Window Cleaning Insurance Policy Information

Window Cleaning Insurance. In your window cleaning business, choosing the right tool for the job is crucial. And so is protecting your business with the right window cleaning insurance coverage. Window cleaning professionals face unique risks from a physically demanding job with numerous regulatory hurdles. With window cleaning insurance, your business is built on a foundation of strength and protection. Which means you can worry less about risk, and focus more on taking your business to new heights.
Window cleaning insurance protects your business from lawsuits with rates as low as $47/mo. Get a fast quote and your certificate of insurance now.
Below are some answers to commonly asked window cleaners insurance questions:
- What Is Window Cleaning Insurance?
- How Much Does Window Cleaning Insurance Cost?
- Why Do Window Cleaners Need Insurance?
- What Types Insurance Do Window Cleaners Need?
- What Are Common Claims Window Cleaning Businesses Face?
- What Are Window Washers Risks & Exposures?
- What Does Window Cleaning Insurance Cover & Pay For?
What Is Window Cleaning Insurance?
Window cleaning insurance is a type of insurance that provides coverage for businesses and individuals who perform window cleaning services. It typically includes liability insurance, which covers damages or injuries that may occur as a result of the window cleaning service, and property insurance, which covers damages to the property being cleaned or the window cleaning equipment.
Other coverage options may include workers' compensation, automobile insurance, and loss of income due to business interruption.
The purpose of window cleaning insurance is to protect the window cleaner, the property owner, and any other parties involved in the window cleaning process from financial losses.
How Much Does Window Cleaning Insurance Cost?
The average price of a standard $1,000,000/$2,000,000 General Liability Insurance policy for small window cleaning businesses ranges from $47 to $79 per month based on location, how many stories, size, payroll, sales and experience.
Why Do Window Cleaners Need Insurance?

Window cleaners need insurance for several reasons. First and foremost, insurance protects them from financial loss in the event of an accident or injury. If a window cleaner were to fall from a ladder while cleaning a window, they could suffer serious injuries and be unable to work. Without insurance, they would have to pay for their medical expenses out of pocket, which could be financially devastating.
Additionally, insurance protects window cleaners from liability. If a window cleaner were to accidentally break a window while cleaning it, they could be held liable for the cost of repairs. Without insurance, they would have to pay for these repairs out of their own pocket, which could be financially crippling.
Insurance also protects window cleaners from damage to their equipment. If a window cleaner's ladder were to break or their squeegee were to be lost or damaged, they would have to pay for replacements out of pocket. Insurance helps to cover the cost of these replacements, allowing window cleaners to continue working without incurring significant financial losses.
In summary, window cleaners need insurance to protect themselves from financial loss, liability, and damage to their equipment. Without insurance, they would be at risk of financial ruin in the event of an accident or injury, making it essential for them to have coverage in order to protect their livelihood.
What Types Insurance Do Window Cleaners Need?
Commercial General Liability Insurance - You take pride in the sparkle you leave behind once you have completed a job, whether that be for a standard window or architectural glass used for lighting or decorative purposes. The window frames are clean and the sills are dirt free.
All it takes is one accident or mistake to cause serious financial problems for you and your company. General liability insurance for window cleaning includes coverage for bodily injury and property damage resulting from such accidents.
Let's say an uninsured window cleaner is up on a high ladder making windows sparkle, when his squeegee accidentally slips from his hand. At that very moment, a curious 4 year old happens to walk out of the house and under the ladder and is hit by the squeegee. Who's going to pay for the ensuing hospital bills? Not you. General liability insurance will cover the hospital bills, legal fees any any judgements if you are sued.
Workers Compensation - Workers comp is required in most states for any non-owner employees. Your cleaning services business depends on its employees in order to deliver the expert services that your company has built its reputation on. They keep your operations running smoothly and helps ensure your clients are satisfied with your business's performance. But no matter the extent of your employees' training or experience, accidents happen. Without adequate insurance coverage, the injuries your employees sustain at work could be your financial responsibility. That's why you need workers comp insurance.
Tools & Equipment Insurance - Your cleaning equipment are vital in your trade. This is why with window cleaners tools insurance you can insure your equipment while on or off the site providing you with cover from theft or damage.
Commercial Auto Insurance - As a window cleaning business, you are providing a service for your customers that requires driving to their home or place of business. Your company vehicle should be covered with commercial vehicle insurance. Commercial auto covers theft, vandalism, fire, and damage caused by accidents including personal injury and damage to the vehicle or nearby property.
What Are Common Claims Window Cleaning Businesses Face?
Domestic window cleaners and commercial window cleaners often need more window cleaning insurance coverage that goes beyond the standard policy. You will need to cover yourself while at work, your own premises, your customer's premises, your vehicle and any equipment or tools that you use.
Window cleaning insurance provides coverage for these common risks:
- Damage to the window being cleaned if it was damaged during cleaning.
- Treatment risks for damage or injuries caused by chemicals used.
- Losses following your loss of your client's keys.
- Cover for working above ground level, even just for access when needed.
What Are Window Washers Risks & Exposures

