Water Fed Pole System Insurance Questions Answered
As a window cleaner, your van is more than just a vehicle – it’s your livelihood. As well as being essential for the van to be equipped with the right tools for the job, it is equally important for it to be insured correctly – especially if you have made modifications to the vehicle, such as installing a water fed pole system.
Here we answer commonly asked questions we receive every day from window cleaners who are looking to insure their vehicle and how we ensure they are correctly covered.
Why do I need specialist insurance if my van is modified to include a water fed pole system?
When you fit your van with a water fed pole system, you’re not just enhancing your cleaning capabilities, you’re also altering your vehicle’s structure and usage. This modification requires specialist insurance known as ‘modified vehicle insurance’ to ensure that you’re fully covered in case of an accident, theft or fire. We offer this as part of our window cleaners insurance that we package up with other covers.
If your water fed pole system is written off, a standard van policy may not offer sufficient funds to replace it with a new model, leaving you at a disadvantage. Even if your equipment appears to be intact following an accident, it is likely to be written off for safety reasons.
Alexander Swan offer tailored insurance solutions through specialist insurers for your water fed pole system and poles, covering accidental damage, malicious damage, fire, and theft. This ensures you have peace of mind knowing your equipment is fully protected.
Why is it important to opt for a crash-tested system?
Opting for a crash-tested water fed pole system is vital. These systems are designed to minimise risks and protect the driver and any passengers during transit. For optimum safety, water fed pole systems should be bolted securely to the chassis of your vehicle. This not only ensures safety but can also reduce insurance costs as insurers view the systems that are correctly installed as a lower risk.
If my water fed pole system is strapped in it’s not a modification, so do I need to disclose this?
If you are carrying a large tank of water in your vehicle which is not securely bolted, this is a huge safety risk, putting the driver and any passengers in great danger. Alexander Swan are passionate about the safety of our clients so will only provide cover for vehicles with crash tested, bolted in water fed pole systems.
Why should I talk to a specialist insurance broker about water fed pole insurance designed specifically for the window cleaning trade?
Your van and its contents are essential to your business. Should anything happen to your vehicle, you want to be sure that you can continue working without significant financial setbacks. It’s a common misconception that your van insurance automatically covers your water fed pole system. Insurance brokers that specialise in insurance for window cleaners, such as Alexander Swan can arrange cover for not only your van but also the water fed pole system and other tools that you use on a daily basis.
Can I get cover for my other equipment in addition to the water fed pole system?
By accessing specialist insurance markets Alexander Swan can also include portable business equipment like pressure washers and gutter vacs within your insurance policy. We recommend insuring these items for the cost of replacement as new to avoid any unexpected expenses. Please note that breakdown cover is not included as standard but can be offered at a reduced rate, subject to availability.
What if my van is taken off the road? How can I continue to trade?
Should the need arise, our sister company, A S Vehicle Hire, provides a fleet of Reach and Wash fitted vehicles for hire.
Our replacement reach and wash van facility is not an insurance policy, it is a discretionary service with priority given to our clients that subscribe to the facility. The service is intended to help our customers minimise the financial impact of an insurance claim.
In our opinion, this service is invaluable in the unfortunate event of a claim, designed to help you to continue operating your business while your own vehicle is off the road (if written off) or whilst being repaired.
Claim circumstances vary and we will always do what we can to accommodate your individual requirements. We should point out that if a claim is classed as “fault”, then hire is restricted to 14 days, and delivery charges may apply. However, (subject to availability) we can extend hire at a reduced weekly rate.
Get a Specialist Window Cleaners Insurance Quote Today
The right cover not only protects the investment you’ve made in equipment but also provides you peace of mind, allowing you to focus on running your business.
Alexander Swan have been working with window cleaners for over 20 years to protect not only their water fed poles, but also to provide cover for vans, personal injury and liability. No matter whether you’re a sole trader or a large window cleaning company, talk to one of our experienced advisors to find out more about the specialist insurance covers available designed specifically for your business.
Contact us today on 0800 4580082.
