Looking for Car Wash Insurance?
Protect your car wash from vehicle damage, equipment breakdown, customer injuries, and property loss. Harper provides insurance for automatic car washes, self-service bays, full-service washes, and detailing operations, with fast certificates for landlords, lenders, and equipment suppliers.
What is Car Wash Insurance?
Car wash insurance protects wash operations from risks such as damage to customer vehicles, slip-and-fall injuries, equipment failures, and property damage. Coverage commonly includes garagekeepers liability, general liability, and equipment breakdown protection. Landlords and equipment lenders often require proof of insurance before leasing locations or financing machinery.
Garagekeepers Coverage
Protection for customer vehicles if they are damaged during washing or detailing operations.
Equipment Protection
Covers wash systems, dryers, vacuums, conveyors, and other essential machinery.
Customer Safety Coverage
Protects against claims from slip-and-fall accidents or injuries occurring on your property.
Certificates
Fast proof of insurance for landlords, lenders, and equipment suppliers.
Who Needs Car Wash Insurance?
- Automatic car wash facilities : Businesses requiring specialized insurance coverage
- Self-service wash bays : Businesses requiring specialized insurance coverage
- Full-service wash and detailing operations : Businesses requiring specialized insurance coverage
- Mobile wash services : Businesses requiring specialized insurance coverage
Why Harper?
Car Wash Industry Expertise
Car wash operations involve moving equipment, chemicals, water systems, and customer vehicles. Harper understands these risks and places coverage designed for automatic, self-service, and full-service wash operations.
Fast Proof for Leases and Financing
Commercial leases and equipment financing agreements often require insurance documentation. Harper delivers accurate certificates quickly and assists with additional insured requirements to avoid delays.
Clear, Practical Guidance
We explain garagekeepers coverage, equipment breakdown, and general liability in clear terms so you understand how coverage applies to your wash operation.
Coverage Matched to Your Setup
Whether you operate a touchless automatic, tunnel wash, self-service bays, or full-service detailing operation, Harper helps align coverage with your equipment and service model.
Frequently Asked Questions
What insurance do car washes need?
Most car washes need garagekeepers coverage for vehicle damage, general liability for customer injuries, and equipment breakdown coverage for machinery. Workers compensation is required if you have employees, and property coverage may apply to buildings and owned assets.
Is car wash insurance required?
Often, yes. Landlords typically require liability coverage, lenders require coverage on financed equipment, and some municipalities require insurance for business licensing.
How much does car wash insurance cost?
Costs vary by operation type and equipment value. Self-service washes may pay $2,000–$5,000 annually, while automatic tunnel operations often range from $5,000 to $15,000 or more.
Does insurance cover scratched or damaged vehicles?
Garagekeepers coverage can apply to claims involving vehicle damage caused during washing, such as scratches or equipment-related incidents, subject to policy terms.
Does insurance cover equipment breakdown?
Yes. Equipment breakdown coverage can protect wash systems, dryers, and machinery from mechanical failures and related repair costs.
Can I add my landlord as additional insured?
Yes. Lease agreements commonly require landlords to be added as additional insureds, and Harper assists with certificates and endorsements to meet lease requirements.