Advertisements for home cleaning services often state that the cleaning company is "bonded and insured.""Bonding" in this context usually means that the cleaning company has completed a background check on each employee and has determined that the person has no criminal charges pending or in the past. While a background check does not guarantee an employee's honesty, it does provide the assurance that each person has been screened more thoroughly than is typically done by an employer."Insured" means that the cleaner carries liability coverage for personal injuries and property damage, as well as worker's compensation insurance. If a cleaner damages your carpet or breaks a vase, for example, the company's insurance would pay for repair or replacement. Insurance may also pay for theft of an item if you are able to prove that it was taken by an employee. Lastly, if your cleaner slips and falls in your home, their injury would be covered by worker's compensation.While "bonded and insured" is a desirable distinction for a cleaning service, the amount of insurance coverage carried by an individual cleaner or company will vary. And insurance is no substitute for checking references of current customers to determine whether the firm is reliable and its employees are careful and trustworthy. It might be helpful to ask to speak to a current customer who has actually filed a damage claim, because that will help you understand how a future loss might be handled.Lastly, online references can be helpful, too. The local Better Business Bureau will provide information about complaints, while Angie's List or even local blogs might help you find a cleaning service that gets high marks.