The window cleaning industry is riding the wave of a broader property maintenance boom, as more owners aim to keep their buildings in top shape. According to IBISWorld, demand for window washing and other building exterior cleaning services has grown as property owners invest in upkeep to protect asset value. With more contractors taking on this work, exposures are multiplying — and liability claims can follow. For brokers, it’s a timely reminder that window cleaning liability insurance is the cornerstone of protecting these contractors.
What Are Common Liabilities for Window Cleaning Businesses?
Most people think of heights when they picture window cleaning risks, but the bigger exposures often come from the ground: damaged glass, chemical overspray, or a tool dropped in the wrong place.
On the surface, washing windows might not seem risky. But the reality is that even a minor mistake can snowball into a significant claim. Consider a few examples:
- Broken panes or scratched frames: High-value glass installations can cost thousands to repair if damaged during cleaning.
- Chemical overspray: Harsh solutions can discolor siding, damage landscaping, stain adjacent surfaces, or cause injury to passersby.
- Dropped tools or equipment: A squeegee falling from a worker’s hand could injure a pedestrian or damage parked vehicles.
These are exposures that general liability insurance for contractors is designed to cover. As a broker, making these scenarios tangible helps clients see why proper insurance is an essential investment.
How Brokers Can Navigate Premium Indications
When discussing general liability insurance for contractors, brokers should focus on how underwriters evaluate submissions. Factors like prior loss history, employee training, and safety protocols play heavily into pricing. Requiring subcontractors to carry their own certificates of insurance is another safeguard that demonstrates sound risk management.
Helping clients understand that premium indications are tied to exposure scenarios is key. For instance, a contractor with documented safety protocols will often fare better than one with no formal procedures in place. Connecting these insights to broader contractor risks reinforces that insurance pricing isn’t arbitrary, but tied to measurable risk.
Get a Premium Indication for Window Cleaning Liability Insurance
Window cleaning businesses face unique liability exposures that go far beyond slips and falls. From property damage to third-party injuries, a single incident can put a contractor’s reputation and finances on the line. Brokers who can clearly articulate these risks will not only build trust with clients but also secure more accurate premium indications for window cleaning liability insurance.
For responsive underwriting support and access to competitive liability solutions, get in touch with us at Commodore Insurance.
FAQ About Window Cleaning Liability Insurance
Do you need liability insurance for window cleaning?
Yes. Liability insurance is considered fundamental protection for window cleaning businesses. Without it, contractors face personal exposure to costly third-party claims.
What common claims drive premiums for window cleaners?
Claims may stem from property damage (broken glass, scratched frames), chemical damage to surrounding areas, or bodily injury caused by falling tools or equipment.
How can brokers explain exclusions (faulty workmanship versus resulting damage)?
Faulty workmanship itself isn’t covered, but damage resulting from that work may be. For example, streaky windows is not a claim — but if cleaning damages the glass, that’s different.
Should subcontractors have their own liability insurance?
Absolutely. Requiring proof of coverage ensures that risk doesn’t transfer back to the primary contractor.
What documentation strengthens a submission for favorable premium indication?
Clean loss runs, documented safety training, and subcontractor certificates all show underwriters that a contractor manages risk proactively.
About Commodore
Commodore Insurance Services, Inc. (Commodore) is a California corporation that operates as a Managing General Agency and Program Manager. Since incorporating in 1990, Commodore has developed an expertise in the production and underwriting of insurance products for businesses across the West Coast. Our focus is on providing top-level insurance products to our clients while striving to make it easy to do business for our brokers. Try us and find out why we have continued to be successful for more than 27 years and are recognized as the trusted leader in small business insurance.
