Window cleaning looks simple. A bucket, a ladder, a squeegee. What could go wrong?
If you’re a window cleaner working without insurance, you’re not just risking a few bruises. You’re putting your entire livelihood, and potentially someone else’s, on the line. Every day you’re out there with no cover is a gamble. And it’s not just about falling off a ladder. The real risks are the ones you don’t see coming.
At Ashburnham Insurance, we’ve seen how quickly an everyday job can turn into a financial disaster. This article isn’t here to scare you for the sake of it, it’s to protect you. Because we care about the people doing the hard jobs, and we’ve got your back.
The Obvious Risk
Let’s start with the biggest one. You fall. It happens fast. One wrong step on a wet rung. One wobble on an uneven path. Suddenly, you’re not cleaning a first-floor window; you’re being loaded into an ambulance.
Injuries from falls can be life-changing. Broken backs, cracked skulls, shattered wrists. Even if you survive, you might not be able to work for weeks or months. No income. Medical bills. Recovery costs. If you’re self-employed, no one’s paying you sick leave.
Now imagine trying to deal with that without insurance. That’s not just a rough patch, that’s the end of the business you built.
The Legal Nightmare
What if someone else gets hurt? You drop your bucket from height. It hits a pedestrian. You leave your ladder in the wrong place, and someone trips. You accidentally scratch a £5,000 glass pane on a posh house. Welcome to the world of liability claims.
Public liability insurance exists for this exact reason. If a member of the public gets injured or their property is damaged because of your work, you could be legally responsible. We’re talking compensation, legal fees, and court costs. Without insurance, those costs come out of your pocket. And it’s not always cheap. A single claim can bankrupt a small business.
The Silent Killer
Here’s one most people don’t think about: your reputation. Let’s say you’re uninsured and something goes wrong. Word gets around. Clients talk. Competitors take advantage. Your name becomes the one people associate with “cowboy” cleaners. Even if the mistake wasn’t huge, the lack of insurance paints you as careless and unprofessional.
More and more clients now ask for proof of insurance before they let anyone near their property, especially businesses and landlords. Operating without it not only limits your job opportunities, but it also tells clients you’re not serious about your work or their safety.
The Surprise Expense
Most window cleaners rely on expensive tools, water-fed pole systems, specialist detergents, and pressure washers. What if your van gets broken into? Or your kit gets damaged on a job? With the right insurance, you can cover the cost of stolen or damaged equipment. Without it, you’re paying out of pocket, scrambling to replace gear before your next job. Missed days mean missed income. The stress adds up fast.
The What-If
Got a team? Even just one other person? If you’re an employer, you must have Employers’ Liability Insurance by law. No exceptions. If your staff member gets injured on the job, and you don’t have coverage, you’re looking at massive fines and a possible lawsuit.
Window cleaning is physically demanding. Lifting ladders, working at height, handling chemicals, there’s risk in every part of the job. Don’t assume a mate helping you part-time is safe without protection.
It Only Takes One Mistake
You might be a pro. Years of experience. Never had an accident. That’s good. But it only takes one mistake. One moment of distraction. One unexpected gust of wind. One dodgy window frame that gives way while you’re leaning on it.
Insurance isn’t for when things usually go wrong. It’s for when the rare, unexpected, and unlucky moments strike. Because they do. And when they do, you want to be ready.
What You Need as a Window Cleaner
At a minimum, a professional window cleaner should have:
- Public Liability Insurance – to cover injury or property damage caused to others.
- Employers’ Liability Insurance – if you have staff, it’s a legal must-have.
- Tools and Equipment Cover – optional, but a lifesaver if theft or damage hits.
- Personal Accident Cover – to protect your income if you’re injured and can’t work.
At Ashburnham Insurance, we specialise in cover for tradespeople, including window cleaner insurance. We make it simple, fast, and tailored to your business. Because your protection shouldn’t slow you down, it should keep you going.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Insurance isn’t something to sort “when you get time.” It’s something to sort before things go wrong. If you’re working without it, you’re walking a tightrope every single day.
At Ashburnham Insurance, we’re here to offer peace of mind. Your job’s tough enough already. Let us help protect what you’ve built. Call us today on FREEPHONE 0800 1696137.