Car Wash Insurance Coverage Checklist
The coverages a car wash business may carry — core, prevalent, and situational — why each matters, and the gap most often missed.
Pull out your current policy and check the box next to any coverage you can confirm is already in place — anything unchecked is worth a quick conversation with your advisor. Coverage checklist for tunnel, in-bay, self-serve, and full-service car washes. Priorities reflect typical exposure; confirm against wash type and staffing.
Tick each coverage you can confirm you carry — anything left unticked is a good question for your next policy review.
| Have it? | Coverage | Why this business needs it | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial General Liability | Covers exit-area crashes, pedestrian injuries, and slips. | Core | |
| Car Wash Damage / Garagekeepers | Covers damage to customer vehicles from wash equipment — often excluded from standard GL. | Core | |
| Commercial Property & Business Income (incl. Equipment Breakdown) | Covers tunnel equipment and lost revenue when it fails. | Core | |
| Pollution Liability | Covers chemical and wastewater releases. | Situational | |
| Workers' Compensation | Required in most states for employees. | Core |
The coverage gap most often missed
The most commonly missed gap for this class is car wash damage coverage. Standard GL often excludes damage to vehicles in the operator's care, and equipment damage claims — mirrors, antennas, trim — are the most frequent losses. Exit-area crashes and pedestrian strikes are the severe ones. Operators should confirm car wash or garagekeepers coverage, post accessory exclusions, and keep the exit area clear of people.
Send us the checklist and we'll review your car wash coverage line by line, then market it across multiple carriers that compete for your account.
Related: Car Wash Insurance · Car Wash Supplemental (apply) · All coverage checklists
Frequently asked questions
What insurance does a car wash business need?
The core coverages for a car wash business are Commercial General Liability, Car Wash Damage / Garagekeepers, Commercial Property & Business Income (incl. Equipment Breakdown), Workers' Compensation. This checklist also lists the prevalent and situational coverages worth considering, with a plain-English note on why each matters.
Is this checklist insurance advice?
No. It is a free educational tool to help you have a more informed conversation with a licensed professional. It affords no coverage and is not insurance, legal, or financial advice — only your actual policy language governs what is and isn't covered.
Can Cory Washington & Co. review my car wash coverage?
Yes. Share your checklist and we'll review your program line by line, market your account across multiple carriers, and explain the trade-offs in plain English. Cory Washington & Co. LLC is licensed in all 50 states.
This checklist is a free educational tool from Cory Washington & Co. to help you review your own coverage and have a more informed conversation with a licensed insurance professional. It is general information only — not insurance, legal, or financial advice, and not a recommendation to buy, change, or cancel any policy. Coverage terms, availability, limits, and requirements vary by policy, carrier, and state, and only the language in your actual policy governs what is and isn’t covered. Checking or leaving blank any item above does not indicate that you are adequately insured or under-insured. Using this checklist does not create a client, agency, or fiduciary relationship. Always consult a licensed professional about your specific situation.