Cleaning Company Insurance in Ontario — What You Need to Know
Hiring a cleaning service in Ontario comes with legal and financial considerations that many homeowners don't think about until something goes wrong. Here's what WSIB coverage and liability insurance mean, why they matter, and what to ask before you book.
WSIB Coverage
WSIB (Workplace Safety and Insurance Board) is Ontario's mandatory workplace injury insurance system. Any Ontario business with employees must be registered with WSIB and current on premiums.
Why it matters for you: If an unregistered cleaning worker is injured in your home, you — as the "employer" under certain WSIB interpretations — can be held liable for their medical costs and income replacement. A company with current WSIB coverage protects you from this exposure.
How to verify: Ask for the company's WSIB clearance certificate, or have them look up their WSIB account status at wsib.ca/en/businesses/check-a-business.
Commercial General Liability Insurance
Liability insurance covers property damage caused by the cleaning service in your home — a broken fixture, a scratched floor, a flooded bathroom from a left-running tap. A minimum of $2 million coverage is the standard for Ontario cleaning companies.
How to verify: Request a Certificate of Insurance (COI) naming your address as an additional insured. Legitimate companies can provide this on request.
The Risk of Uninsured Services
Uninsured cleaning services (individuals offering cash-only services, apps with independent contractors not covered as employees) expose homeowners to liability for workplace injuries and have no coverage for property damage. The cost difference is rarely worth the risk in a home with valuable finishes.