Hiring a pressure washing company to clean your home or business seems straightforward. But before anyone shows up with high-powered equipment and sprays down your property, there’s one critical thing you should check first — insurance coverage. 💼💦
It’s easy to assume that every contractor is fully insured, but that’s not always the case. Hiring someone without the right coverage could lead to costly problems if something goes wrong — like damage to your property or an injury on-site. This article explains the key types of insurance a pressure washing company should carry, why they matter, and how to verify them before hiring. 🧠🔍
🤕 Why Insurance Matters for Pressure Washing
Pressure washing may seem harmless, but the equipment can be powerful enough to:
- Etch or strip paint off siding
- Crack windows
- Damage shingles or roofing material
- Injure a passerby or technician
If the company you hire isn’t properly insured, you could be on the hook for repairs or medical costs. That’s why verifying insurance is a smart — and essential — first step before hiring any pressure washing contractor. 📋🚫
📑 Types of Insurance a Pressure Washing Company Should Have
Let’s break down the three main types of insurance every reputable pressure washing business should carry:
✅ 1. General Liability Insurance
This is the most important form of protection and the one you should absolutely ask about. General liability covers:
- Property damage caused during the job
- Bodily injury to a third party (like a neighbor or passerby)
- Legal costs if the company is sued for accidents related to their service
For example, if the pressure washer blasts a hole in your vinyl siding or cracks a window, liability insurance will cover the repairs. Or if a technician accidentally sprays someone walking by, the policy covers medical bills and legal defense if needed.
What to Look For:
A policy with at least $1 million in coverage is standard, though some carry more.
✅ 2. Workers’ Compensation Insurance
If the company has employees (not just the owner), they should carry workers’ comp insurance. This protects you if a worker is injured on your property.
Without it, the injured worker could potentially sue you as the property owner to cover their medical expenses or lost wages. 😬
What to Look For:
Make sure the company clearly states that their team is covered under workers’ comp. If they use subcontractors, ask whether those individuals are also covered.
✅ 3. Commercial Auto Insurance
This isn’t always top of mind, but if a pressure washing company uses vehicles to transport heavy equipment or chemicals, they should carry commercial auto insurance.
If their truck damages your driveway or is involved in an accident on your property, this coverage steps in. 🚚🧼
What to Look For:
Check that any company vehicle used for business purposes is insured under a commercial policy (not just a personal one).
🔎 How to Verify a Company’s Insurance Coverage
It’s not rude to ask for proof of insurance — in fact, responsible companies expect it. Here’s how to approach it professionally:
- Ask before scheduling service:
“Can you send over a copy of your insurance certificate before we finalize the booking?” - Request a Certificate of Insurance (COI):
This document lists the coverage types, policy numbers, and coverage amounts. You can even request that your name and address be added as the certificate holder for added transparency. - Double-check coverage dates:
Make sure the policy is current and active during the scheduled service date. - Call the insurance provider if needed:
The COI will list the insurance company’s contact information if you want to verify authenticity.
Reputable businesses won’t hesitate to share proof. If someone refuses or tries to dodge the question, that’s a major red flag. 🚩
🤔 What About Bonding?
You might hear the term “licensed, bonded, and insured.” Bonding is a separate protection that guarantees the company will complete the job as agreed or compensate you if they don’t.
While not always necessary for every pressure washing job, bonding does offer peace of mind, especially for large or commercial projects.
🚨 Risks of Hiring an Uninsured Pressure Washer
Let’s say you hire a cheap pressure washer you found on social media. They show up, do the job… and then:
- Crack a window
- Damage your deck
- Slip and fall on your walkway
If they’re not insured, the cost to fix the damage or respond to a claim could come out of your pocket. Worse, your homeowners insurance may not cover contractor negligence.
In the end, that low-price job could cost hundreds or even thousands more than you expected. 💸🧱
🧼 Final Thoughts
Hiring a pressure washing company isn’t just about price or convenience — it’s about protection and peace of mind. Taking a few minutes to confirm insurance coverage can save you from big headaches down the road.
Here’s a quick checklist for your next hire:
✅ General Liability Insurance
✅ Workers’ Compensation (if they have employees)
✅ Commercial Auto Insurance
✅ Certificate of Insurance with valid dates
✅ Clear, open communication from the contractor
If a company checks all those boxes, you’re likely dealing with a professional who’s prepared, responsible, and safe to hire. 💪🏠
