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Protect Your Car Wash with Tailored Insurance Solutions
Your car wash is more than just a business; it’s your livelihood.
You’ve invested time, money, and effort into building a successful operation that serves your community.
However, running a car wash comes with its own set of risks and challenges.
That’s where The Allen Thomas Group comes in.
Our team of expert insurance brokers specializes in providing comprehensive insurance solutions tailored specifically for car wash owners and operators throughout the United States.
Below we’ll explore the common risks faced by car wash businesses, the types of insurance coverage available, and why The Allen Thomas Group is your soon to be trust worthy partner, safeguarding your investment.
Table of Contents
Understanding Your Car Wash Businesses Risks
Car wash owners and operators face a variety of risks that can impact their bottom line and even threaten the survival of their business.
These risks include:
Property Damage | Your car wash equipment, buildings, and other assets are susceptible to damage from natural disasters, vandalism, or accidents. |
Liability Claims | If a customer or employee gets injured on your property, you could be held liable for their medical expenses and other damages. |
Equipment Breakdown | Your car wash relies on specialized equipment to function, and any breakdowns can lead to costly repairs and lost revenue. |
Crime and Theft | Car washes can be targets for theft, both from customers and employees. |
Environmental Issues | The chemicals and water used in your car wash can pose environmental risks if not handled properly. |
Our Insurance Solutions
At The Allen Thomas Group, we offer a range of insurance solutions designed to meet the specific needs of car wash businesses:
This coverage protects you against third-party claims for bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury that occur on your premises.
If a customer slips and falls on a wet floor near your self-serve washing bays, general liability insurance would cover their medical expenses and any legal fees if they decide to sue.
This coverage also extends to incidents like damage to a customer’s vehicle caused by your automatic conveyor system or improper use of cleaning agents by your employees.
Property insurance is vital for protecting your car wash’s physical assets, such as the building, equipment, and inventory, from perils like fire, theft, vandalism, and natural disasters.
This coverage can help you recover the costs of repairing or replacing damaged property, ensuring that your business can get back up and running as quickly as possible.
If a severe storm damages your car wash’s roof and causes water damage to your vacuum stations and vending machines, property insurance would cover the cost of repairs and any lost inventory.
Umbrella insurance is crucial for car wash businesses, because it offers additional financial protection in the event of a catastrophic claim, such as a severe injury or lawsuit.
If a customer is seriously injured by a malfunctioning nozzle or piece of equipment at your car wash and the claim exceeds your general liability policy limit, umbrella insurance would cover the excess amount
This coverage reimburses you for lost income and ongoing expenses, such as rent, utilities, and payroll, during the period your car wash is unable to operate.
If a fire damages your car wash’s equipment room and you need to close for repairs, business interruption insurance would provide the financial support needed to keep your business afloat and pay your employees until you can reopen.
Car washes rely heavily on specialized equipment, such as conveyor systems, high-pressure pumps, water recycling systems, and point-of-sale devices.
Also known as boiler and machinery insurance, covers the cost of repairing or replacing equipment that breaks down due to mechanical or electrical issues.
This coverage is essential because equipment breakdowns can lead to lengthy business interruptions and expensive repair bills.
If your car wash’s main conveyor system gearbox fails, equipment breakdown insurance would cover the cost of repairs or replacement, minimizing your out-of-pocket expenses and downtime.
This coverage includes medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and a portion of lost wages if your employees get injured or develop illness on/from the job.
For car wash businesses, workers’ compensation is particularly important due to the physical nature of the work and the potential for slips, falls, and other accidents.
If an employee injures their hand while performing a detail service, workers’ compensation would cover their medical treatment and lost wages while they recover.
Garage Keepers Insurance
Specialized coverage designed for businesses that care for customer vehicles, such as full-service car washes.
This coverage protects customer vehicles from damage that occurs while they are in your custody, care, or control.
If an employee accidentally damages a customer’s vehicle while performing an interior cleaning service, garage keepers insurance would cover the cost of repairs.
Car washes use a variety of cleaning solutions, waxes, and detergents that can potentially harm the environment if not handled properly.
Pollution liability insurance covers the costs associated with cleaning up environmental contamination and any related legal expenses.
This coverage is essential for car wash businesses, as it helps protect against the financial consequences of chemical spills, leaks, or improper wastewater disposal.
If a chemical storage tank at your car wash leaks and contaminates the surrounding soil, pollution liability insurance would cover the cleanup costs and any fines or legal fees.
If your car wash business owns or uses vehicles for operations, such as mobile detailing units or customer shuttle vans, commercial auto insurance is a must.
This coverage protects your business vehicles from accidents, theft, and damage, and includes liability coverage for injuries or property damage caused by your vehicles.
For example, if an employee gets into an accident while driving a company van to restock supplies, commercial auto insurance would cover the damages and any legal fees.
