[Mark Farrimond]

Noticed an interesting if not somewhat strange post earlier regarding the use of someone else's insurance documents and it left me wondering how many window cleaners trade without insurance.

We come across many people who take out our insurance and never pay for it, cos all they want is a document to show they have it so they can get paid,  leaving themselves and their customer's exposed to potential losses.

Just would be interested in what % of you are prepared to risk everything.

[DaveG]

1 

(Bumpers post was a joke Mark)

[SB Cleaning]

Yes i think you would be mad not to these days.

[Mark Farrimond]

I wasn't sure about bumpers post. Didn't want to cast aspersions - you can never tell on here if someone is joking or not.  Think he may have started a row though.

[Llaaww]

Mark, what is the law with regards to trading without pli in place. I have seen a couple of threads that say it is not actually illegal.

I have always assumed that it was a legal requirement for any trader to have some.

[Pope vader]

a wc doesnt need insurance by law, but is handy to have

[Mark Farrimond]

ORI is correct, there is no legal requirement to have Public Liability Insurance if you work as a window cleaner.  There is a legal requirement to have Employers Liability Insurance if you employ anyone or use labour only sub contractors to do your work and that is then bought under a Combined Liability Insurance policy (public and employers liability together)

If you work as a sole trader with no other help then you don't legally need it.  Personally (and this may be controversial) but I think that anyone who works on someone else's property should be forced to have it by law.  It will reduce the number of cowboys out there and it will prevent unsuspecting members of the public losing out. 

My own mum and dad got done by a roofer who door knoked. He put new roof tiles on and bodged their perfectly good roof and did a runner. Days later it rained in and ruined their kitchen.   Good job he did a runner.

[Tom White]

I've a few jobs that I need to have PL for; they ask each year for my renewal too.

And when I'm asked to quote, I always make a point of saying that a Risk assessment, method statement and PL are required for their protection in the event of an accident.

I know for a fact that one of my customers (when looking for other quotes) said to a local window cleaner that she required RA/MS and public liability insurance. 

It all helps.

[KS Cleaning]

In Scotland you need PLI,without it the local council will not give you a window cleaning licence.

[bobby p]

Burt Reynolds said he didnt believe in insurance ( in "Deliverance" )  and whats good enough for him was good enough for me ,when i was a lone wolf

However ,once i started employing lads i now have all the insurance in place

[Rick Davis]

In Scotland you need PLI,without it the local council will not give you a window cleaning licence.

   

Interesting point . How much do they charge you for a Window cleaners licence.

Rickster

[Frankybadboy]

yes for me.

[KS Cleaning]

In Scotland you need PLI,without it the local council will not give you a window cleaning licence.

   

Interesting point . How much do they charge you for a Window cleaners licence.

Rickster

The cost of a licence varies between regions as it is the local council that sets the price,we are £90 for 1 year or £140 for 3 years,you need a license for employees too.If you have a licence it also means you have been vetted by the police which is reassuring for customers.

[richard jagger]

I think more windies would have it if it were not for all the small print in these Insurance companies polices that I C  whittle there way out of truly covering you.

[Mark Farrimond]

Wizkid,

Sounds like you have had a bad experience.  Not all insurance companies are the same, the one we use are excellent.  Give us try in the future, I would love to change your mind.

[mikecam]

............should be forced to have it by law.  It will reduce the number of cowboys out there .........

And curiously in the motor insurance game where it is forced by law its had exactly the opposite effect. Its increased the number of cowboys !! Right from the accidents on purpose for whiplash claims, throught to the Insurance companies themselves working in cahoots to all bump premiums massivley, so much so the government is looking into it !!! Reduce cowboys , don't make me laugh !!!

[Mark Farrimond]

Not exactly sure of your point Mike. What I meant was that if public liability insurance was compulsory for window cleaners it would weed out those who don't care about their customers and leave more work for those who do.

[Blue Frog Systems]

I didnt in my first year ... but got it in my second

[mci services]

Not exactly sure of your point Mike. What I meant was that if public liability insurance was compulsory for window cleaners it would weed out those who don't care about their customers and leave more work for those who do.

mark as mentioned in Scotland you need p/l to get a license and that is compulsory by law, well in all but a few areas, and it does nothing to deter the cowboys as the home owner couldn't give a hoot as long as the price is cheap, ok that isn't always the case but it still drives prices down

[mikecam]

Not exactly sure of your point Mike. What I meant was that if public liability insurance was compulsory for window cleaners it would weed out those who don't care about their customers and leave more work for those who do.

it may well do Mark, i've no idea how though. I'd guarantee that premiums would go up if it was compulsory though, massivley. PPI, now there's a thing, everyones getting their money back !!! The cowboys are not always dressed in chaps and stetsons !!!
 You think everyone should have it by law and you sell it ? I personally think anyone with dirty windows should be fined by the environmental health !!!