What a car valeter's costs look like
The general rules are in expenses you can claim: you can deduct costs that are wholly and exclusively for the business. This page covers what that means in mobile car valeting.
| Example running cost | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Public liability and customer-vehicle insurance | £40 | £480 |
| Van, fuel and servicing | £200 | £2,400 |
| Equipment and generator repayments | £100 | £1,200 |
| Rounds software | £35 | £420 |
| Advertising | £60 | £720 |
| Total | £435 | £5,220 |
The kit you'll claim for
Most small traders on the cash basis can deduct the cost of equipment in the year they pay for it. Cars are treated differently. Typical items:
- A pressure washer and a water source: Your own water tank means you aren't relying on the customer
- A generator or power source: For vacuums and machines when there's no customer power
- Valeting products and microfibres: Shampoo, wheel cleaner, interior cleaner, polish and towels
- A polisher and detailing tools: For paint correction and finishing
- A van: To carry the kit and run the business from
Running costs to keep receipts for
- Shampoo, wax and polishes
- Microfibre towels and mitts
- Interior and wheel cleaners
- Fuel for the generator and the van
- Pads and applicators
Easy to forget in mobile car valeting
- Products and consumables on each job
- Generator and pressure-washer servicing
- A water tank and its refills
- Social media and before-and-after photography
Vehicle costs
Most car valeters claim either a flat rate per mile (55p for the first 10,000 business miles in 2026-27, then 25p) or the actual running costs of the vehicle, but not both on the same vehicle. Compare them over a year before you choose, because once you use the flat rate for a vehicle you must stick to it. The details are in expenses you can claim.
Keep records as you go
Photograph each receipt on the day and file it under the right heading. Your accountant, or HMRC if they ask, will want to see the receipt behind every figure.
Run your mobile car valeting in WorkWise
Services with their own prices: Each customer's visit has its own services and price, so a full valet and a quick wash are set up once and repeat.