Types of Car Wash Businesses We Cover
Hand Car Wash (Manual | Friction)
- No setup or fixed location required
- Car is completely washed by hand
- Often found in high-end detail shops
- Low throughput due to dependence on human labor
- Prices vary widely, from low-cost home services to expensive luxury car detailing
- Lowest cost to start, with minimal equipment expenses and high variable costs
Self-Serve Car Wash (Manual | In-Bay | Friction)
- Customers wash their own vehicles using provided equipment and bay
- Often coin-operated
- Equipment typically includes sprayer, brushes, and chemicals
- Throughput is customer-dictated, averaging 3-6 cars per hour per bay
- Prices vary based on time spent, with an industry average of ~$5 per car
- Cost to buy or build varies widely based on location, with a high proportion attributed to real estate value
In-Bay Automatic Car Wash (In-Bay | Automatic | Touchless or Friction)
- Typically unattended, with no employees present
- Equipment moves around the stationary vehicle to perform the wash
- Customers remain inside the vehicle during the wash
- Touchless variant uses chemicals and high-pressure water, while friction variant uses brushes and cloths
- Average wash time of 6-10 minutes per car
- Average cost of ~$6.50 per wash
- Cost to buy: +$35k – $55k per bay + land; Cost to build: $70k – $90k per bay + land
Express Car Wash (Automatic | Tunnel | Friction)
- Fastest-growing segment of the car wash industry
- Uses conveyor or belt equipment to move vehicles through the wash process
- Highly automated, with automatic pay machines and few employees
- Typically the lowest-priced tunnel car wash
- Offers free vacuums for customers to clean vehicle interiors themselves
- Throughput of 60-120 cars per hour, depending on setup
- Prices range from $3-$5 for lowest wash package, with an industry average of $7-$9 per car
- Cost to buy or build: +$1.5MM + land
Flex Car Wash (Automatic | Tunnel | Friction)
- Combines elements of Express and Full-Service washes
- Offers express exterior-only washes and extra services like Full-Service washes
- Customers choose the extent of cleaning for their vehicles
- Throughput varies between 20-100 cars per hour, based on pricing and customer behavior
- Prices vary widely, with some basic packages priced similarly to Express washes and high-end options similar to Full-Service washes
- Average ticket price of $12-$15 per car
- Cost to buy or build: +$1.5MM + land
Full-Service Car Wash (Automatic | Tunnel | Friction)
- Declining in popularity but still exist
- Highest average ticket price and revenue per customer among automatic wash types
- Combines tunnel wash with manual labor for extra services based on customer’s chosen package
- Easily differentiated by high employee count and price tags
- Customers exit their vehicles, which travel through the tunnel unoccupied
- Throughput depends on ability to process post-tunnel services, averaging 10-30 cars per hour
- Minimum price typically around $15, with an average ticket price of $17-$20 per car
- Cost to buy or build: +$1.5MM + land
Why Choose The Allen Thomas Group?
With over 20 years of experience serving car wash businesses, The Allen Thomas Group is uniquely qualified to handle your insurance needs.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Industry Expertise: Our brokers have deep knowledge of the car wash industry and the specific risks you face.
- Tailored Solutions: We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all policies. We work closely with you to understand your unique needs and craft a customized insurance plan.
- Advocacy: We act as your advocate, working with insurance carriers to get you the best coverage at the most competitive rates.
- Claims Support: If you need to file a claim, we’ll be there to guide you through the process and ensure you receive the benefits you’re entitled to.
- Risk Management: We provide valuable risk management advice to help you minimize your exposures and prevent losses.
Car Wash Based Insurance Solutions Customized For You
We know how frustrating and complex the process of finding the right business insurance can be and how it slows down your ability to take care of your customers.
Let us help build a policy that works for you.
Tell us about your specific needs and we will find the right policy for you.
Review the results of our search.
We will walk you through your new policy step by step.
Customer Reviews
Our Carrier Partners
That allows us to find the best rates for your Car Wash’s property, liability, employee benefits, and other insurance needs.
Take Action to Protect Your Car Wash
Don’t leave your car wash business vulnerable to unexpected risks.
Contact The Allen Thomas Group today for a free, no-obligation insurance quote tailored to your unique needs.
Our expert brokers will work closely with you to identify your specific risks and craft a comprehensive insurance solution that provides the protection you need at a price you can afford.
With The Allen Thomas Group as your partner, you can have peace of mind knowing your business is protected against the unexpected.
Take the first step in safeguarding your car wash business by requesting a free quote today.
Call our office at (440) 826-3476 or click below to get started.
One of our experienced car wash insurance specialists will be in touch to discuss your needs and provide you with a customized quote.
Don’t wait until it’s too late!
Contact The Allen Thomas Group today and experience the difference of working with true car wash insurance experts!
People Also Ask
What are common car wash insurance claims?
- Damage to customer vehicles during the wash process
- Equipment breakdowns causing business interruptions
- Employee injuries from slips, falls, or chemical exposure
- Theft of cash or property
- Storm damage to buildings and equipment
What are common ways for car was businesses to mitigate risk?
- Implement a regular maintenance schedule for your equipment to prevent breakdowns.
- Train your employees on proper safety procedures and handling of chemicals.
- Install slip-resistant flooring and clearly mark wet areas to prevent slip-and-fall accidents.
- Use security cameras and proper cash handling procedures to deter theft.
- Develop an emergency response plan for natural disasters or other catastrophic events.
How can I ensure my car wash has the right insurance coverage?
To guarantee your car wash has the proper insurance protection, collaborate with a knowledgeable insurance broker who specializes in the car wash sector, such as The Allen Thomas Group.
We will perform a comprehensive risk assessment to pinpoint your car wash’s unique liabilities, from potential customer slip-and-fall accidents to equipment malfunctions, and craft a customized insurance plan that includes critical coverages like Garage Keepers Insurance, General Liability, and Property Insurance, tailored to safeguard your specific car wash operations.
What states do you provide car wash business insurance in?
- Alabama
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kentucky
- Michigan
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Virginia