How to Choose the Right Insurance Policies Before Your First Job

Starting a power washing business comes with excitement, opportunity—and risk. Whether you’re working on someone’s home, a commercial storefront, or a high-rise property, one accident could wipe out your savings or even shut your business down. That’s why having the right insurance coverage before your first job is not optional—it’s essential. 🧼⚖️

In this article, we’ll break down the types of insurance you need as a new power washing business owner, how to shop for the best policies, and what to look for in the fine print. Let’s protect your business the smart way. 💼🔒

🧯 Why Insurance Is Non-Negotiable

Here’s what can go wrong on a typical power washing job:

You crack a window with high pressure
Your bleach mix damages a customer’s plants
A client slips on wet concrete after you’ve cleaned it
Your hose leaks and floods a basement
Your trailer gets stolen with $5,000 of gear inside

Without insurance, you’re personally liable for all damages. That means your income, savings, vehicle, or even home could be at risk in a lawsuit. 😨

Also, many clients—especially commercial ones—require proof of insurance before they’ll hire you.

🛡️ The 5 Key Types of Insurance for Power Washing Businesses

Let’s break down the most important coverage options:

1. General Liability Insurance (non-negotiable) 💥

This is the core policy every power washing business needs. It protects you if you cause:

Property damage
Bodily injury to a client or bystander
Legal defense costs if you’re sued

✅ Example: You accidentally damage siding while soft washing. This policy covers the repair or replacement costs.

💵 Coverage Amount: Aim for $1 million per occurrence / $2 million aggregate
📈 Cost: $500–$1,500/year depending on size, location, and revenue

2. Commercial Auto Insurance 🚐

If you use a van or truck for your business (which you likely do), personal auto insurance will not cover accidents during business use.

✅ Example: You rear-end another car while hauling your trailer to a job site.

📈 Cost: $1,200–$2,500/year depending on driving history, location, and type of vehicle

3. Inland Marine Insurance (aka Equipment Insurance) 🔧

This protects your tools, trailer, and pressure washing gear in case of theft, loss, or damage—even when in transit.

✅ Example: Someone steals your surface cleaner and hose reels off your trailer while you’re at lunch.

📈 Cost: Often bundled with general liability; $200–$600/year

4. Workers’ Compensation Insurance 🦺

If you hire employees, this is legally required in most states. It covers:

Medical bills for work-related injuries
Lost wages during recovery
Legal protection if a worker sues

✅ Example: Your employee slips on a wet driveway and fractures their wrist.

📈 Cost: Varies widely by state and payroll size. Can range from 3%–7% of total payroll.

5. Professional Liability Insurance (optional) 📝

Also known as “Errors & Omissions” insurance, this protects you if a client claims your advice or work caused financial harm, even if no physical damage occurred.

✅ Example: A commercial client claims you used the wrong cleaning method and now their surface needs replacement.

📈 Cost: $300–$800/year (not essential for most startups but worth considering later)

🕵️ How to Shop for Insurance Like a Pro

Here’s what to do when you’re ready to get quotes:

🗂️ 1. Gather Your Business Info

Business name and structure (LLC, sole proprietor, etc.)
Location and service areas
Equipment list and estimated value
Revenue projections
Payroll info (if you have employees)

🌐 2. Compare Quotes from Multiple Providers

Use independent brokers who specialize in small business or contractor coverage
Request custom packages that combine general liability + inland marine
Avoid policies that don’t list power washing or exterior cleaning as a covered activity

Trusted providers to check out:

Next Insurance
Hiscox
Thimble
CoverWallet
State Farm
Erie Insurance (local agents)

🧠 Pro Tip: Always read the exclusions. Some policies don’t cover roof washing or chemical usage unless specified.

🧾 What Should Be Included in Your Certificate of Insurance (COI)?

Once you’re insured, clients will ask for your COI. Here’s what it should list:

Your business name (must match your LLC or DBA)
Policy types and coverage amounts
Expiration dates
Insurance company contact
Additional insured section (some clients require this)

Save a PDF copy and keep it on your phone. 💼📲

🧊 Seasonal Tips: Don’t Forget Off-Season Coverage

Even if you don’t work in the winter, you may still need:

Garage keepers or storage insurance (if your gear is kept off-site)
Trailer protection from weather or theft
Reduced-rate liability for inactive months (ask about seasonal policies)

Cancelling your policy to “save money” often resets your rates or history, so look into downgrading instead of terminating.

⚠️ Insurance Pitfalls to Avoid

❌ Using personal auto insurance for a business vehicle
❌ Letting policies lapse between seasons
❌ Not listing employees on workers’ comp
❌ Underinsuring your equipment
❌ Buying coverage without checking what’s excluded

💬 Real-Life Example

Mike, a new power washer in Georgia, did his first $500 job without insurance. His bleach mix ran off into the neighbor’s yard and killed $1,200 worth of ornamental plants. He had to pay out of pocket—and now pays $900/year for liability. Lesson learned.

💡 Final Thoughts

Insurance might feel like a frustrating expense when you’re just getting started—but it’s really a safety net for your future. With the right coverage in place, you can confidently bid on larger jobs, protect your business from disasters, and sleep a little easier at night.

Don’t wait until something goes wrong. Secure the right policies now—and get back to growing your power washing business. 🧽💼🛡️

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