You’re working on other people’s property, using potentially hazardous equipment, and often operating on short deadlines. Accidents happen to everyone, and even minor ones can lead to costly claims that derail your business.
From liability risks to equipment protection, our complete guide to business insurance for pressure washing explains what coverage you need, how it safeguards your operations, and why it’s crucial for meeting client expectations and staying competitive.
What Is Pressure Washing Insurance?
Pressure washing insurance is a type of business insurance that protects pressure cleaning companies from financial risks. These risks include things like:
- Property damage caused by high-pressure equipment
- Accidental injuries to third parties
- Employee injuries while working
- Damaged or stolen tools
- Auto accidents involving work vehicles
- Client complaints or legal claims
Pressure washing insurance coverage isn’t a single policy; it’s usually a package of coverages tailored to your operations. Whether you specialize in residential driveways or large-scale commercial buildings, having the right coverage protects your business and allows you to take on projects with confidence.
How Much Does Business Insurance for Pressure Washing Cost?
At Insurance Canopy, pressure washing insurance starts at $39 per month. Your final premium may vary based on several factors:
- Locations where your business operates
- The annual revenue of your company
- Whether you have employees (and how many)
- The types of coverage you choose
- Your coverage limits
Why Pressure Washing Businesses Need Insurance
Pressure washing insurance is essential, and in some cases, required.
✔️ Clients often ask for proof of insurance before signing a contract.
You might lose out on profitable jobs if you don’t have a valid Certificate of Insurance (COI). Pressure washing insurance also protects you from having to pay out of pocket when accidents happen, which is common in pressure washing, even for experienced professionals.
✔️ You may legally be required to carry insurance.
If your business has employees, workers compensation is legally required in most states. Commercial auto coverage is also needed if you use a vehicle for work. Without the proper insurance, you expose your business to expensive fines, legal claims, and contract cancellations.
Getting insured helps you meet legal and client requirements — and protects your bottom line when something goes wrong.
How to Get Business Insurance for Pressure Washing
Here’s how to get pressure washing insurance:
- Fill out our online application
- Choose the coverage options that match your work
- Purchase your policy and instantly download your COI
You can get insured with Insurance Canopy in minutes and start protecting your business immediately!
What Kind of Coverage Do Pressure Washing Businesses Need?
The insurance coverage you need depends on how you operate. If you drive for work, hire employees, or use expensive tools, each scenario brings unique risks. Here’s a breakdown of the most essential insurance policies for pressure washers:
| Coverage Type | What It Covers | When You Need It |
|---|---|---|
|
– Bodily injury |
If you work on client property (residential or commercial) |
|
|
– Employee injuries |
If you have employees (required in most states) |
|
|
Tools and equipment insurance (inland marine) |
Theft or damage to mobile tools and gear |
If you transport gear between job sites |
|
– Vehicle collisions |
If you use a work truck, van, or tow trailer for business |
|
|
– Data breaches |
If you collect customer data or accept online payments |
|
|
Extends liability coverage to a third party |
If clients require it in contracts to award jobs (e.g., general contractor) |
|
|
Damage to primary business location |
If you own or lease a main office or warehouse |
|
|
Client reimbursement from employee theft |
If you’re entering client homes or businesses |
General Liability Insurance
General liability insurance helps cover third-party property damage and bodily injury — the two most common types of claims in the industry. If a pressure washer cracks a client’s window or water causes someone to slip and fall, general liability helps cover medical bills, repairs, and legal costs.
This type of insurance provides financial protection against unexpected incidents that could otherwise cost you your business. It’s an essential part of operating professionally and responsibly in the field.
Pro Tip: Most commercial clients require this coverage before hiring you.
Workers Compensation
If your employees get injured on the job, whether from handling equipment or slipping on wet pavement, workers compensation helps cover medical treatment and lost wages. It also protects your business from lawsuits related to employee injuries.
Most states require employers to carry this coverage if they have one or more employees. It protects your business from paying costly injury claims out of pocket.
Tools and Equipment Insurance
Also known as inland marine, tools and equipment insurance helps cover the cost of repairing or replacing your gear if it’s damaged or stolen. Whether your pressure washer gets knocked off a trailer or your hose reels are taken from a job site, this coverage helps you get back to work faster.
This type of insurance keeps your business moving when something goes wrong. It’s an important step in protecting the tools you rely on daily.
Pro Tip: This policy covers items that move with you between job sites. It does not cover mysterious losses or damage due to wear and tear.
Commercial Auto Insurance
If you drive a vehicle for work, whether it’s a van, pickup, or trailer, commercial auto insurance is critical. Commercial auto helps cover vehicle repairs, damage to other cars, and medical bills for anyone injured in a work-related accident.
Personal auto policies usually exclude business use. If you get in an accident while driving to or from a job, your personal auto coverage may not apply.
Janitorial Bond
A janitorial bond, also called an employee dishonesty bond, reimburses your clients if an employee is caught stealing from them. It’s a surety bond that builds credibility and trust, especially when working in homes, offices, or secure facilities.
While not insurance in the traditional sense, it gives your clients peace of mind and helps you win more jobs by demonstrating professionalism and accountability.
Cyber Liability Insurance
If you store customer information, use scheduling software, or process payments online, cyber liability insurance helps protect your business from data breaches, hacks, and ransomware attacks.
This policy helps cover legal fees, customer notifications, and other recovery costs if your digital systems are compromised. Don’t forget, even small businesses are targets for cyber threats!
Additional Insureds
Many commercial contracts require you to add the property manager or general contractor as an additional insured on your policy. This gives them limited legal protection under your general liability coverage and helps you win bigger jobs by meeting their insurance requirements.
