Why mobile car valeting needs specific cover
Every round trade needs public liability cover (see insurance for round trades). In mobile car valeting, the risks and the small print are particular to the work: washing, cleaning and finishing a car at the customer's address.
What to ask your insurer about
- Cover for damage to customers' vehicles while in your care
- Cover for any paint damage or marks from machine polishing
- Equipment cover for the generator and polisher
The risks behind most claims
- Slips on wet driveways and ramps
- Chemicals: read labels and never mix products
- Electrical risks from a generator and wet kit
- Damaging paintwork with the wrong pad or pressure
Rules to check
- Dirty wash water and detergents must not run into surface-water drains without permission. Check with the Environment Agency and the water company
- COSHH rules apply to the chemicals you use. HSE's guide explains the assessments you should make
Tell the insurer exactly what you do
Cover for one service doesn't always cover the next. If you do more than one thing, such as pressure washing or domestic and oven cleaning, say so, and ask for it in writing. A claim refused because a job wasn't on the policy is the most expensive mistake in the trade.
If you take on help
The moment someone works for you, even part-time, you may need employers' liability cover. HSE explains who counts as an employee. Ask your insurer how they treat subcontractors.
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.