on freshly waxed floors to chemical exposure in occupied classrooms. Getting the right insurance and understanding what's legally required protects both the facility and the cleaning company hired to maintain it. Here's what you need to know before signing a contract.
Why Cleaning Insurance Matters in Schools
Schools and daycare facilities operate under heightened scrutiny. Parents, regulatory agencies, and facility managers all expect documented safety standards. A cleaning contractor without proper liability coverage creates exposure: if a child gets hurt because of a wet floor or chemical residue, the school could be held responsible alongside the cleaner.
Liability claims in educational settings tend to be more expensive than typical commercial cleaning incidents. Medical costs for children, potential legal action from families, and regulatory fines add up quickly. Insurance ensures someone can actually pay those claims.
General Liability Insurance (What You Should Require)
General liability is the bare minimum. It covers bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury claims resulting from the cleaning operation. Most schools and daycares require this before hiring any cleaning service.
Typical coverage amounts:
- $1 million per occurrence
- $2 million aggregate (total annual)
Expect cleaners to have these minimums listed on a Certificate of Insurance, which you should request and verify before work starts. Policies range from $400–$1,200 annually for small cleaning crews, depending on location and claims history.
Workers' Compensation: Non-Negotiable
If the cleaning contractor has employees, they must carry workers' compensation insurance in every state except Texas, South Carolina, and New Jersey (where it's optional). This covers staff injuries that happen on the job.
For schools and daycares, verify this exists because the facility can be held liable if an uninsured worker is injured on premises. Ask for proof of coverage and confirm the policy is active—not just something from three years ago.
Sexual Abuse and Molestation (SAMIS) Coverage
Many cleaning contracts now include Abuse and Molestation (A&M) coverage, sometimes called SAMIS coverage. This protects against liability claims if a contractor or their employee causes harm to a child.
Schools increasingly require this add-on, especially after high-profile incidents in educational settings. It's often $500–$1,500 annually for a small cleaning operation. Check your facility's insurance policy—some school districts mandate it as a condition of hire.
Pollution Liability for Chemical Storage
Schools use cleaning chemicals daily. Pollution liability covers environmental damage, groundwater contamination, or chemical spills that damage property. While many general liability policies exclude pollution, schools with on-site chemical storage should request a rider or separate policy.
This is especially relevant if the cleaning company mixes and stores chemicals in a storage closet or maintenance area near classrooms. Cost: typically $300–$800 annually for education-focused policies.
What to Check Before Hiring
Ask cleaners for:
- A current Certificate of Insurance (dated within 60 days)
- Your school or daycare listed as an "additional insured"
- A copy of the actual policy or declaration page (not just a certificate)
- Proof of background checks (required in many states for anyone accessing school buildings)
Contact the insurance carrier directly if something seems off. Verify that coverage is active and that limits match your requirements. Many cleaning companies will add your school as an additional insured at no cost if you ask.
State and Local Requirements
Requirements vary. Some states mandate specific coverage levels for contractors in schools. Others require background checks, fingerprinting, or specific training certifications (like bloodborne pathogen training in states that handle student injuries).
Check your state's Department of Education website and your local school district's procurement guidelines. Daycares typically follow state licensing rules, which often specify insurance minimums.
Putting It Together
When comparing cleaning providers, request insurance documentation upfront. Use Mercoly to compare trusted school and daycare cleaning providers in one place—it's easier to evaluate insurance requirements and service offerings side by side.
Don't hire based on price alone. A cheaper cleaner without proper coverage could cost your facility far more in liability claims down the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can a school be sued if an uninsured cleaning contractor gets hurt on campus? Yes. Schools can be held liable for contractor injuries even if the contractor lacks workers' compensation, which is why verification is critical.
Q: How often should I request updated insurance certificates? Annually, or before renewal of your cleaning contract. Insurance lapses happen; monthly verification during the contract term is safer.
Q: Do I need to name the cleaning company on my school's insurance policy? No, but asking them to name your school as an additional insured on their policy provides direct coverage under their plan.
Start your search for properly insured cleaners today—contact vendors on Mercoly who can provide full documentation.