Window Cleaners Insurance
Protect your window cleaning business from property damage claims, working at height risks and equipment theft with trade-specific cover.
Get in touchWhat is window cleaners insurance?
Window cleaners insurance is a package of cover designed to protect window cleaning businesses from the risks of working at height, using water-fed poles and accessing client properties. It typically includes public liability, employers liability and equipment cover.
Scratched glass, water damage to interiors and injuries from falls are all real risks in the window cleaning trade. A single claim for damaged specialist glazing could cost thousands of pounds.
Find insurers who understand the window cleaning trade, so your premium reflects the methods you use and the type of properties you work on.
Public Liability
Covers claims for property damage or injury caused by your window cleaning work.
Employers Liability
Required by law if you employ anyone, covering workplace injury and illness claims.
Tools and Equipment
Covers your water-fed poles, ladders, cradles and cleaning equipment.
Commercial Vehicle
Covers your van and any mounted water purification systems.
Who needs window cleaners insurance?
Domestic window cleaners
Cleaning windows on residential properties
Commercial window cleaners
Working on offices, shops and commercial buildings
High-rise window cleaners
Using abseiling or cradle systems on tall buildings
Conservatory cleaning specialists
Cleaning conservatory roofs and glass structures
Licensing and accreditation for window cleaners
Window cleaners are not required to hold a formal licence, and window cleaning is largely unregulated for ground-level work. However, if you work at height using ladders, access equipment, or ropes (rope access), you must comply with the Working at Height Regulations 2005. Work above 2 metres typically requires proper fall protection and safe access methods.
Residential clients rarely require formal certification but expect public liability insurance before allowing work on their property. Commercial clients, office building managers, and property owners routinely require insurance certificates and may have specific safety requirements.
Public liability insurance is not a legal requirement but is expected by most clients. Commercial work in particular requires substantial cover, and building managers often specify minimum insurance limits.
Insurance protects you if your work causes damage to the customer's property (windows, frames, or adjacent surfaces) or results in injury. If you work at height, confirm your cover includes working at height and covers liability if access equipment fails.
How much does window cleaners insurance cost?
£80 – £200 per year for sole traders with ground-level work; window cleaners using access equipment or working at height may pay £250 – £500
Real claims: what window cleaners insurance covers
A window cleaner's ladder slipped while working on a second-floor window, and the cleaner fell into the customer's conservatory, smashing the glass roof and causing injuries to the occupant below.
Public liability covered the customer's compensation for injury, emergency medical treatment, cost of replacing the conservatory glass roof, and remedial repairs.
£9,400 total — £4,200 compensation for injury to occupant, £3,800 conservatory glass replacement, £1,400 remedial repairs and legal fees
A window cleaner's equipment hit and cracked the customer's expensive double-glazed window, which required emergency replacement to weatherproof the property.
Public liability covered the full cost of emergency window replacement, including call-out charges for an emergency glazier.
£2,100 total — £1,800 emergency double-glazed window replacement and fitting, £300 professional call-out fees
A window cleaner using rope access equipment secured the rope to an unsuitable fixture, causing the anchor point to fail and resulting in a fall from height and serious injuries.
Public liability covered the injured party's compensation for serious injuries sustained in the fall, emergency medical and surgical treatment, and ongoing rehabilitation.
£68,000 total — £52,000 serious injury compensation, £12,000 emergency medical and surgical treatment, £4,000 rehabilitation and legal fees
WHY CECIL
Built differently.
Cover for glass damage claims
Scratching or cracking expensive glass is a real risk. Cecil ensures your public liability policy covers glass damage claims without excessive exclusions.
Working at height included
Many general policies restrict height work. Cecil finds insurers who cover window cleaning at height, whether you use ladders, water-fed poles or access equipment.
Equipment properly covered
Water-fed pole systems and purification equipment are expensive to replace. Cecil makes sure your equipment cover reflects the true cost of your gear.
Simple, affordable quotes
Window cleaning is a straightforward trade and your insurance should be too. Get your options quickly so you can focus on your round.
Common questions about window cleaners insurance
Do window cleaners need public liability insurance in the UK?
Public liability is not a legal requirement, but it is practically essential. Commercial clients almost always require it, and domestic clients increasingly expect proof of cover.
Does window cleaners insurance cover scratched glass?
Yes, accidental damage to glass is typically covered under your public liability policy. Some policies may have specific glass damage excesses.
Do I need insurance for water-fed pole window cleaning?
Yes, even though water-fed pole cleaning is considered safer than ladder work, you still need public liability cover for risks such as water ingress and property damage.
What level of public liability do window cleaners need?
Most window cleaners carry between £1m and £2m of public liability cover. Commercial clients may require higher limits.
Is employers liability needed if I employ a window cleaner?
Yes, employers liability is a legal requirement if you employ anyone, even part-time workers. You must have at least £5m of cover.
Do I need specific training if I work at height with ladders or rope access?
Yes. If you work above 2 metres, you must comply with the Working at Height Regulations 2005. For ladder work, proper ladder safety training is essential. For rope access, you must hold formal rope access certification (IRATA or SAUT). Your insurer will require evidence of appropriate training.
Am I covered if I damage frames, seals, or sills while cleaning windows?
Yes, public liability covers accidental damage caused while cleaning. However, pre-existing damage or defects in the window or frame are the property owner's responsibility. Clarify in your inspection what damage already exists before starting work.
Do I need specialist insurance for working on high-rise buildings or commercial buildings?
Commercial high-rise work often requires specific insurance endorsements or higher cover limits. If you regularly work on buildings above three storeys or in commercial environments, declare this to your insurer and confirm cover is adequate.
What if I slip on a slippery roof or gutter while accessing windows?
If you suffer injury due to unsafe conditions, your own employers liability or personal accident cover protects you — not public liability. Ensure you take appropriate safety precautions and use proper access methods. Your insurer may reduce cover if you operate unsafely.
Am I covered for cleaning windows damaged by weather or property defects?
If you encounter windows already damaged by weather or structural defects, do not attempt to clean them — the risk of further damage or collapse is yours to manage. Inform the customer of any concerns and decline to proceed until the property owner addresses the issue.
Interested in Window Cleaners insurance?
We will be in contact when Cecil launches.