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Whether you’re two storeys up a ladder or abseiling down the side of a high-rise armed with only a squeegee, the working life of a window cleaner can be a risky one.
But high risk doesn’t have to come at a high cost. While you can’t guarantee you won’t scratch a window or fall off a ladder, insurance can help make sure you’ll be financially covered in the face of any accidents that come your way.
A squeaky clean window cleaning insurance policy will likely include public and employers’ liability insurance, as well as specific cover for loss, damage, or theft of your tools and transport, and personal accident insurance to compensate you if an injury puts you out of action.
In this article we’ll explain what window cleaning insurance is and discuss the types of cover that may be included, the factors that affect your window cleaning insurance premium, and how to find your perfect policy.
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What is window cleaning insurance?
Window cleaning insurance is not one policy but rather an umbrella term for a range of insurance policies that could cover you for incidents that occur while you’re working as a window cleaner.
A good window cleaning insurance package will have your back regardless of whether the incidents in question involve you, a member of the public, or an employee. It can also compensate you if anything happens to your van or tools.
Two types of cover that may be included in your policy are public liability insurance and employers’ liability insurance.
Public liability insurance will cover your legal costs if a member of the public is injured or their property is damaged – by a falling ladder, for example.
Employers’ liability insurance, meanwhile, kicks in if an employee is injured – by falling off a ladder, for example. Legal expenses insurance can also be included to provide extra cover for ongoing legal costs.
Bear in mind that employer’s liability insurance is a legal requirement if you hire anyone outside of your family who does not work abroad.
You may also consider adding tools insurance to your window cleaning insurance policy, which could provide compensation if your window cleaning tools are lost, damaged or stolen.
Lastly, don’t forget to protect your most valuable asset: yourself. Personal accident insurance will cover your medical costs and protect you from loss of income if you’re unable to work due to an injury.
» MORE: Everything you need to know about business liability insurance?
Do I need window cleaning insurance?
If you work as a window cleaner and employ staff, the only type of business insurance you’re legally required to have is employers’ liability insurance.
It’s the law that all UK employers must have employers’ liability cover of £5m or more. The exception is if your staff are family members or based abroad.
However, it’s worth considering taking out a fully comprehensive window cleaning insurance policy to better protect your business. If you’re not adequately protected, the costs of a claim against your business could be ruinous if you don’t have the funds to pay the costs yourself.
If you are working for someone else you should check to see whether your employer offers any sort of protection before shopping around for additional cover.
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What does window cleaning insurance cover?
Window cleaning insurance can include public liability insurance, which can cover legal costs and compensation in the event that you’re sued by a member of the public for an injury caused to them, or damage caused to their property.
If you employ anyone outside of your family, you legally need employer’s liability insurance, which can provide compensation if a member of staff is injured or has their possessions damaged.
Finally, you might consider personal accident cover, which can compensate you if you are unable to work, or tools insurance in case tools or equipment is stolen or damaged.
Many insurance providers allow you to customise your window cleaning insurance policy to ensure you cover, or don’t cover, the things that make most sense to your business.
What is usually included in window cleaning insurance?
Window cleaning insurance usually includes:
- Public liability insurance
- Employers’ liability insurance
- Tools insurance
Of course, you may choose to include other policies. Personal accident cover and legal expense cover, for example, may also be important to you.
What isn’t usually included in window cleaning insurance?
The policies included in a window cleaning insurance package should protect you in the event of almost any window cleaning-related disaster. However, if you have other trades or jobs – even if it’s other external cleaning work like drains, swimming pools, or driveways – you’ll likely need separate, specialist insurance for those activities.
Additionally, van insurance will usually need to be taken out as a separate policy to ensure your vehicle is financially protected.
» MORE: What is business liability insurance?
How much does window cleaning insurance cost?
The cost of your window cleaning insurance policy will be decided by your unique circumstances, such as the level of risk you face, the equipment you use, how many employees you have, where you’re based, and your claims history.
Insurance for employers will generally be more expensive than for sole traders cleaning windows by themselves.
» MORE: The cost of business insurance
Window cleaning insurance FAQs
In order to protect themselves as much as possible from the cost of claims, a window cleaner should consider public liability, personal accident, tools and equipment, and van insurance.
If you have any employees, you are legally obliged to take out employers’ liability insurance, unless your staff are family members or based abroad.
Generally speaking, you will be best placed to say what sort of insurance you need. However, you may benefit from having cover where possible to avoid the effect of financial claims against you.
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We’d strongly encourage all window cleaners to look into the merits of an adequate insurance policy. Whether you’re up ladders everyday, or suspended from the side of a tall building, window cleaning is a risky business. Insurance can be a good way to protect yourself and provide some valuable peace of mind.
Window cleaning insurance is something that is worth strongly considering because the legal costs of defending a claim against your business, and of replacing lost, stolen or damaged equipment or transportation can be ruinous.
Likewise, it can make you more attractive to potential clients. Knowing that you have the correct level of cover can provide confidence that you are responsible and professional.
This depends where in the UK you work. If you work in Scotland, yes, you need a licence from your local council in order to operate as a window cleaner. But in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, you don’t need a licence.
As a window cleaner, you should consider taking out specialist cover for your window cleaning van.
This is unlikely to be covered by business insurance and will usually be provided as part of a car insurance policy.
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