A Guide to Pressure Washing Business Insurance

As an entrepreneur in the pressure washing business, you're no stranger to the possible risks and damages that come with cleaning your customers' properties. So, isn't it wise to have insurance that protects your business from potential losses?

That's where pressure washing insurance comes in. It's a surefire way of protecting your business from future financial risks. Keep reading to learn more about this cover and the benefits it brings forth.

What’s Insurance for Pressure Washing Businesses?

A commercial pressure washer is a machine that uses high-pressure water to remove mold, grime, loose paint, and dust from objects and surfaces like buildings, concrete surfaces, and vehicles. It's used mainly by porters, exterior surface cleaners, and janitors.

Despite its steady nature, this type of work brings forth a handful of risks. Fortunately, pressure washing insurance protects you from paying out of pocket for accidents and property damages.

What's more, it can cover legal costs when your clients decide to take matters to court. Remember, unless you have the right coverage, customers may be reluctant to do business with you.

What Does Insurance for Pressure Washing Businesses Cover?

There are so many reasons why a business offering power washing services should have pressure washing insurance. To understand why purchasing a General Liability (GL) policy is a worthwhile investment, have a look at some of the risks pressure washing insurance could respond to.

Bodily Injury

Accidents mainly occur when you least expect them to. You might just be doing your work, trying to get your client's walls back to their pristine state when, all of a sudden, someone walks in and trips over the hose.

If this person suffers a severe injury that keeps him or her out of work, you're legally liable for the injury. The good news is that your pressure washing business' General Liability insurance takes care of third-party bodily injury, so you can comfortably file a claim to cover all the losses that your client sustained due to the injury.

Property Damage

While doing business, you might create a mess and cause damage to your client's property. Whether you accidentally damage the floor or simply break a vessel, your client is legally permitted to demand compensation. Thanks to your power washing GL insurance policy for property damage, you won't have to pay for the damages out of pocket.

Advertising Harm

Most contractors use the before and after pictures of their clients' houses for advertisement purposes without prior consent. No matter how perfect the results are, that's a trap you don't want to fall in. But in case you do, your GL can cover the damages if your client sues you for using the photo without permission.

Professional Errors

When offering pressure washing services, you might accidentally turn the machine too high and cause damage, such as knocking over your customer's plants on the porch. Luckily, your General Liability Insurance can cover such expenses if it includes professional liability coverage.

Libel or Slander

This primarily includes false advertising, slander, or copyright infringement. For instance, if one of your workers shares unappealing information about a client with another person, your customer might decide to sue for slander. In this instance, your insurance policy will cover you.

Do I Need Insurance for My Pressure Washing Business?

Adding an unplanned business expense to your credit card is quite stressful, more so if you've got so many things in mind, like purchasing new equipment. Without insurance coverage, you'll end up paying more out of pocket.

Also, if your state's laws require you to have an insurance policy, you risk facing legal consequences if you don't have proof of coverage. Some of the average expenses you'll have to pay are:

• $20,000 for client slip-and-fall cases
• $39,000 for work injury claims
• $50,000 for slander or libel claims
• $30,000 for property damage

Would paying these amounts be devastating to your business? These damages don’t even take into account the amount of time wasted in pursuing legal channels. Remember that, even if you provide the most outstanding pressure washing services, your client may take you to court if he or she is not satisfied with your services. And when that legal action occurs, you may still have to pay for lawsuits.

However, with the right amount of pressure washing insurance, you can protect your business from the cost of lawsuits and claims.

For example, if your washer's small engine blows up, you can still get compensated. Here's the thing: You must agree with your service provider about what your insurance covers. In most cases, the insurance only takes care of lost wages and your machine's value at the policy date. It doesn't cover the replacement cost at the time of failure.

That's not all. Having proof of insurance can also play a crucial role in taking your business to greater height, such as:

• Earning new customers' confidence
• Opening another location
• Convincing other potential cleaners to work for your company

With all these benefits of an insurance policy and the repercussions of not having coverage, your business will be better off purchasing pressure washing insurance.

Other Types of Pressure Washing Business Insurance to Consider

Apart from the policies mentioned above, there are different types of coverage crucial to your business. However, this depends on specific aspects of your operation. Be sure to talk to your agent about the best policies for your business.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

This is applicable if you employ staff for your washing business. Generally, your business may start slow, but a compensatory policy for your workers becomes a priority as it expands.

In some states, both full-time and part-time employees require a company to have a workers' compensation policy. This type of insurance serves two purposes. First, it assures that injured employees get medical attention and compensation for their lost wages. Second, it protects you from lawsuits by workers who suffer injuries while working.

Your employee will receive benefits regardless of whether you were at fault or not. Besides covering on-the-job mishaps like disability and medical intervention, workers' compensation provides death benefits for your employee's dependents.

A commercial pressure washer needs careful and professional handling to meet safe working standards. It doesn't matter whether you trust your proficient workers or not. A workers' compensation policy is in everyone's best interest.

Commercial Auto Insurance

As a businessperson in the pressure washing business, you need reliable transportation for your washing equipment, such as a van or a truck. Any business that uses company vehicles on public roads needs to have commercial auto insurance as required by the state. Because your vehicle is a vital asset to company productivity, you shouldn't ignore auto insurance.

All you need to do is pay a premium, usually every year, and if your employee gets in an accident, the policy pays for the repair expenses. Like your personal auto policy, commercial vehicle insurance provides coverage like collision, medical payment, and uninsured motorist coverage. That's why it's wise to have it since you'll be using your company van more than your weekend get-around car.

How Much Does Business Insurance for Pressure Washing Businesses Cost?

Generally, the total cost of your insurance depends on your type of work and whether or not you employ any people for your business. Your insurance provider determines the costs depending on the following concerns.

The People Your Policy Covers

You need to clearly state the number of people your pressure washing insurance policy will cover. This list also includes any volunteer or worker who helps you provide power washing services to your clients.

The Policy Length

If you only need insurance for a one-off gig, the duration of your cover could last for only an hour. But if you have many clients who schedule appointments all year round, taking cover for a long-term basis is a more cost-effective and viable option.

The good thing about working with CoverWallet is that you can customize your insurance policy length. This means that you only pay for what you need for a specific period.

Your Coverage Limit

This is the amount of cover you can access from your insurance carrier if you make a claim. Usually, this amount ranges from $1,000,000 to $2,000,000.

Policy Add-Ons

Most pressure washing insurance covers allow you to take coverage for other business activities such as painting. With this policy, you can customize your coverage to cover your company's adjacent business activities. If you do so, you'll have to pay more for your pressure washing insurance.

Get the Right Insurance for Your Pressure Washing Business With A-Rated Carriers

At CoverWallet, we take great pride in only working with A-rated carriers. And what do we mean by an A-rated insurance company? This is a company that's on firm financial footing.

Simply put, it can comfortably pay any claims and repay creditors. Unlike other lower-grade insurance companies, the chances of an A-rated company honoring the terms of your insurance are high.

A-rated companies that work with us are more adaptable to your pressure washing business needs. Contact us today for more flexible limits and contractual requirements that give you maximum freedom to make a claim.