Working as a window cleaner comes with its own set of risks, whether it’s accidentally cracking a customer’s window, dealing with a fall from height, or having your tools stolen. That’s why the right window cleaning insurance is so important. Window cleaners’ insurance is a specialised solution designed to protect your business from these unique challenges.
But simply having a policy isn’t the same as knowing exactly what it covers, what it excludes, and when you can make a claim. Insurance for window cleaners includes a range of insurance products tailored to the unique risks of the trade, such as public liability and employers’ liability. Understanding the details means you can get on with your work knowing you’re fully protected.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what’s typically included in our Alexander Swan window cleaning insurance policies, what’s not covered, and how to make sure your policy is a perfect fit for your business. Thousands of satisfied customers rely on Alexander Swan for their window cleaning insurance needs. We offer a variety of insurance products to ensure comprehensive protection for window cleaners.
Why Specialist Window Cleaning Insurance Matters
Window cleaning is no ordinary trade; it has unique risks that generic business insurance often overlooks. The risk of working at height, potential injury to employees or the public, and accidental damage during specialised tasks mean you need comprehensive coverage to protect your business from costly claims. From handling fragile glass to using water-fed pole systems in busy public spaces, your work demands protection that’s built for you.
That’s where specialist window cleaning insurance comes in. Unlike off-the-shelf cover, it’s designed around the challenges you face every day and provides comprehensive cover for a wide range of risks. Specialist insurance is specifically created to address the unique challenges and risks of window cleaning, ensuring you have the right protection in place. It can help you meet legal requirements, such as Employers’ Liability if you have staff, and reassure clients that they’re dealing with a professional who’s fully insured.
At Alexander Swan, we’ve been helping window cleaners protect their livelihoods for over 20 years. We know the industry, we understand the risks, and we tailor every policy to your exact needs. Comprehensive coverage ensures peace of mind for window cleaners, no matter the job.
What’s Typically Covered in Window Cleaning Insurance?
While every window cleaning business is different, most specialist policies include several core types of cover to protect you, your equipment, your clients, and the public. These policies offer coverage for a wide range of risks and work activities, such as operating at heights, using specialist tools, or working on high-rise buildings. Window cleaning insurance cover typically includes public liability, employers’ liability, and protection for property damage or injury caused during window cleaning operations.
These policies provide coverage for a variety of potential claims, including injuries to third parties, accidental property damage, and incidents involving window cleaning equipment. Potential claims that window cleaners may face, such as damage to client property, injury to bystanders, or loss of equipment, are addressed through comprehensive insurance. Liability insurance for window cleaning is a key component, ensuring you are protected against legal and financial risks.
It is also important to ensure your window cleaning equipment is protected against damage or loss, as this can help mitigate unexpected costs and keep your business running smoothly.
Public Liability Insurance
Protects you if you cause injury or property damage to a third party while working (this is known as public liability cover), for example, cracking a customer’s window or someone tripping over your hose. This cover can help with both compensation and legal costs.
Employers’ Liability Insurance
A legal requirement if you have employees, as it is a legal obligation for employers. Employers’ liability insurance is legally required for window cleaning businesses with staff. It protects you if a staff member is injured or becomes ill as a result of their work, such as slipping from a ladder or sustaining equipment-related injuries.
Tools and Equipment Cover
Pays for repair or replacement if your tools are stolen, lost, or damaged, covering essentials like ladders, harnesses, water-fed poles, and pressure washers. The value of your equipment and the level of cover you select can directly affect your policy premium.
Personal Accident Cover
Provides financial support (known as personal accident insurance) if you’re injured and unable to work, helping to cover bills or replace lost income. This is especially important for self-employed window cleaners who can’t afford extended downtime.
Accidental Damage Cover
Accidents can happen in any window cleaning business, no matter how careful you are. That’s why accidental damage cover is such an essential part of a comprehensive window cleaning insurance policy. These protection steps are in place if you or your team accidentally damage a client’s property while cleaning, whether it’s a cracked window, a scratched door, or a mishap with specialist equipment like water-fed pole systems.
For window cleaners, accidental damage cover means you won’t be left paying out of pocket for costly repairs or replacements if something goes wrong on the job. It’s especially important when working with expensive or delicate glass, or when using advanced cleaning equipment that can sometimes cause unintentional harm. By including accidental damage in your cleaning insurance, you’re not just protecting your business from significant financial losses; you’re also showing your clients that you take their property and your professional reputation seriously.
With the right insurance policy, you can focus on cleaning windows and growing your business, knowing you’re protected against the unexpected risks that come with the job.
