When hiring a power washing service, most homeowners focus on cost, availability, and results. While those are definitely important, there’s another factor that often gets overlooked — whether or not the company is properly insured and bonded. 🧾
It might not seem like a big deal upfront, but choosing a contractor without the right coverage can lead to serious financial and legal headaches. In this article, we’ll break down why insurance and bonding matter, what to look for, and how to protect yourself before hiring anyone to touch your property. 👇
🏚️ What Could Go Wrong with Power Washing?
Power washing may seem simple — a high-pressure hose and a dirty surface — but the reality is, it’s more technical and risk-prone than you might think. Just a few things that could go wrong include:
- Damaging siding, paint, or roofing materials 😨
- Cracking concrete or denting wood with too much pressure
- Breaking windows or light fixtures
- Spraying water into electrical systems or under siding
- Injury to workers on-site
In the event of property damage or bodily injury, who pays? If your power washer isn’t insured, the answer could be: you.
📋 What Does “Licensed, Bonded, and Insured” Mean?
Let’s break down these three important terms so you know exactly what to ask for.
✅ Licensed
A business license ensures the company is legally registered and authorized to operate in your city or state. It also means they’re accountable to local regulations.
✅ Insured
Insurance covers potential accidents, property damage, and injuries that happen during the job. The most important types include:
- General Liability Insurance – Covers damage to your home or belongings
- Worker’s Compensation Insurance – Covers medical expenses if a worker gets hurt on your property
✅ Bonded
A bond is a type of financial guarantee. If the company fails to complete the job, doesn’t meet its obligations, or causes a financial loss, the bond ensures you can be compensated.
Together, these three protections create a safety net for you as the homeowner.
🤔 What Happens If They’re Not Insured?
If a power washing company isn’t properly insured and an accident happens on your property, you could be held responsible for:
- Paying for repairs out of pocket
- Covering medical expenses for injured workers
- Legal fees if a dispute arises
- Filing claims through your own homeowners insurance
Even worse — your homeowners policy might deny the claim because you hired an unlicensed or uninsured contractor. That’s a risk no one wants to take. 🚫💸
🧾 How to Verify Their Coverage
Don’t just take a contractor’s word for it. Here’s how to verify they’re properly covered:
- Ask for Proof – Request a Certificate of Insurance (COI). This should include policy numbers, coverage limits, and expiration dates.
- Call the Provider – Confirm the insurance is current and active.
- Check Bonding Status – Ask to see their surety bond documentation or number.
If a contractor refuses to provide this information, that’s an immediate red flag. 🚩
🧠 Questions to Ask Before Hiring
To make sure you’re fully protected, ask:
- Are you licensed to work in this area?
- Do you carry general liability and workers’ comp insurance?
- Are you bonded? What does your bond cover?
- Can I see proof of insurance and bonding?
- Have you ever filed a claim or had a customer file a claim against you?
A reputable company will gladly answer these questions and provide documentation. 🙌
🏘️ Why It’s Even More Important for Commercial or Multi-Unit Jobs
If you’re hiring a power washer for:
- Apartment complexes
- Retail buildings
- HOA properties
- Multi-family homes
…insurance and bonding become even more critical. The stakes are higher with more people involved, and legal liability can become complicated fast. Make sure your contractor is equipped for larger-scale liability.
😇 The Peace of Mind is Worth It
While it may be tempting to hire a budget contractor who “works under the table” or offers a steep discount, those savings can disappear instantly if something goes wrong.
Hiring a licensed, bonded, and insured power washing company may cost a bit more upfront, but it offers:
✅ Peace of mind
✅ Legal protection
✅ Financial security
✅ Higher professionalism
✅ Accountability
You’re not just paying for clean surfaces — you’re paying to protect your home, your wallet, and your future. 🏡💧
🚀 Final Thoughts
Power washing can add value, curb appeal, and a fresh new look to your home or business. But hiring the wrong company can do the exact opposite.
Before you agree to any contract or estimate, ask the right questions. Confirm that your contractor is licensed, bonded, and insured — and get it in writing. It’s a small step that could save you thousands in damages, stress, or legal problems later. 💼🧼
