Do you need insurance before your first job as a house cleaner?
You might need insurance before you start your first job as a house cleaner. Some people or companies will ask to see proof you have insurance before they let you work. This is called a certificate of insurance.
The insurance UNO sells is workers' compensation. Regular workers' comp pays medical bills when a covered person gets hurt on the job. A ghost policy covers no one, not even you, the owner. We'll explain more about that below.
Who might ask you for insurance?
When you start cleaning for someone, they might ask for insurance. This can happen if you:
- Work for a company and get a 1099 form at the end of the year.
- Work for a private person who wants proof you are covered.
- Use a platform that connects you with cleaning jobs.
They want proof that your business has coverage. It is not about you being a bad cleaner—it is about being safe and following rules.
What is workers' compensation?
Workers' compensation is insurance that pays for medical bills if a covered person gets hurt on the job. It also helps if they can't work because of the injury. A ghost policy is different: it does not cover you, the owner of the business. You reject coverage for yourself when you buy it, so it pays no medical bills or lost wages to you.
If you only clean for yourself and have no employees, you can still get workers' comp. This is called a ghost policy. It shows the policy exists, but it does not pay for your own injuries. A ghost policy is for the owner only. That means no employees and no subcontractors of any kind, even subs who carry their own insurance or hand you a certificate. If anyone else works for you — an employee, a subcontractor, a 1099 worker, day labor, or a family member who helps — you need regular workers' comp, not a ghost policy.
Some states use their own class codes. For example, California uses its own codes. The class code for house cleaning work can vary by state, but your quote will show the right one for you.
How to get a certificate of insurance
If someone asks for a certificate of insurance, you need to show them a certificate of insurance. This is called a COI. It shows:
- The name of the insurance company.
- The type of coverage (like workers' comp).
- The dates it is active.
To get a COI, you need to buy a policy. Ghost policies are made for this. You can get one online. Get your quote in minutes. It shows if coverage is available in your state.
What if you do not have insurance?
If you do not have insurance, some people or companies might not let you work. It is safer to get a certificate before you start your first job. Keep in mind that a ghost policy pays no medical bills to you, the owner. If you get hurt, you pay your own bills.
Also, if you are asked to show insurance and you don’t have it, they may not let you work for them. This means you could miss out on a job. It is better to be ready before you start.
What to do if you get a request for insurance
If you are asked to show insurance before you work, here is what to do:
- Check if you need workers' compensation. Ask the person or company why they need it.
- Get a quote. You can start your quote to see if you can get coverage in your state.
- Buy a policy. If you get a real price, you can buy it online by card. Cimarron issues your policy within 24 business hours of your payment and signed documents. Then you get a certificate. The premium is fully earned, so once the policy is issued there is no refund.
- Send the certificate. You can email it or mail it to the person who asked for it.
This shows you are serious about the job and ready to work. It also shows the person who asked that your business has coverage.
Why get coverage even if you are the only one working?
You might be the only one working, but a client may still ask for proof of insurance. Some people or companies will not let you work without it. A ghost policy does not cover you, the owner, if you get hurt. If you want a policy that pays you when you get hurt, you need regular workers' comp, not a ghost policy.
Even though it does not cover you, the policy still shows that your business has insurance. This is useful when you need to prove it to someone. It is a good idea to have a policy before you start working for others.
More help if you are unsure
If you are not sure what to do, start with your quote. It shows the real price for your state and the kind of work you do. It also tells you if you can get a policy and a certificate. You can start your quote right now to see what is possible for you.
Remember: A ghost policy proves coverage exists but does not cover you, the owner. A 👻Ghost Policy never covers the owner; if you want coverage for yourself, you need regular workers' comp. Always check with the person asking for insurance to make sure you understand what they need.
