Supporting Window Cleaners When It Matters Most
For window cleaning businesses, a water-fed-pole system–fitted van is more than just a vehicle — it is an essential working asset. Without it, work stops, income is lost and customers are left waiting.
Back in 2005, Alexander Swan was already known as a specialist insurance broker for water fed pole and window cleaning businesses. However, a significant issue quickly became clear: no insurers or vehicle repair garages were providing replacement water fed pole–fitted vans in the event of an accident, fire or theft. Even worse, there was no hire option available for businesses needing a like-for-like replacement to keep trading.
By 2008, little had changed. It was Sarah Richards, Managing Director of Alexander Swan, who recognised the serious impact this was having on window cleaning businesses and pushed for a practical solution. Rather than accepting downtime as unavoidable, Alexander Swan invested in its own fully fitted Reach and Wash van, ensuring clients could continue operating while insurance claims were being resolved.
Sarah Richards, Managing Director of Alexander Swan Insurance Services said, “We could see that when a window cleaner lost their van, they weren’t just losing a vehicle — they were losing their ability to earn a living. At the time, there simply wasn’t a solution available, so we decided to create one. Our aim was, and still is, to help businesses keep working when they need it most.”
This industry-first initiative saw Alexander Swan become the first insurance broker, and still the only one to invest in its own fleet of Reach and Wash–fitted vans. Over the past 18 years, the service has helped hundreds of window cleaning businesses across the UK remain operational during critical periods, protecting both livelihoods and customer relationships.
While access to replacement vehicles has improved over time, it is still not guaranteed. Accident management solutions are not automatic, and delays can leave businesses unable to operate. Alexander Swan’s replacement van service continues to provide a reliable safety net for window cleaners who depend on specialist vehicles to run their businesses.
Due to growing demand including from businesses outside of Alexander Swan’s insurance client base the service expanded into a standalone operation. A S Vehicle Hire Limited has been operating independently since 2015, continuing to support the window cleaning industry nationwide.
See a Replacement Reach and Wash Van at Cleaning Expo UK 2026
We are proud to be bringing one of our Replacement Reach and Wash vans to Cleaning Expo UK 2026 on 27–28 March at NAEC Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire. Visitors will be able to see the vehicle up close and speak directly with our team about how the service works and how to protect their most important business asset.
If your business relies on a water fed pole system, come and talk to Alexander Swan — where specialist insurance expertise is backed by real-world solutions that keep you working.
You can register to attend the show here.