Window Cleaning Insurance
To be a window cleaner, you need several skills to ensure that you will be successful. Such attributes include good eyesight, physical health, attention to detail, and excellent coordination. Cleaning often includes spotting small dirt areas or reaching places up to high, which can be difficult and frightening.
The industry is thought to be worth over £920 million as demand grows, especially in tall commercial buildings where it is tricker for a non-experienced person to clean. Although there are not many tasks for a window cleaner to do, it can still be a dangerous job, and insurance must be obtained to care for the health of the cleaner and the clients.
If you would like to read more information or learn more about the pricing of business insurance, you can do so here.
Types of Window Cleaning Insurance
1. Public liability insurance
Public liability insurance is one of the most important forms of cover because it protects a window cleaner from claims of bodily injury or damage to the destruction of property caused by their work. This insurance may be overlooked in the cleaning industry because it does not seem likely a client can be hurt by a cleaning service; however, this is not the case.
Many accidents are linked to window cleanings, such as the use of strong chemicals that may trigger a client’s reaction, or a passer-by not concentrating could trip over a bucket and mop on the floor and fall. These accidents are not usually fatal, but it is better to be safe than sorry, as an expensive lawsuit or hefty medical bill could affect the business financially. Instead, with insurance, these costs are covered. Likewise, if the cleaner unintentionally scratched or broke the window from cleaning too vigorously or knocking into it, the cost of replacing the glass would be covered.
2. Business equipment and tools insurance
Business equipment and tools insurance is another good cover, as it ensures all of the equipment you wish to place under the insurance policy so that any damage caused to them can be claimed. Then the insurer can evaluate and provide compensation for the replacement. Commonly, window cleaners use a squeegee, sponge, bucket, ladder and hosepipe. As technology develops, a ladder can now be replaced by a water-fed pole system, whereby the filtration system pumps out water which you can then brush over and dry.
As a result, it would be worthwhile to take out equipment insurance because this device is expensive, and without it, no work can be done, which affects the revenue of the business and delays the client’s schedule. If any of these tools are damaged by a fire or flood, the insurer is responsible for providing the cash to repair them, or similarly, if they are stolen, the money will be replaced entirely.
3. Personal accident insurance
Personal accident insurance protects a window cleaner when physically injured and cannot work due to pain or difficulty moving. This type of insurance can cover accidents both at work or outside of it, suggesting a high coverage policy that leaves you with peace of mind. Personal accident insurance is recommended mainly for freelancers because it works similarly to employers’ liability insurance, which you only need if you work in a company or hire workers. Accordingly, it would help to choose which insurance is more beneficial for you.
Personal accident insurance can include injuries at home like breaking or losing a limb, paralysis or even death, as well as accidents at work like hitting your head on a window and falling unconscious. The insurer provides the medical expenses and lost income.
4. Employers’ liability insurance
Employers’ liability insurance is aimed at window cleaners who, as mentioned above, work as part of a business or hire other staff members to help them. This policy covers only accidents that happened at work, so it should be noted that breaking a leg at home or sustaining a knee injury from playing sports would not be covered under the policy. On the other hand, work-related accidents like falling from a ladder carpal tunnel, injuries from squeegeeing or spraining a wrist from repetitive usage are covered.
The insurer provides any medical expenses or lost income from recuperating at home. In the same way, long-term health implications like spinal issues may also be covered if they can be proven, as window cleaning includes lots of standing up straight, bending and squatting to reach all of the dirt.
Window Cleaning Insurance – To Conclude
In conclusion, window cleaning can be classified as one of the most dangerous jobs due to the unconventional methods used to get to the windows and clean the most awkward places. Even so, it can be worthwhile after gaining experience and clients, which is why insurance is necessary to protect the business’s assets from extra expenses concerning accidents and injuries.
Find out more about the importance of insurance here.
Other useful links about Business Insurance:
Is Professional Indemnity Insurance a Legal Requirement?
How Much Product Liability Insurance Do I Need?
Is Employers’ Liability Insurance a Legal Requirement?
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