I have a small office cleaning business, will my customers ask for proof of my auto insurance?

Question

Will they need proof of auto insurance or just a certificate of insurance of general liability insurance to cover slip and fall cases etc.?

Answer 1

I can't think of a reason they would need your auto insurance. You're not using your car to clean their offices.

However, if you don't have auto insurance, you need to get it for your own protection. You don't want to risk losing everything you've worked for in a lawsuit should you have an accident.

The liability is to protect them from any damage you might do or cause in the course of your work. Obviously, you need to do everything in your power not to cause any damage or leave a floor covered with soapy water and cause someone to fall but they need to be protected in case something does happen.

Answer 2

It's possible.

I have a client who does maintenance for UPS. They required that he raise his auto liability limits to $1million and that they be listed on his policy. (They also required that he purchase a $2million personal umbrella policy.)

According to the rep. I spoke to at UPS, it's because he would be parking his car in their lot while performing duties as an "agent" of their company.

And yes, they will also most likely require general liability coverage.

Answer 3

Unless you are driving your customers to the donut shop while you are doing your cleaning, they do not need to be named on your auto insurance.

Answer 4

It's highly unlikely they'll ask for the auto coverage. The Cert of Ins on the GL should make them happy.

If they give you a standard form that lists it, just call their risk manage, and ask for an exception. Or have your agent make that call.

Answer 5

No, but you should get bonded.