You are cleaning a high-end bathroom. You grab a bottle labeled “Cleaner,” not realizing a trainee refilled it with toilet bowl cleaner (acid). You spray it on the customized Italian marble floor. Instantly, the finish etches white. The restoration expert quotes $12,000 to re-hone the stone. You file a claim, but the adjuster cites the “Damage to Property” exclusion.
Key Takeaways
- Workmanship Exclusion: General Liability covers accidents (knocking over a bucket). It often excludes damage caused by the work itself (using the wrong chemical). This is considered “Faulty Workmanship.”
- Professional Liability (E&O) is Key: To cover mistakes in judgment or process (like using the wrong cleaner), you need Errors & Omissions insurance.
- The Sub-limit Trap: Even if covered, “Damage to Property” riders often have low limits ($2,500). Marble restoration is expensive.
- Labeling Protocols: In 2026, not labeling a secondary container is an OSHA violation. This negligence can be used to deny the claim.
The “Why” (The Trap): Faulty Workmanship
I reviewed the standard exclusion 2(j)(5) and (6) in GL policies. It excludes damage to:
“That particular part of real property on which you or any contractors working on your behalf are performing operations, if the ‘property damage’ arises out of those operations.”
Translation: If you are scrubbing the floor and you ruin the floor, that is not an “accident”—that is you doing a bad job. General Liability does not warranty your work.
The Investigation: Covering the “Oops”
I tested coverage for chemical damage.
1. Hiscox (Professional Liability)
- My Analysis: They sell a specific “Professional Liability for Cleaners” policy.
- The Verdict: This fills the gap. It covers claims alleging you failed to render services correctly (i.e., you used the wrong chemical).
2. Next Insurance
- My Analysis: Their Pro package includes “Faulty Workmanship” coverage, but usually up to a limit (e.g., $10k).
- Pros: Good for small mishaps.
3. Training & Protocols
- My Analysis: Insurance is the backup. The primary defense is pH testing.
- 2026 Tech: I used a “Smart pH Pen” that logs the acidity of every bottle. If you don’t verify chemicals, you are rolling the dice.
Comparison Table: Chemical Damage
| Scenario | General Liability | Professional Liability (E&O) |
| Spill bleach on carpet (Accident) | Covered | Covered |
| Use acid on marble (Wrong process) | Denied (Workmanship) | Covered |
| Employee mixes ammonia & bleach (Gas) | Denied (Pollution) | Maybe (Safety breach) |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Stop Cleaning: Do not try to “fix” it with more chemicals. You will make it deeper.
- Neutralize: Apply water/baking soda if it’s an acid burn, but call a stone pro immediately.
- Check Your E&O: Do you have “Professional Liability”? If not, you are likely paying this $12k yourself.
- Labeling Audit: Throw away all unmarked bottles today. Use color-coded bottles (Red = Acid, Blue = Neutral).
FAQ Section
Can I deduct the $12,000 from the employee’s paycheck?
Federal law prohibits deducting breakage costs if it brings the employee below minimum wage. Usually, the answer is no.
Will the restoration company bill insurance directly?
No. You pay them; insurance reimburses you (if covered).
Is this covered under ‘Completed Operations’?
No. The damage happened while you were working, not after you left.