One of the first questions every hood cleaner, kitchen exhaust cleaner, and pressure washing contractor asks is simple: "What is this going to cost me?" The honest answer is that insurance is priced individually — but that doesn't mean you're flying blind. Below are the typical ranges contractors in this trade tend to see, what drives those numbers, and how to keep your premium reasonable without leaving dangerous gaps in coverage.
Typical cost ranges at a glance
For a small owner-operator or a crew of a few employees, here is a rough picture of what each common coverage tends to run on an annual basis. Treat these as ballpark figures, not a price tag.
| Coverage | Typical annual range* | Who needs it |
|---|---|---|
| General Liability | $500 – $1,800 | Nearly every contractor; often required by clients |
| Commercial Auto | $1,500 – $3,000 per vehicle | Anyone driving a van or truck for work |
| Inland Marine (tools & equipment) | $250 – $750 | Owners of pressure rigs, machines & gear |
| Surety Bond | 1% – 3% of bond amount | Contractors where a license bond is required |
| Pollution / Environmental Liability | $500 – $2,000+ | Work involving runoff, chemicals, or grease |
*General industry ranges for illustration only. Your premium may fall outside these figures.
How much does hood cleaning & kitchen exhaust insurance cost?
Hood and duct cleaning carries real fire and property risk — you're working with grease, heat, and sometimes ladders or rooftops. Because of that, carriers look closely at the services you perform. A typical small hood and kitchen exhaust cleaning business often sees general liability in the $500 to $1,500 per year range, with the figure rising if you also install or repair fire-suppression systems, do hot work, or carry higher limits to satisfy commercial restaurant contracts.
Learn more in our guide on why hood & duct cleaners need general liability insurance.
How much does pressure washing insurance cost?
Pressure and power washing contractors often land in a similar $500 to $1,800 per year range for general liability. What pushes a pressure washing premium higher? Working well above ground level, using very high-PSI equipment, larger crews and payroll, and commercial or industrial accounts. If you transport expensive rigs and machines between jobs, expect to add inland marine coverage on top. Our pressure washer insurance guide breaks down what coverage you actually need.
What affects your premium the most
- Revenue and payroll — bigger operations represent more exposure, so they generally pay more.
- Services performed — fire-suppression work, hot work, work at height, and chemical use all raise risk (and price).
- Claims history — prior claims typically increase your rate.
- Coverage limits & deductibles — higher limits cost more; higher deductibles lower your premium but raise your out-of-pocket at claim time.
- Subcontractors — using uninsured subs can increase your exposure and cost.
- Location — rates vary by state and even by the requirements of the jobs you take.
How to lower your insurance cost
- Bundle coverages — packaging general liability with auto or equipment can be more efficient than buying each separately.
- Require certificates from subcontractors — making subs carry their own coverage reduces your exposure.
- Keep a clean claims record and document your safety practices.
- Choose limits that match your contracts — don't over-buy, but don't under-insure below what clients require.
- Compare what's actually included — the cheapest quote isn't a bargain if it excludes the work you do.
Want your real number?
The ranges above are estimates. Get a free, no-obligation quote built around your actual business and services.
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