FAQ's - Liability Insurance for Window Cleaners
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If you would
like any further assistance or advice regarding the types of cover that
you or your business will need, please do not hesitate to conact us on
0844 815 6211
We have also put together the following list of "Frequently Asked Questions" that we hope will assist.
We have also put together the following list of "Frequently Asked Questions" that we hope will assist.
| Q. | Do I need to have public liability insurance by law? |
| A | No, you are not required by law to take out public liability insurance, however you are required to have the cover to be a member of the FWC. |
| Q | What does a public liability insurance policy cover? |
| A | That really depends on the type of policy you take out. All public liability policies provide cover for damage to property belonging to a third party and personal injury sustained by a third party following your negligence. Most policies for window cleaners exclude damage to glass or anything else you may clean. |
| Q | Do I need to have Employers Liability Insurance by law? |
| A | As a very rough idea, this is the requirement for EL
insurance. :- Sole Traders with no employees or subcontractors - No Sole Traders with employees or subcontractors - Yes Partnerships with no employees or subcontractors- No Partnerships with employees or subcontractors - Yes Limited companies with one director owning 50% of shares - No Limited companies with more than one director OR employing staff or subcontractors - Yes There is one exemption to the law for sole traders or partnerships where the persons employed are close members of the insured's family . This being a son, daughter, husband, mother, father or wife, then EL insurance is NOT required for them. This exemption DOES NOT apply to Limited companies. As insurance brokers we can only give advice but cannot decide what cover you need. Further information can be obtained from the Health & Safety Executive (www.hse.gov.uk). You can also follow the following link to read a copy of the latest release from the HSE regarding the Employers Liability Compulsory Insurance Act 1969 |
| Q | What is different about the policies Allied can provide to FWC members? |
| A | All of the policies we recommend to members include
cover for damage to glass or anything you may clean including sills, fascias, carpets, upholstery etc. We believe you need this cover to protect your business and livelihood as damage to glass for example could cost you thousands of pounds to rectify if you aren't insured correctly. |
| Q | What does "limit of indemnity" mean? |
| A | This is the maximum amount that the insurance company will pay in damages in the event of a claim being made. |
| Q | How do I know if I am covered for damage to glass under my policy? |
| A. | If you are not insured with ourselves and you have just public liability insurance cover then there is a very good chance you won't be covered for damage to glass. Most policies exclude this cover for window cleaners but it may not have been mentioned to you before. |
| Q | Is it more expensive to be insured for using ladders rather than pole systems? |
| A | If you are a sole trader then you will pay the same whether you use ladders, poles or cherry pickers. If you have a business employing staff or subcontractors then the premiums are cheaper if you are working from the ground rather than at height. |
| Q | Can I get insured for using cherry pickers, cradles or abseiling equipment? |
| A. | Yes, all of our policies provide cover for all types of window cleaning. |
| Q | Can I pay the premiums monthly? |
| A. | Yes, subject to a service charge that is made by our finance provider, Premium Credit Ltd. The level of charge is dependant on the premium but is between 6-8%. |
| Q | How quickly can cover be arranged? |
| A. | We can start cover immediately upon receipt of verbal or written confirmation to proceed. |
| Q | Do I have to pay towards the cost of a claim? |
| A | Under all liability policies there is an excess to be paid. The scheme we have has a £250 excess for all claims. |
| Q | Can I get insurance for carpet cleaning or other cleaning work? |
| A | Yes, we understand that some members may undertake other work rather than just window cleaning. Our policies provide cover for all types of cleaning from builders cleans, pressure washing to upholstery cleaning and more. |
| Q | Is cover for treatment risks provided? |
| A | Yes, under all of our policies. This is excluded under most standard liability policies for cleaners. |
| Q | What does treatment risks mean? |
| A. | If you were to damage a carpet or upholstery etc and the damage be as a result of the chemicals or cleaning materials you have used, then the policy would provide cover. |
