As anyone living in central (Phoenix/Scottsdale) Arizona can attest, the Sonoran Desert’s dust and dirt, can make keeping your home’s windows clean, a challenge. So, when it’s time to get your windows cleaned, it’s important to find out whether the professional window cleaning company you are considering is insured. But, all window cleaners in Arizona are insured, aren’t they? Not so fast. The real question should be, are professional window cleaners legally required, by the state of Arizona, to have liability insurance.
Why is Insurance a Must for Window Cleaning Businesses?
Professional window cleaning might seem like a low-risk endeavor, but accidents can happen. A window cleaner could accidentally drop a squeegee, damaging a prize-winning rose bush or a fancy outdoor light. Or, a bucket of water might spill, causing a customer to slip on their wet patio. Imagine a ladder slipping and cracking an expensive window or damaging a parked car. Without insurance, the owner of the window cleaning business would be forced to pay for these damages out of their own pocket. This could mean huge financial losses for the company especially if the window cleaning business owner was unable to pay for the damages without insurance.
General Liability Insurance
General liability insurance is like a safety net for any type of service business. Essentially, it provides protection for everyday risks. This type of insurance coverage is beneficial if your business causes harm to a third party. This includes things like bodily injury to a customer. It also covers damage to someone else’s property. Even claims about advertising injury, like libel or slander, can potentially fall under this type of coverage. For professional window cleaners, like ClearPro, this type of insurance is truly the most important to carry.
While general liability insurance is important, other types of insurance exist. Professional liability, also known as errors and omissions (E&O) insurance, covers claims from professional mistakes.
Arizona State Insurance Requirements
State-Level Legal Mandates
Arizona does not have a statewide law that requires window cleaning businesses to carry general liability insurance. There isn’t a specific statute or regulation that says every single window cleaner must have this policy to operate. This means a window cleaning company can legally work in Arizona without it, based solely on state law.
Contractor Licensing and Insurance in Arizona
Arizona has rules for contractors, especially those working on construction projects. The Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) oversees licensing for many trades. These licensed contractors often need to be bonded and insured. That said, simple window cleaning services usually don’t need an ROC license to operate.
Local City or County Ordinances
Even if the state doesn’t demand insurance, local areas might. Cities like Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, or Scottsdale, could have their own requirements. Some municipalities might ask for proof of liability insurance when you apply for a business license. Always check with the business licensing department in the specific city or county where your window cleaning professional works. Their local ordinances can add extra requirements beyond what the state asks.
Why Insured Window Cleaners Offer Peace of Mind
For a window cleaning business, carrying insurance is more than just a safeguard. It builds trust. When you, as a potential customer, know that the window cleaner you hire is insured, you should feel more secure. Thus, as a customer, you should always ask to see proof of insurance before anyone starts cleaning your windows.
Verifying a Window Cleaner’s Insurance
How do you know if a window cleaner truly has insurance? Ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI). This is a document from the insurance company. It lists the coverage limits, the policy effective dates, and the type of insurance held. You can even call the insurance company directly. Use the phone number on the COI to confirm the policy is active and valid.
The Financial Risks of Uninsured Services
Imagine hiring a cheap, uninsured window cleaner. What if they drop their pole and smash your new glass patio door? Without insurance, you likely have to pay for such damage, unless you take the window cleaner to court and win or settle. What if someone gets hurt as a result of the work performed by your window cleaners? Without insurance coverage of your window cleaner, once again, you might be on the hook for any related legal costs. These out-of-pocket costs can quickly become far more expensive than any savings from hiring a cheaper service. It is simply not a risk not worth taking.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance
If a window cleaning business has employees, Arizona law does require workers’ compensation insurance. This coverage pays for medical care and lost wages if an employee gets hurt on the job. However, this is clearly different from general liability, which covers injuries to customers or property damage.
Bonding for Contractors
Contractor bonds are another financial protection, but they differ from insurance. A bond is a promise that a contractor will complete a job or meet certain standards. If they fail, the bond pays out. For general window cleaning, bonds are not usually required by law.
Commercial Auto Insurance
Window cleaning businesses often use vehicles to haul equipment and travel between jobs. Personal auto insurance usually won’t cover accidents that happen while doing business. That is where commercial auto insurance comes in. This policy protects against damages and injuries if a business vehicle is involved in an accident. It covers the vehicle, the driver, and anyone else involved.
While Arizona may not have a blanket statewide law requiring window cleaners carry liability insurance, it is a critical and highly recommended protection.