Window Cleaning Business Insurance

Typically, window cleaners, house cleaners, and other types of cleaning businesses aren't mandated to purchase fidelity bonds, also known as janitorial bonds. However, small business owners should consider purchasing one for many reasons:

• To acquire a license in some states. State and local governments sometimes require a bond as part of your proof of insurance to get a cleaning business license.
• To sign a contract. Often, clients will ask your company to carry a bond before employees are allowed on their property. Government entities and larger clients that might employ your business will usually require a bond.
• To attract new clients. Customers usually prefer a bonded and insured company over one that does not carry this protection. A bond reinforces to clients that your business is reliable and guarantees reimbursement should theft occur.

Note that you may also see this kind of bond referred to as a surety bond.

Whether you're just starting up a window cleaning business or operating a limited liability company (LLC), small business owners may need additional types of cleaning insurance, outside of general liability and workers' compensation insurance, to cover all risks and liabilities.

Some window washing insurance policies to consider are:

• Professional liability insurance, also known as errors and omissions insurance (E&O), protects your window service business from client lawsuits over errors, mistakes, or negligence they claim negatively impacted them. For example, if a window cleaner used a cleaning agent that permanently damaged a client's window leaving it cloudy, this coverage would handle the legal fees and settlement costs.
• Cyber insurance, sometimes referred to as cybersecurity insurance or cyber liability insurance, helps window cleaning companies recover from financial losses due to cyberattacks and data breaches. It's recommended for any business that stores sensitive customer data, such as credit card numbers and email addresses.
• Inland marine insurance safeguards your business property (such as products, tools, and equipment) while it's in transit or at a jobsite. One type of this insurance is contractor's tools and equipment coverage, which protects newer cleaning equipment valued at less than $10,000 that travels with you.
• Commercial property insurance safeguards your building and its contents against financial losses from fires, storms, and burglaries. It's important to have commercial property coverage since homeowner's insurance provides little to no protection for business property.
• Business personal property (BPP) insurance covers your business personal property, which does not include buildings or offices. It protects your window cleaning equipment while it's stored at a designated location, but you'll still need inland marine insurance for when it's elsewhere.
• Contractors pollution liability insurance, a type of environmental liability insurance, covers pollution liability risks for contractors and subcontractors like window cleaners. For example, window cleaning solution could run off into the grass or nearby areas causing damage or health issues. This policy covers things like third-party bodily injury, property damage, mediation, and legal defense costs for pollution events.

Some of the above coverages, such as cyber insurance and BPP insurance, can be added to your general liability policy as an endorsement.