Premises liability exposures are limited at the contractor's premises due to lack of public access, but moderate away from the premises due to hazards at the job site. When cleaning interior windows, there is some potential for slip and fall injuries to the public from spills and equipment and supplies impeding access. Hazards become severe when exterior work is done.
Unless the site is very well contained, passersby may be injured or vehicles and other property damaged as a result of items falling during the window washing process. For window washing operations at heights, a morale hazard may be indicated by the absence of a regular and continuous maintenance program to keep the specialized equipment in good working condition.
Property exposures at the contractor's premises are usually limited to an office and storage of equipment, supplies, and vehicles. Cleaning supplies often contain alcohol or other flammable chemicals that require proper labeling, separation, and storage in approved containers and cabinets to reduce the potential for fire. There may be a garage area for vehicles transporting equipment and crew to job sites.
Crime exposures are from employee dishonesty, including theft of customers' goods by the insured's employee. Background checks, including criminal history, should be performed on all employees handling money. All ordering, billing and disbursement should be handled as separate duties with reconciliations occurring regularly. Supervision and monitoring are important to control losses.
Inland marine exposures include accounts receivable if the window washer offers credit to customers, contractors' equipment, and valuable papers and records for customers' and suppliers' information. The equipment taken to job sites for window washing is minimal and not very susceptible to damage unless there is work at heights. Equipment used above ground floors includes specialized scaffolding and lifting equipment.
The transport and setup of this equipment have as much to do with safety as with protecting the equipment from wind, falls, theft or vandalism. Equipment may be rented, leased or borrowed or the insured may rent, lease or loan equipment to others. Backup copies of all data should be stored off premises.
Commercial auto exposures are generally limited to driving to and from job sites with crew, equipment and supplies. If there is work at heights, vehicles may carry scaffolding, lifts, and similar equipment that require special tie-down procedures. Though not common, there may be specialized equipment such as cherry pickers. All drivers must be well trained and have valid licenses for the type of vehicle being driven. MVRs must be run on a regular basis. Random drug and alcohol testing should be conducted. Vehicles must be well maintained with records kept in a central location.
Workers compensation exposures are light for interior work, although back injuries, hernias, sprains and strains can result from lifting. Repetitive motion injuries are possible from window washing. When work is done on ladders and scaffolds or if the worker is suspended, there is a potential for severe injury or death from falling, being struck by falling objects, sudden gusts of wind, and other adverse weather conditions.
The danger is reduced if there is good maintenance of scaffolds and other equipment, proper use of protective equipment, and strict enforcement of safety practices. Workers may be injured in auto accidents during transportation to and from job sites.
What Does Window Cleaning Insurance Cover & Pay For?

