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A pressure washer can strip mold off a deck and, a minute later, strip the paint off a client's car or force water behind vinyl siding. Asshield™ insures pressure washing, soft washing and exterior cleaning businesses, from a single trailer rig to multi-truck operations, and compares several companies so you're covered for the jobs you actually take.
A soft-wash crew cleans a two-story home in Georgetown. Chemical runoff kills a section of the client's new landscaping and spots the neighbor's car parked next door. The client and the neighbor both file claims, and general liability handles both, subject to the policy's pollution wording, which is why we review that wording before you buy.
Where we see it locally
In Central Kentucky, spring and fall are busy with houses, decks, fences and commercial storefronts. On the Gulf Coast, salt, mildew and sand mean year-round work on condos, rentals and docks.
Pressure washing in Kentucky
Kentucky doesn't license pressure washing at the state level, but some cities and property managers have their own requirements, and runoff into storm drains can raise local water-quality rules. Hire one employee and Kentucky requires workers' comp.
Pressure washing in Florida
Condo associations and property managers on the Emerald Coast usually require proof of GL and commercial auto, and often additional-insured status, before you can work on site.
More: Contractors hub · Cleaning & janitorial · Commercial auto · Inland marine
Risks pressure washers face
Property damage
Etched concrete, stripped paint, broken windows and water forced behind siding or into a home
Chemical runoff and overspray
Damage to plants, cars and neighboring property. Some GL policies limit pollution claims, so check whether yours has a limited pollution endorsement
Roof and second-story work
Slips and falls, and damage to shingles from too much pressure
Trucks, trailers and water tanks
A loaded trailer is heavy, and it needs to be listed correctly on your commercial auto policy
Equipment theft
Pumps, surface cleaners and hose reels on an open trailer
A typical pressure washing program
Every business is different. This is a starting point we tailor to your work, contracts and state.
General liability
Ask about limited pollution coverage
How it worksCommercial auto
Truck and trailer
How it worksTools & equipment
Inland marine
How it worksWorkers' compensation once you hire
How it worksCommercial umbrella for commercial contracts
How it worksHave this handy
Services (pressure vs. soft wash, roofs, commercial), annual revenue, employees, vehicles and trailers with VINs, equipment values, chemicals used, and loss history.
Pressure washing insurance questions
Does general liability cover damage from chemicals?
It depends on the policy. Many GL policies exclude or limit pollution. Some carriers offer limited pollution coverage for exterior cleaners, and we'll check.
Do I need commercial auto for my truck and trailer?
If the truck is used for the business or titled to it, usually yes. A personal auto policy may not cover business use or a commercial trailer.
Is my pressure washer covered if it's stolen off the trailer?
Only if you carry inland marine or equipment coverage. GL doesn't cover your own gear.
Do you insure roof soft washing?
Often, but some carriers treat roof work differently. Tell us what share of your work is on roofs.
We cover your assets
Compare pressure washing insurance with an independent agency
Tell us about your business once. We shop multiple carriers, explain the trade-offs in plain English, and handle certificates, audits and renewals after you bind.
Educational only — not a policy, quote, or coverage guarantee. Coverage, eligibility, and carrier availability vary by state, class of business, and underwriting. Policy language controls. Talk with a licensed Asshield agent about your situation.