Does auto insurance cover car wash damage?

Whether you have a busy schedule or you prefer to let someone else do the work, your local car wash offers a quick and easy solution to a dirty vehicle. You can pay someone to wash, dry, buff, and shine your car and restore it to its former glory.

But what happens if your car is damaged in the process? You may wonder, will my insurance cover car wash damage? 

It depends on the situation. You might be able to receive compensation for damage caused by car wash accidents if you can demonstrate that the damage resulted from the negligence of the car wash owner or their employees. However, even if the car wash business is found responsible, your ability to obtain compensation will depend on your car wash business insurance and the specific car wash coverage you have. Keep reading to find out more.

The Specifics of Car Wash Damage Coverage 

You might be able to file car wash damage claims with your insurance company, depending on the situation. Generally, car insurance covers physical damage from incidents like vandalism, accidents, or severe weather, but it often excludes routine wear and tear. Consequently, your policy might not cover damage such as scratches or chips caused by automated car washes near you. To find the best insurance for car washes, it’s important to review your coverage details or consult with an insurance agent.

However, you might still receive compensation for paint damage from a car wash if you can demonstrate negligence by the owner or employees. Many car wash damage lawsuits rely on proving negligence, which refers to a failure to exercise appropriate care in a given situation. This is important to consider, especially if a car wash waiver was signed.

In the case of a car wash owner or employee, this may mean:

• They use poorly maintained car wash equipment
• Employees are not properly trained
• There are not adequate instructions on how to operate the car wash equipment
• They fail to follow safety guidelines 

In simple terms, negligence refers to the car wash owner being aware of unsafe conditions related to their property, equipment, or staff that could lead to car wash damage, but failing to address them. This applies to issues such as car wash failures or problems at a cheap car wash. However, negligence does not cover incidents caused by unexpected malfunctions beyond the owner’s control.

For example, say a car wash doesn’t have signs that provide instructions for how to properly drive onto the automated car wash track. When you drive in, you miss the track and damage your wheels or rocker panel. In this case, the owner of the car wash company may be liable because they didn’t meet the expected standard of care, which is to provide clear instructions on how to operate the equipment. 

What if I Signed a Waiver?

Some car washes require drivers to sign a waiver releasing them of being held liable for car wash damages. This protects car wash owners in the event of: 

• Equipment failure
• Scratches or dents caused by the equipment

However, there is a distinction between damage that a waiver might cover and damage resulting from negligent actions, such as failing to maintain or repair equipment. This is important when considering insurance for car detailing, as well as the car wash insurance cost and insurance for car washing services.

If you can prove that the car wash business was negligent and it led to vehicle damage, you may be entitled to compensation. An experienced property damage attorney can help you determine whether negligence was a factor in your car’s damage. 

If you’re worried about paint damage caused by a car wash and want to take a proactive approach, it’s wise to photograph your car both before and after the wash. This method effectively demonstrates that any damage resulted from the car wash. Including timestamps in these photos makes it harder for the car wash owner or employees to argue that the damage was due to other factors. Additionally, if you’re considering wear and tear insurance for cars, having this evidence can be valuable for your claim.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that pictures don’t make for an iron-clad case. Pictures may help in proving negligence, but it will take more than that to establish fault on the part of the car wash owner or employees. 

What if a Car Wash Employee Damaged My Car?

Many car washes provide extra services for vehicles, such as interior cleaning or detailing, carried out by their employees. The responsibility for hiring and training these employees falls on the car wash owner, who must ensure they meet the organization’s standard of care. For protection against potential issues, obtaining car wash liability insurance, reviewing car wash insurance quotes, and securing comprehensive car wash insurance coverage are essential.

If an employee behaves negligently and causes damage to your car (such as scratches to the leather interior from using improper cleaning supplies), the car wash owner may be responsible for the employee’s negligence.

Ensure the Best Coverage at the Best Price

If your car was damaged during a visit to the car wash, you might be wondering if your insurance will cover the car wash damage. Determining coverage can be complex and depends on your specific insurance policy, whether you signed a waiver, and whether the car wash owner or staff acted negligently. If a car wash dented your car, you may need to submit a car wash damage claim form. Additionally, be aware of signs indicating a car wash is not responsible for damage, as these could affect your claim.

Looking for comprehensive coverage? We’ve got you covered. You can easily compare plans and find the best insurance coverage for your needs and budget. Just type in your zip code to see quotes from top insurance companies and get the process started.

Sources: 

Cornell Law School. Negligence. https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/negligence 

Hensley Legal Group. Who is LIable if My Car is Damaged at the Car Wash? https://hensleylegal.com/car-damaged-car-wash/