Window Cleaning subcontractor insurance requirements
Separate ground-level cleaning from ladders, lifts, suspended platforms and rope access. Public access and the equipment supplier are important details.
Start with your agreement, the work scope and the applicable state workers’ comp rules. Collect current policy evidence and the endorsements your agreement requires. A certificate summarizes information; it does not resolve every exclusion or condition.
Scope details that change the review
Work at height
Access method can materially change the operation being insured.
Falling equipment
Tools and suspended systems can affect pedestrians and parked vehicles.
Property contact
Cleaning systems can damage glass, finishes or façade components.
Questions for the contractor and agent
- Does the policy scope include the proposed height and rope or suspended access method?
- Who owns, maintains and insures the access equipment?
- Which company employs the actual crew and reviews worksite-specific requirements?
Documents to collect
- GL and workers comp evidence
- Required additional insured documents
- Separate access-equipment or subcontractor evidence where required
Compare policy dates and limits against the signed requirements. Check the actual endorsement wording when the requirement depends on insured status, a waiver or the scope of operations. Keep unknown items pending and record the reviewer responsible for resolving them.
A hypothetical review
A ground-level window cleaner offers to service a high-rise using rope access. The manager obtains method-specific evidence and crew details before extending the approval.
Renewals and scope changes
Reopen review if the access method, height or equipment provider changes.
Choosing limits
These review questions do not establish a universal legal minimum for this trade. Owner contracts, project size, operations and applicable licensing rules can change what is required. Use the requirements generator for an illustrative starting schedule, then have the authorized risk owner and broker approve the actual requirements.
Prepare the request
- Copy the certificate request email
- Download the COI review checklist
- Check workers’ comp requirements by state
Related trades
Scope and safety references
These official resources help identify operational hazards. They do not prescribe the insurance limits or policy terms for your contract.