Auto Detailer Insurance
Coverage tailored for shop-based and mobile car detailing, ceramic coating, paint correction, window tint/PPF, and wash services. Build the right mix of General Liability, Garagekeepers, Business Auto & HNOA, Property/BOP, Tools & Equipment, and Workers’ Comp.
Who we insure
Independent detailers, multi-bay shops, and mobile detailing units serving dealerships, fleets, and retail customers. Whether you keep vehicles on site or work curbside, we align coverage to your care, custody, and control exposures and contract requirements.
- GL limits commonly $1M per occurrence / $2M–$4M aggregate.
- Garagekeepers protects customer vehicles in your care (direct primary or legal liability form).
- Mobile crews often need Hired & Non‑Owned Auto plus an equipment floater for tools in transit.
- COIs with Additional Insured, Primary & Noncontributory, and Waiver of Subrogation available when approved.
Availability and terms vary by state, services provided (e.g., tint/PPF), solvents used, and loss history.
Coverages & Limits
General Liability (GL)
| Each Occurrence | $1,000,000 typical (higher available) |
|---|---|
| General Aggregate | $2,000,000–$4,000,000 typical |
| Products/Completed Operations | Included (for coatings/PPF/tint install exposure) |
| Personal & Advertising Injury | Included |
| Damage to Premises Rented to You | Included |
| Medical Payments | Often excluded or low sublimit |
GL handles third‑party bodily injury/property damage (e.g., slip on wet floor). Customer vehicle damage is not GL—see Garagekeepers.
Garagekeepers (Customer Vehicles in Your Care)
| Form | Direct Primary or Legal Liability (varies by carrier) |
|---|---|
| Limits | Per‑auto (e.g., $50k–$250k+) and per‑location aggregate |
| Causes of Loss | Comprehensive/Collision; theft/vandalism; weather; fire (per form) |
| Deductibles | Per‑auto deductibles common |
Choose limits that match the value of vehicles on site (consider high‑end cars). For mobile work, coverage can apply while you have CCC during service.
Business Auto & HNOA
| Auto Liability | Commonly $1,000,000 CSL |
|---|---|
| Physical Damage | Comp/Collision for titled vans/trucks |
| Hired & Non‑Owned Auto | Liability for employee‑owned or rented vehicles used for jobs |
| Trailers | Schedule mobile tanks/generators/trailers as needed |
If crews drive personal vehicles to sites, add HNOA. This does not cover physical damage to the employee’s own car.
Property / BOP (Shop Locations)
Buildings, tenant improvements, contents/stock, signage, and business income. Consider flood/wind where applicable and equipment breakdown for compressors/heaters.
Tools & Equipment (Inland Marine)
Portable pressure washers, buffers, extractors, steamers, water tanks, generators, lighting, and mobile POS. Covers on premises, in transit, and at job sites (territory/security conditions apply).
Workers’ Comp & Employers’ Liability
Statutory benefits for W‑2 staff. Maintain training on chemicals, eye/hand protection, and heat exposure for mobile crews.
Umbrella / Excess Liability
Additional limits over GL, Auto, and Employers’ Liability to meet dealer and property‑manager requirements.
Optional Endorsements
- Cyber for card data and scheduling systems
- Crime/Fidelity (employee dishonesty) and Money & Securities
- Pollution/overspray/ wastewater options where available
- Installation floater for PPF/tint materials before installation
Contracts, Dealer Requirements & Certificates
- Additional Insured (AI): Dealers, property managers, event hosts—AI endorsements for ongoing ops.
- Primary & Noncontributory / Waiver of Subrogation: Available when approved; common in vendor agreements.
- COIs: Same‑day certificate issuance with endorsement references where required.
- Keys & test‑drive procedure: Documented custody of keys and pre/post‑work photos help claims.
Safety & Risk Controls
- Wastewater & overspray controls (mats/reclaim systems); follow local ordinances.
- Chemical handling: labeled containers, SDS on site, eye/skin protection, ventilation.
- Slip resistance: cones, mats, and dry‑down protocols for bays/walkways.
- Vehicle custody: check‑in photos, mileage, accessories; secure parking and key lockboxes.
- Mobile operations: driver standards, distracted‑driving policy, cargo securement.
Pre‑Quote Underwriting Checklist
- Services offered (wash, detail, ceramic, PPF, tint, paint correction, mobile?)
- Average/maximum vehicle values; number kept on site; overnight storage/security
- Desired Garagekeepers limits (per‑auto/per‑location)
- Vehicle schedule (owned/leased) + drivers & MVRs; HNOA exposure
- Shop property values (buildings, tenant improvements, contents)
- Tools & equipment inventory and max values in transit
- COI/contract wording requirements; prior loss runs (3–5 years)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need Garagekeepers if I don’t keep cars overnight?
Yes. Garagekeepers applies whenever a customer’s vehicle is in your care, custody, or control—even for short jobs during the day.
Is damage to a customer vehicle a GL claim?
Typically no. GL excludes property in your care. Garagekeepers addresses physical damage to customer autos (subject to form and deductible).
We’re mobile—what coverages are must‑haves?
GL, HNOA (if staff use personal/rented vehicles), Tools & Equipment for gear in transit, and Garagekeepers for CCC during service.
How much Garagekeepers should I carry?
Set per‑auto to match the most expensive vehicle you touch; set per‑location to the maximum total on site. High‑end shops often carry $150k–$250k per‑auto or more.
Do you support dealer/vendor contract wording?
Yes—AI/PNC/Waiver endorsements available when supported by the carrier, with fast COIs listing required language.
Summaries above are for marketing only. Final terms depend on policy forms and underwriting.
Request a Quote
Tell us about your detailing operation and we’ll follow up quickly with options.