I’m a window cleaner – do I need insurance?
When you’re running a window cleaning business, you need to consider insurance that will safeguard your customers and their premises – and protect the people you employ.
Public liability insurance can protect you if someone is injured while you’re working on their property. It also provides cover for any damage to the property you’re working on.
Employers’ liability insurance can cover you for any contractors or employees who suffer an injury as a result of their work.
Falling from a height poses a real risk for window cleaners. It’s important to consider the right level of insurance to protect you and your employees, should an accident happen.
Frequently asked questions
What is public liability insurance?
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.
How much insurance cover do I need?
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.
Is public liability insurance a legal requirement?
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.
What should I look for in public liability insurance?
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.
What is employers’ liability insurance?
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.
What other business insurance should I consider?
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.
How can I find the right insurance policy?
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.
How much does business insurance for window cleaners cost?
Your premiums are based on many factors, including:
- the size of your business
- how much cover you want
- your insurance claims history
It’s tempting to opt for the cheapest policy, but think about the cover you really need. After all, you might have to use it one day.
Start a quoteWhat do I need to get a quote?
It’s easy to compare business insurance quotes with Compare the Market. Just give us a few details about yourself and your business, including:
- your trade or profession
- the type of business you run (sole trader/partnership/limited company)
- your business postcode
- how long you’ve been trading
- your claims history.
We’ll ask you a few questions to make sure we have all the information we need, then we’ll provide you with a list of suitable quotes. Your quotes will be listed by price, giving you a simple comparison based on the amount of cover you need.
What our expert says...
“Say you left your ladder unattended and a passer-by was severely injured by it, you could end up having to pay them a lot of compensation. If you don’t have the right insurance in place, that money would have to come out of your own pocket, putting your business at risk. Window cleaner insurance gives you valuable peace of mind, should an accident happen.”
- Mubina Pirmohamed, Business and landlord insurance expert
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