FENSA Insurance & Risk Guide for Window, Door & Glazing Installers
FENSA-registered installers work on windows, doors, frames and building fabric elements that affect safety, energy performance and weatherproofing. The combination of glass, working at height and structural alterations means the right insurance is essential.
This FENSA Insurance & Risk Guide, written by SRS Insurance, explains:
- The key risks glazing installers face
- Which insurance covers are essential
- Typical glazing-related claims
- The exclusions that can leave installers exposed
- How to protect your business from financial loss
This guide is insurance and risk guidance only, not compliance or auditing.
Key Risks for FENSA Installers
Glazing and building fabric installers face several high-value risks due to the materials they handle and the work environments they operate in.
1. Glass Breakage & Property Damage
Glass is fragile and expensive to replace.
Common causes of claims include:
- Dropped panes
- Impact damage
- Incorrect handling
- Breakage during fitting
- Scratched or cracked units
Large commercial units can cost £5,000–£20,000+ to replace.
2. Incorrect Installation & Water Ingress
One of the biggest risks for glazing installers.
Improper installation can cause:
- Leaks
- Damp
- Rotting frames
- Interior property damage
- Failed thermal performance
- Customer disputes
Claims frequently range from £3,000–£30,000+.
3. Working at Height
Most window installers work on:
- Ladders
- Scaffolding
- Upper-floor windows
- High-access equipment
This creates risk of:
- Falling tools
- Personal injury
- Dropped glass causing damage
4. Structural Building Fabric Damage
Glazing installers frequently cut into or remove:
- Lintels
- Masonry
- Internal walls
- External cladding
- Timber frames
Damage to the property is one of the top claim types.
5. Manual Handling Injuries
Large glazed units and doors are heavy and awkward to move.
Common risks include:
- Back injuries
- Glass cuts
- Crush injuries
Employers’ Liability is essential for installation teams.
6. Faulty Locks, Hinges & Security Risks
If a door or window is installed incorrectly:
- Break-ins
- Failed locking systems
- Security claims
These create liability for the installer.
Essential Insurance Covers for FENSA Installers
1. Public Liability Insurance (PL)
Protects against injury or property damage caused during work.
PL for glazing installers should include:
- Glass & glazing installation
- Window & door fitting
- Building fabric work
- Water ingress
- Leaks/damp
- Work at height
- Structural damage
Recommended limits:
- Domestic installers: £2m–£5m
- Commercial installers: £5m–£10m
2. Professional Indemnity Insurance (PI)
Important for installers involved in:
- Measuring & surveying
- Specification
- Design advice
- Energy efficiency recommendations
- Commercial contracts
- Curtain walling systems
PI protects against:
- Incorrect measurements
- Wrong specification
- Faulty advice
- Surveying errors
Recommended limits: £250k – £1m
3. Employers’ Liability Insurance (EL)
Legal requirement if you employ:
- Installers
- Fitters
- Apprentices
- Labour-only subcontractors
Legal minimum: £10m
4. Tools & Equipment Insurance
Glazing teams typically carry:
- Glass suckers
- Cutting tools
- Power tools
- Installation kits
- Sealant guns
- Commercial glazing equipment
High theft risk — especially from vans.
5. Contract Works Insurance
Useful for:
- Large glazing projects
- Extensions
- New builds
- Commercial installations
- Conservatories
- Curtain wall systems
Protects materials and work during installation.
Common Insurance Mistakes FENSA Installers Should Avoid
No specific glazing or window installation trade description
Policies must clearly list:
- Glazing installation
- Window fitting
- Door fitting
- Building fabric work
No cover for water ingress
Water ingress is one of the top claim types.
No work-at-height protection
Installers regularly use ladders and scaffolding.
Assuming PL is enough
Surveying & measuring errors require PI.
Policies that exclude ‘property worked upon’
This exclusion could invalidate claims for:
- Window frames
- Masonry
- Walls
- Glass units
- Doors
- Reveals
Incorrect use of subcontractors
Labour-only subcontractors must be covered.
Not checking exclusions for glass damage
Some policies exclude:
- Accidental breakage
- Handling damage
- Glass removal
Not suitable for glazing installers.
Typical Claims Faced by FENSA Installers
Glass Breakage During Installation (£800–£6,000+)
Dropped or damaged unit.
Water Ingress (£5,000–£30,000+)
Faulty sealing or poor window installation.
Damage to Masonry or Lintels (£2,000–£15,000)
While removing old frames.
Injury From Working at Height (£10,000–£50,000)
Installer falls from ladder.
Tool Theft (£1,000–£6,000)
Common for glazing installers.
Security Claim (£3,000–£12,000)
Faulty lock installation leads to break-in.
Recommended Insurance Checklist for FENSA Installers
FENSA installers should consider ensuring their insurance includes:
- Glazing installation
- Window & door fitting
- Water ingress cover
- Building fabric work
- Working at height cover
- Professional indemnity (surveys/measuring/specification)
- Tools & equipment cover
- Employers’ Liability
- Public Liability £2m–£10m
- “Property worked upon” cover
This is risk guidance, not scheme compliance.
Why FENSA Installers Choose SRS Insurance
- Specialists in glazing, window & door installer insurance
- Policies tailored to handling glass & building fabric risk
- A-rated UK insurers
- Fast documentation
- Tools cover available
- Suitable for both domestic & commercial glazing firms
We insure glazing installers across the UK.
