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Why do window cleaners need insurance?
Window cleaning is one of the most risky professions. An employee could fall off a ladder, or a client could sue over accidental damage to their home. Window cleaning insurance policies can help pay for medical bills, lawsuits, and repairs. Some policies, like workers' comp, may be required by law.
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What types of business insurance do window cleaners need?
These insurance policies cover common risks of window and gutter cleaning.
General liability insurance
A general liability policy protects against basic third-party business risks, such as accidental damage to a window caused by a squeegee.
BEST FOR
- Damaged client property
- Slip-and-fall accidents
- Personal injury lawsuits
Workers’ compensation insurance
Most states require workers’ comp for window washing businesses that have employees. It also protects sole proprietors from work injury costs that health insurance might deny.
BEST FOR
- Employee medical costs
- Disability benefits
- Legal fees from work accidents
Janitorial bonds
Janitorial bonds are a type of surety bond. If an employee steals from a job site, a janitorial bond will reimburse the client.
BEST FOR
- Stolen money
- Property theft
- Other theft and fraud
Commercial auto insurance
This insurance coverage pays for accidents involving your window cleaning company's vehicle. Each state has its own auto liability insurance requirements.
BEST FOR
- Third-party property damage from a vehicle
- Medical expenses from an auto accident
- Vehicle theft and vandalism
Business owner's policy
A business owner's policy (BOP) combines general liability coverage with commercial property insurance at a discount. It's one of the most cost-effective policies for window cleaners.
BEST FOR
- Customer bodily injuries
- Customer property damage
- Window cleaning equipment coverage
Commercial umbrella insurance
This type of coverage boosts the limits on a window cleaner’s other liability policies. It’s a cost-effective way to meet client demands for higher limits.
BEST FOR
- General liability insurance claims
- Commercial auto insurance claims
- Employer's liability insurance claims
Looking for different coverage? See more policies.
How much does window cleaning insurance cost?
A small business can expect to pay less for insurance than a larger company.
Factors that affect premiums include:
- Services offered, such as gutter or window cleaning services
- Business property and equipment
- Business income
- Types of insurance purchased
- Coverage limits, deductibles, and additional insureds
State insurance requirements
See cleaning business insurance requirements in your state
Select your state to learn about insurance requirements for your small business.
How do I get window cleaners' insurance?
It's easy to get window cleaning business insurance if you have your company information on hand. Our application will ask for basic facts about your company, such as revenue and number of employees. You can buy a policy online and get a certificate of insurance (COI) with Insureon in three easy steps:
- Complete a free online application
- Compare insurance quotes and choose policies
- Pay for your policy and download a certificate
Insureon's licensed insurance agents work with top-rated U.S. insurance companies to find affordable small business insurance for window washers, whether you work independently or hire employees.
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Common questions about window cleaner insurance
Take a look at answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about insurance for window cleaning businesses and more.
Are window cleaners required to carry a bond?
Typically, window cleaners, house cleaners, and other types of cleaning businesses aren't mandated to purchase fidelity bonds, also known as janitorial bonds. However, small business owners should consider purchasing one for many reasons:
- To acquire a license in some states. State and local governments sometimes require a bond as part of your proof of insurance to get a cleaning business license.
- To sign a contract. Often, clients will ask your company to carry a bond before employees are allowed on their property. Government entities and larger clients that might employ your business will usually require a bond.
- To attract new clients. Customers usually prefer a bonded and insured company over one that does not carry this protection. A bond reinforces to clients that your business is reliable and guarantees reimbursement should theft occur.
Note that you may also see this kind of bond referred to as a surety bond.
Do window cleaning companies need commercial auto insurance?
Outside of New Hampshire, almost every state requires commercial auto insurance for cleaning company-owned vehicles. In the event of a work-related accident, your private auto insurance policy likely won’t cover the claim.
Commercial auto insurance covers:
- You and your employees if you get into an accident while driving a company vehicle
- Any property damage or personal injuries caused by your business vehicle
- Legal expenses from any resulting lawsuit
- Medical expenses for yourself or an employee in a work vehicle accident
If you or your customers drive a personal, leased, or rented vehicle for work purposes, then you'll likely need hired and non-owned auto (HNOA) insurance. This is because personal and commercial auto insurance policies won’t cover any accidents that happen in personal, leased, or rented vehicles during job-related activities.
What other insurance policies should window cleaning businesses carry?
Whether you're just starting up a window cleaning business or operating an LLC, small business owners may need additional types of cleaning insurance, outside of general liability and workers' compensation insurance, to cover all risks and liabilities.
Some window washing insurance policies to consider are:
- Professional liability insurance, also known as errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, protects your window service business from client lawsuits over errors, mistakes, or negligence they claim negatively impacted them. For example, if a window cleaner used a cleaning agent that permanently damaged a client's window leaving it cloudy, this coverage would handle the legal fees and settlement costs.
- Cyber insurance, sometimes referred to as cybersecurity or cyber liability insurance, helps window cleaning companies recover from financial losses due to cyberattacks and data breaches. It's recommended for any business that stores sensitive customer data, such as credit card numbers and email addresses.
- Inland marine insurance safeguards your business property (such as products, tools, and equipment) while it's in transit or stored at a job-site. One type of this insurance is contractor's tools and equipment coverage, which protects cleaning equipment valued at less than $10k and is less than five years old while it's off-site from your work address (such as in transit, storage, or at the work site).
- Contractors pollution liability insurance, a type of environmental liability insurance, covers pollution liability risks for contractors and subcontractors like window cleaners. For example, window cleaning solution could run off into the grass or nearby areas causing damage or health issues. This policy covers things like third-party bodily injury, property damage, mediation, and legal defense costs for pollution events.