ladders, glass and height
Insurance for window cleaning businesses
I’m Chris, an independent broker in Hudson, Florida. I help window cleaners look at general liability, workers’ comp and equipment coverage.
FL License #G193830
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The basics
Damage you cause
General liability is the coverage to ask about if you scratch a pane, crack a window or hurt someone while you work.
Your crew
Workers’ comp is for employees. A fall from a ladder is the kind of injury it’s built for.
Your gear
Ladders, squeegee kits, poles and pressure washers can be stolen from a truck. Ask me how equipment can be covered.
Proof for jobs
Property managers and business owners often want a certificate of insurance before you start.
What can go wrong on a window cleaning job
Window cleaners work up high and around fragile things.
- A ladder slips and your helper is hurt. Ask about workers’ comp.
- Glass gets scratched or breaks while you clean it. Ask about general liability.
- Dirty water runs inside a home and ruins a floor or a wall. Ask about general liability.
- A passerby trips over your hose or bucket. Ask about general liability.
- Your pole kit disappears from the truck overnight. Ask about equipment coverage.
Coverage to ask me about
Not every window cleaner needs every policy. In Florida, construction businesses generally need workers’ comp once they have one or more employees, and other businesses generally need it at four or more employees. The Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation has the official rules.
- General liability. It can respond when your work damages a customer’s property or injures a third party.
- Workers’ compensation. It’s for employee injuries and medical care, and the rules for who needs it are in Florida law.
- Tools and equipment. Ask me whether your ladders and gear can be covered, since it depends on the company and the policy.
- Commercial auto. If you drive a van or truck to jobs, ask me about it.
What I’ll ask you
A few simple answers help me shop your business the right way.
- What windows you clean, and what you won’t touch, such as tall buildings or solar panels.
- About what your business brings in each year.
- Your payroll and how many people work for you.
- Whether you hire helpers who work on their own.
- Any claims you’ve had before.
- What a property manager or customer is asking you to show.
- The date you need coverage in place.
Questions I get
Do I need insurance to clean windows?
Florida doesn’t have one rule for every case. Many customers and building managers ask for it before they’ll hire you, so it’s worth talking through.
Does general liability cover a broken window?
It can, if you caused the damage while working. It depends on the company and the policy, so I’d read the terms with you.
What if my helper falls off a ladder?
That’s what workers’ comp is meant for when someone is your employee. Whether a helper counts as an employee is a question I’d go over with you.
Can I get a certificate for a customer fast?
Often I can get one once you have a policy. How fast depends on the company.
Official sources
Coverage, eligibility and price depend on the company and your business. This page is general information, not a quote.
Have a question? Just ask.
Call me or send a quote request. You’ll hear back from a real person.