Business insurance for window cleaners

Public liability insurance can cover the cost of legal fees and compensation if a member of the public is injured as a result of your work (or the work of your employees). It also provides cover if a customer makes a claim against you for property damage.

Many public liability insurance policies start at £1 million worth of cover, but you can often increase the amount if you feel it’s necessary. Remember, though, the higher the cover level, the higher the premium.

Public liability insurance isn’t a legal requirement, but it will give you and your team peace of mind that you’ll be covered if an accident happens.

As a window cleaner, there are a few features you should look for when it comes to a public liability insurance policy. These include:

• cover for damage to windows or property during cleaning

• cover for medical treatment, if your cleaning chemicals cause an injury

• cover if a customer or member of the public is injured as a result of your work.

Employers’ liability insurance can provide protection if an employee of yours falls ill, or suffers an injury, as a result of their work.

If you employ anyone who isn’t a direct family member, you’re legally required to have employers’ liability insurance. If you don’t, you could be fined £2,500 for every day that you’re not insured. You could also be fined £1,000 if you don’t display your employers’ liability certificate or refuse to show it to inspectors when they ask.

According to statistics from the Health and Safety Executive, falling from a height is the single biggest cause of fatal workplace injuries in the UK, with 29 workers killed in 2019/20. Falls also account for 8% of all non-fatal workplace injuries. So, it’s easy to see why this type of cover is vital.

It’s worth thinking about all aspects of your window cleaning business – not just insurance cover for accidents.

If your trade takes you far and wide, and you’re travelling long distances, make sure you have appropriate van insurance.

Also, consider whether it’s worth protecting the tools of your trade against theft or damage, with tools and equipment cover. And if you store them on your business premises, make sure your contents and the building are adequately protected.

At Compare the Market, we’ve made it easy for you to search for public liability insurance – as well as the various other types of insurance you might consider for your window cleaning business.

Just tell us a bit about yourself and your window cleaning company, and we’ll do the legwork for you – giving you a list of suitable quotes to choose from.