Window cleaners can be sued for a variety of reasons, including property damage, bodily injury, and negligence. Insurance can protect window cleaners from financial losses associated with these lawsuits. Here are some examples:
Property damage: If a window cleaner accidentally damages a customer's property while working, such as breaking a window or damaging a valuable piece of furniture, the customer may sue for the cost of repairs or replacement. Insurance can help cover these costs and prevent the window cleaner from having to pay out of pocket.
Bodily injury: If a window cleaner falls from a ladder or scaffold and is injured on the job, they may be liable for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Insurance can help cover these costs and protect the window cleaner from financial ruin.
Negligence: If a window cleaner fails to take proper safety precautions, such as failing to secure a ladder or using the wrong equipment, and a customer is injured as a result, the customer may sue for damages. Insurance can help cover these costs and prevent the window cleaner from having to pay out of pocket.
In all of these examples, insurance can help protect window cleaners from financial losses associated with lawsuits. Window cleaners should ensure they have adequate insurance coverage to protect themselves and their businesses from these risks.
Commercial Insurance And Business Industry Classification
- SIC CODE: 7349 Building Cleaning and Maintenance Services NEC
- NAICS CODE: 561720 Janitorial Services
- Suggested Workers Compensation Code(s): 9014 Janitorial Services by Contractors - No Window Cleaning Above Ground Level & Drivers, 9170 Janitorial Services by Contractors - Includes Window Cleaning Above Ground Level & Drivers
Description for 7349: Building Cleaning and Maintenance Services
Division I: Services | Major Group 73: Business Services | Industry Group 734: Services To Dwellings And Other Buildings
7349 Building Cleaning and Maintenance Services, NEC. Establishments primarily engaged in furnishing building cleaning and maintenance services, not elsewhere classified, such as window cleaning, janitorial service, floor waxing, and office cleaning.
- Acoustical tile cleaning service
- Building cleaning service, interior
- Chimney cleaning service
- Custodians of schools on a contract or fee basis
- Floor waxing service
- Housekeeping (cleaning service) on a contract or fee basis
- Janitorial services on a contract or fee basis
- Lighting maintenance service (bulb replacement and cleaning)
- Maid service on a contract or fee basis
- Maintenance, building: except repairs
- Office cleaning service
- Service station cleaning and degreasing service
- Telephone booths, cleaning and maintenance of
- Venetian blind cleaning, including work done on owners' premises
- Window cleaning service
Window Cleaning Insurance - The Bottom Line
Running a window cleaning business means juggling multiple tasks that are constantly changing. One day you might be cleaning a client's home and the next be training new staff. In all instances, accidents can happen. In order to keep your business protected if the unexpected happens, window cleaning insurance can enable you to get back on your feet as quickly as possible.
Additional Resources For Contractors & Home Improvement Insurance
Learn about small business contractor's insurance, including what it covers, how much it costs - and how commercial insurance can help protect your contracting business from lawsuits.
- Air Conditioning Systems Installation Repair
- Appliance Repair & Service
- Blacksmith & Metal Workers
- Boat Repair & Dry Docks
- Boiler Contractors
- Builders Risk
- Building Cleaning & Maintenance Services
- Cabinet Installer
- Cable And Satellite TV Installer
- Carpentry
- Chimney Sweep
- Cistern Contractors
- Contractor Liability
- Curtain Cleaners
- Deck Builders
- Door And Window Installers
- Dryer Vent Cleaning
- Drywall Contractor
- Electrical Contractors
- Environmental Remediation Contractors
- Fence Installation
- Fire Sprinkler Contractors
- Fire & Water Restoration Contractors
- Flooring Contractor
- Furniture Repair
- Garage Door Installer And Repair
- General Contractors
- Glass Contractor
- Glazier Insurance
- Gutter Installation And Repair
- Handyman
- House Cleaning
- HVAC Contractor
- Insulation Contractor
- Janitorial Cleaning Services
- Landscaping
- Lawn Care
- Lawn Irrigation Sprinkler System Installation
- Locksmith
- Oil And Gas Well Drilling Contractors
- Painters
- Paperhanging Contractors
- Plastering And Stucco Contractor
- Plumbing
- Pressure Washing Contractors
- Propane And Fuel Dealers
- Rug, Upholstery & Carpet Cleaning
- Sandblasting Contractors
- Security Alarm
- Septic Tank Cleaning
- Siding Contractor
- Sign Installation & Repair
- Solar Panel Installers
- Snow Plow
- Stone And Tile Installer
- Subcontractor
- Surety Bonds
- Swimming Pool Contractor
- Swimming Pool Service And Maintenance
- Tank Cleaners
- Tool Grinding And Repair
- Tree Surgeon
- Tree Trimming
- Upholstery Shop
- Waste Haulers & Garbage Collection
- Water Well Drilling
- Welding Contractor
- Wildlife & Pest Control
- Window Cleaning
- Specialty Contractors

The contracting industry is a field that involves a lot of risks, both for the contractor and for the clients they work for. This is why commercial insurance is so important for contractors. Insurance can protect contractors from a variety of potential losses, such as:
Liability: If a contractor causes damage to a client's property or if a client is injured while on a job site, the contractor could be held legally responsible. Liability insurance can cover legal fees and any settlements or judgments that may be awarded.
Property damage: Contractors often use a lot of expensive equipment and tools, and there is always a risk that this equipment could be damaged or stolen. Commercial property insurance can help cover the cost of replacing damaged or stolen equipment.
Business interruption: If a contractor is unable to work due to an unforeseen event, such as a natural disaster, insurance can help cover their lost income during this time.
Workers compensation: If a contractor or one of their employees is injured on the job, worker's comp can help cover medical expenses and lost wages.
Overall, commercial insurance is an important risk management tool for contractors. It can provide financial protection against a wide range of potential losses, helping contractors to stay in business and continue serving their clients.
Minimum recommended small business insurance coverage: Business Personal Property, Employee Dishonesty, Contractors' Equipment and Tools, General Liability, Employee Benefits Liability, Umbrella Liability, Automobile Liability and Physical Damage, Hired and Non-owned Auto & Workers Compensation.
Other commercial insurance policies to consider: Building, Business Income with Extra Expense, Earthquake, Flood, Leasehold Interest, Real Property Legal Liability, Accounts Receivable, Builders Risk, Computers, Goods in Transit, Installation Floater, Valuable Papers and Records, Cyber Liability, Employment-related Practicesand Stop Gap Liability.