What’s Not Usually Covered?
Even the best policies have limits. Knowing the exclusions helps you avoid nasty surprises if you need to make a claim.
- General Wear and Tear: Insurance won’t cover normal ageing or deterioration of tools and equipment.
- Negligence or Unsafe Practices: Claims may be refused if safety measures weren’t followed, such as failing to secure ladders or using no PPE.
- Working at Height Without Proper Safety Measures: Incidents at height may be excluded if correct training or equipment wasn’t in place.
- Theft from Unattended Vehicles Without Add-On Cover: Tools stolen from an unlocked or unattended van overnight are often excluded unless you have specific overnight theft protection.
Insurance Costs for Window Cleaners
Understanding the cost of window cleaning insurance is crucial for every business, whether you’re a sole trader or running a team of employees. The price you pay for cleaning insurance depends on several factors, including the size of your business, the type of work you do, and the level of cover you need. For example, a window cleaner working solo on domestic properties will usually pay less than a business handling high-rise commercial jobs with specialist equipment.
It’s essential to assess your specific needs and compare quotes from different insurers to find the best value for your business. By shopping around, you can make sure you’re not overpaying while still getting the comprehensive protection your window cleaning business requires.
Remember, the right cover is an investment in your business’s future, helping you avoid unexpected costs and keep your operations running smoothly.
Getting Insurance Quotes
Getting a quote for window cleaning insurance is easier than ever, and it’s the first step to making sure your business is properly protected. Most window cleaning businesses can get tailored quotes online or over the phone in just a few minutes. You’ll need to provide some basic details about your business, such as the types of window cleaning services you offer, the number of employees you have, and the equipment you use.
Insurers may also ask about the locations you work in and the level of cover you’re looking for. By sharing this information, you’ll receive quotes that reflect your specific needs and the unique risks your business faces. It’s essential to compare offers from different insurers, looking not just at the price but also at what’s included, such as the claims process, policy excess, and any additional benefits.
Taking the time to get the right insurance quote ensures your window cleaning business is covered for every eventuality, so you can focus on what you do best
Choosing the Right Policy for Your Business
Getting the right insurance isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about matching cover to your exact working style. Window cleaner insurance offers a tailored solution designed specifically for the unique risks faced by window cleaning businesses.
When selecting your policy, think about:
- The type of work you do: Domestic, commercial, or high-rise cleaning all require different cover levels.
- Whether you have employees or subcontractors, Employers’ Liability is mandatory if you have staff; subcontractors may need their cover.
- Your equipment and vehicle: If you rely on specialist tools or a window cleaning van, make sure your policy covers theft, damage, and loss.
- Your financial safety net: If you’d struggle financially after an accident, Personal Accident Cover can be a lifeline.
At Alexander Swan, we take the time to understand your business so we can recommend the most cost-effective protection without cutting corners. Choosing the right window cleaners insurance is essential to ensure your business is fully protected against accidents and liabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is public liability insurance, and do I need it?
Public liability insurance is essential for window cleaners. It covers you if a client or member of the public is injured, or if their property is damaged as a result of your work. Most clients expect you to have this cover before you start cleaning their windows.
How much does window cleaning insurance cost?
The cost of window cleaning insurance varies depending on your business size, the type of work you do, and the level of cover you choose. Policies start from as little as a few pounds a month, but it’s important to get a quote tailored to your needs.
What is covered under a window cleaning insurance policy?
A typical window cleaning insurance policy can include public liability insurance, employers’ liability insurance (if you employ staff), personal accident cover, and equipment insurance. This means you’re protected against a range of risks, from accidents and injuries to theft or damage to your cleaning equipment.
Do I need employers’ liability insurance if I employ staff?
Yes, if you employ staff, employers’ liability insurance is a legal requirement. It protects your business if an employee is injured or becomes ill as a result of their work.
How do I claim if something goes wrong?
If you need to make a claim, contact your insurer as soon as possible and provide all the necessary details. Having your policy documentation and evidence of the incident will help speed up the claims process.
Protect Your Business with Alexander Swan
Your work keeps you moving, often at height and always with valuable tools in tow. Don’t leave it to chance; make sure you have specialist cover that truly protects your livelihood. It’s essential to have insurance that covers potential damage caused while windows are being cleaned.
At Alexander Swan, we’ll make sure every detail, from tools and vehicles to liability and business interruption, is taken care of.
Get in touch today for a tailored window cleaning insurance quote and work with the confidence that you’re fully protected.