Auto detailing insurance
Auto detailing insurance
One application, multiple quotes.
All in one place.
Essential Protection
From
$17.92
/month*
Could help cover claims against your business for property damage and injuries to others.
What’s included:
General Liability
Coverage limits: $1M to $2M†
Get multiple quotes in less than 10 mins
Essential Protection
From
$17.92
/month*
Could help cover claims against your business for property damage and injuries to others.
What’s included:
General Liability
Coverage limits: $1M to $2M†
Get multiple quotes in less than 10 mins
Would you rather pick and choose your coverage? Explore all options
Over 1 million customers worldwide.
Buy instantly online.
Why Does an Auto Detailing Business Need Insurance?
From paint that pops to interiors that look factory-fresh, your work makes cars feel brand new again. But detailing is hands-on, high-touch work — and it only takes one slip for something to go sideways, like a scratched panel, a product spill, or a strained back. Car detailing insurance can help protect your business, your team, and your gear, so one mishap doesn’t stall your day.
Below are some of the most common types of insurance policies that car detailers buy.
What Type of Auto Detailing Insurance Do I Need?
General Liability Insurance
From
$17.92
/month*
A foundational insurance coverage to help handle costs from third-party accidents, property damage, and bodily injury.
Contractor’s Equipment and Small Tools Insurance
From
$20.83
/month‡
Also known as inland marine insurance, this coverage can financially protect equipment and inventory that’s in transport or stored offsite.
Workers’ Comp Insurance
From
$38.91
/month*
Coverage to help take care of employees who get sick or injured on the job. Most states require this coverage for small businesses with full- or part-time employees. It also can benefit business owners who don’t have employees.
Business insurance —
a one-minute explanation
Learn more about policies for small businesses, what they cover, why you might need them, and how we can help – all in just 60 seconds.
What Does Auto Detailing Insurance Cover?
Detailing is all about working in tight spaces and applying delicate finishes. With that much precision, a small mistake can turn into a stalled job. Here’s how car detailing insurance can help protect you from these common risks:
Damage to someone else’s property
While power washing a car, you trip over a stray hose, causing the high-pressure wand to jerk upward and shatter a window on the building next door. A general liability policy could help cover the cost of repairs and protect you from other third-party damage claims.
Damaged or stolen equipment
After a mobile job, you realize your van was broken into and your pressure washer, extractor, and polisher were stolen. Contractor’s equipment and small tools insurance, also known as inland marine insurance, can help pay to replace or repair your stolen or damaged equipment, whether it’s on the move or at a jobsite.
Care for sick or injured employees
An employee slips on a wet bay floor and fractures their wrist. Workers’ compensation insurance can help cover their medical bills and provide wage replacement as they recover.
Workers’ comp is often legally required and can protect your business from costly claims, as well as taking care of your crew if they get sick or injured on the job. Even if you operate solo, we recommend workers’ comp insurance, because many health insurance policies won’t cover work-related injuries.
How Much Does Auto Detailing Insurance Cost?
Try Our Auto Detailing Insurance Calculator
Get a quick estimate in just 3 steps.
Why Auto Detailers Choose Simply Business
Small business insurance is what we do. Whether it’s covering you for accidents and errors, meeting workers’ comp requirements, or financially protecting your business from the unexpected, we can help find the coverage you need for your car detailing business.
Speed and Efficiency
Get customized quotes from top-rated insurers in just 10 minutes.
Tailored Coverage
Access flexible insurance options specifically built for your unique business needs.
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Answers to More Questions About Car Detailing Insurance
What is car detailing insurance?
Car detailing insurance is a collection of policies that car detailing business owners typically purchase to cover different parts of their business.
Do I need insurance as a car detailing business owner?
Most states require you to carry workers’ compensation insurance if you have employees. There also may be licensing requirements for certain liability coverages. We recommend checking with your state and local governments for workers’ compensation requirements.
What insurance do mobile detailers need for their equipment?
While a fixed-site shop might rely on standard property coverage, mobile detailing insurance requires more specialized protection. Because your pressure washers, extractors, and polishers are constantly in transit, you may want to consider contractor’s equipment and small tools coverage, also known as inland marine insurance. This coverage protects your expensive tools and equipment while they are being transported to job sites or stored in your mobile rig. Just keep in mind: many policies only cover theft if there are clear signs of forced entry, so always keep your vehicle locked
Does insurance cover me if I burn a car’s paint?
It depends on your specific coverage. While general liability typically covers third-party property damage, it generally excludes damage to the cars you are working on. To cover a “workmanship” error, such as burning paint with a polisher or using the wrong chemical, you typically need garage keepers primary coverage insurance or a “care, custody, or control” endorsement added to your policy.
How can I get a Certificate Of Insurance (COI) for my detailing business?
Once your COI is issued, Simply Business provides instant digital COI access through your online account 24/7. This same-day documentation allows you to prove your coverage and start working immediately without waiting days for a paper trail.
What determines the cost of car detailing insurance?
The cost for your insurance coverage is determined by factors such as:
- The type of work you do
- Where your business is located
- Your annual revenue
- The types of policies and limits you choose
Other factors can include your claims history and how long you’ve been in business.
What should I consider before buying car detailing insurance?
If you’re thinking of buying car detailing insurance, we recommend having the following information on hand when using our car detailing insurance calculator:
- The state where you do business
- Your type of business or trade
- Your annual revenue estimates
This information can make it easier to get a quote from one of our insurers.
Feel confident in your choice.
We partner with a range of top-rated carriers and use smart technology to match you with policies that fit your specific business, your risks, and budget.
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More Helpful Information for a Car Detailing Business Owner
5-minute read
Garage Keepers Coverage Explained
*The displayed price for each product is a monthly estimate calculated from the 10th percentile of relevant policies sold by Simply Business (e.g., General Liability data is used for General Liability estimates). This estimate uses data from relevant policy sales between January–June 2025. Final price and payment terms, which may include an initial down payment, are subject to change based on your state, selected insurance provider, and specific business details.
† Limits may vary by state and nature of your business.
‡ Displayed price is based on the lowest available coverage limit for Equipment and Small Tools policies.