Insurance Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Cleaner in Ontario
Most Ontario homeowners don't ask about insurance when hiring a cleaning service — but they should. If a cleaner is injured in your home, or if something is broken or stolen, the coverage situation matters a great deal. Here's what to ask.
The Three Key Coverages
- General Liability Insurance: Covers damage to your property caused by the cleaner — a broken item, a damaged floor, a water leak. Ask: "Are you covered by general liability insurance? What's the limit?" A minimum of $1–2 million is standard for professional cleaning companies.
- WSIB (Workplace Safety and Insurance Board): Ontario's WSIB covers workplace injuries for employees. If a cleaner is injured in your home and not covered by WSIB, you could be liable. Ask: "Are your cleaners covered by WSIB?"
- Bonding: A surety bond provides financial protection if an employee is caught stealing from a client's home. Ask: "Are your employees bonded?"
Red Flags
- No liability insurance — walk away
- "Cash only" with no receipt — signals no insurance and no accountability
- Can't provide proof of WSIB account — ask for their WSIB clearance certificate
- Individual (not a registered company) — usually means no coverage at all
Maidless Coverage
Maidless carries full general liability insurance and all cleaners are WSIB-covered and background-checked. You can request documentation before booking.