This type of coverage can help you win bigger jobs and build trust with professional clients. It’s a simple addition that demonstrates you’re prepared to meet industry standards.
Pro Tip: With Insurance Canopy, you can easily add additional insureds from your online dashboard.
Commercial Property Insurance (Coming Soon!)
If you have an office, storage facility, or shop where you keep your equipment, commercial property insurance helps protect those physical assets. It covers damage from events like fire, theft, vandalism, or severe weather.
This policy can cover the building and contents, such as pressure washers, detergents, safety gear, and administrative equipment.
Pro Tip: This insurance is critical if many of your tools and machines stay on-site instead of traveling with you to jobs.
Tips for Choosing the Right Coverage
The right insurance keeps your pressure washing business running and your income protected. Here’s how to choose coverage that works for you:
- Know your exposures: High pounds per square inch (PSI) equipment, chemical runoff, wet surfaces, and vehicle use all carry risks. Make sure your coverage fits the work you do.
- Pick a provider that understands pressure washing: Not all insurers cover the same scenarios. Insurance Canopy tailors policies for pressure washers, including general liability, equipment, and commercial auto.
- Get flexible coverage: Look for policies you can customize. You should be able to add tools and equipment, workers compensation, or cyber protection as your business grows.
- Check for instant COIs: Clients often ask for a COI before you start. Instant access helps you avoid delays and book jobs faster.
- Review what’s covered and what’s not: Read the policy details. Look for clear coverage limits, exclusions, and any added fees. The fine print matters if you ever need to file a claim.
- Look at reviews: See what other contractors say about claims, support, and ease of use. You want an insurer that’s responsive when things go wrong.
Pro Tip: Pressure washers choose Insurance Canopy because it offers instant COIs, flexible coverage options, and policies tailored to their industry.
Common Insurance Claims in the Pressure Washing Industry
Pressure washing may seem low-risk, but claims happen frequently, especially when working on residential or commercial properties with heavy equipment, water runoff, and time constraints.
Knowing what types of claims businesses face helps you understand the value of each type of insurance coverage.
Bodily injury to clients or bystanders
Residual water can create hazards, making slip-and-fall incidents common in this industry. A bystander who walks through a job site may slip on a freshly washed driveway or trip over a hose. If someone outside your crew gets hurt during your work, your business could be held liable.
Recommended coverage: General liability insurance
Employee injuries on the job site
Employees work with pressurized machinery and water, often in outdoor environments with uneven or slick surfaces. Common injury claims include strained backs from lifting equipment, lacerations or burns from malfunctioning hoses, and slips on wet concrete or entryways.
Recommended coverage: Workers compensation
Property damage from high-pressure equipment
Pressure washers operate at extremely high PSI levels. If you get too close to a surface or use the wrong nozzle, you can easily etch or strip paint, crack siding, or damage concrete. Property damage claims often include:
- Cracked windows from misdirected spray
- Damaged outdoor lighting or fixtures
- Stripped paint on vehicles, doors, or signage
- Dented gutters or fences
Recommended coverage: General liability insurance
Damage to client vehicles or fixtures
In residential settings, cars parked nearby may be hit with overspray. In commercial jobs, outdoor furniture or HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) units may be accidentally damaged.
Frequent claims include:
- Water intrusion into car interiors or engine bays
- Broken light fixtures or signage
- Damage to air conditioning units or outdoor electronics
Recommended coverage: General liability insurance
Equipment theft or vandalism
Pressure washing rigs and gear are often left in trucks, trailers, or job sites during breaks. Common scenarios include stolen equipment, damaged trailers or vehicle windows, and spray guns vandalized or rendered inoperable.
Recommended coverage: Tools and equipment insurance
Auto accidents involving work vehicles
Whether you’re towing a water tank or just driving to the next job, a car accident can happen anytime. Claims often include rear-ending another vehicle, damage to trailers or sprayers during transport, and collisions in tight parking areas.
Recommended coverage:
- Commercial auto insurance (for your work vehicles)
- Tools and equipment insurance (for gear in transit)
Start Your Pressure Washing Insurance Quote Now
Pressure washing insurance isn’t just a formality; it’s a smart business move that keeps your operations running, your contracts secure, and your finances intact.
With Insurance Canopy, getting insured is quick, affordable, and tailored to your business. You get flexible policy options, instant access to your COI, and support when you need it — all in one place.
Questions About Pressure Washing Insurance
What happens if I operate without pressure washing insurance?
If you operate without insurance, you take on 100% of the risk. One claim could cost thousands or even shut your business down.
You may also violate state laws if you don’t carry required policies like workers comp or commercial auto insurance. In many states, failing to have these can result in fines, legal penalties, or being barred from operating altogether.
What is the process for filing a claim?
You can file a claim directly through your online dashboard. Complete the claims form with details of the incident.
Once submitted, a claims adjuster reviews the claim and may reach out for additional documents, like photos, estimates, or witness statements. The process is straightforward, and filing online ensures faster processing.
How do I add coverage or edit my pressure washing policy?
You can update your coverage anytime through your online dashboard. The process is simple, whether you need to increase limits, add additional insureds, or include new coverage types.
How do I renew my pressure washing insurance policy?
Your policy will renew automatically to keep you protected unless you choose to renew manually. Either way, you’ll get email reminders ahead of time, so there are no surprises.
Can I cancel my pressure washing insurance policy?
Yes, you can cancel your Insurance Canopy policy directly from your dashboard at any time — no cancellation fee is required.
Note: Once your coverage begins, policies are non-refundable. Before canceling, check your policy details to understand how cancellation may affect any ongoing coverage or obligations. If you have already filed a claim or have pending coverage needs, canceling your policy could interrupt your protection.
