What "licensed" means
A business license means the company is legally registered to operate. It's the baseline requirement for any legitimate business — ask for a registration number if you want to verify it.
What "insured" means — and why it's critical
General liability insurance covers property damage caused by the cleaning crew and third-party injuries resulting from their work. Ask what coverage limits apply, and whether your practice can be named as an additional insured.
Workers' compensation insurance covers a cleaning employee's medical expenses and lost wages if they're injured in your facility. Without it, your practice could face liability exposure even though they aren't your employee — this is the coverage most often missing from underpriced cleaning companies.
What "bonded" means
A surety bond (janitorial bond) protects against employee theft. If a cleaning employee steals from your premises and the company is bonded, you can file a claim to recover the loss.
How to verify
Always ask for a certificate of insurance (COI) before signing. It lists the insurer, policy numbers, coverage types, and expiration dates. Request to be named as an additional insured so you're notified if coverage lapses.