How to Insure Your Mobile Detailing Business

How to Insure Your Mobile Detailing Business

Starting a mobile detailing business isn’t just about soap, polish, and hustle. It’s also about covering your bases—especially when it comes to insurance.

And if you're planning to:

  • Use your personal vehicle for business
  • Move or operate customer vehicles
  • Work on commercial properties
  • Offer light repairs or higher-risk services

...then yes—you absolutely need to get the right insurance in place before you start accepting customers.

But here’s the catch: mobile detailing has a few unique challenges that most online quote systems (and even some agents) don’t handle well. Many business owners get rejected, overcharged, or misunderstand what’s actually covered.

Let’s break it all down.

Why Insurance for Mobile Detailing Is So Confusing

If you’re new to this space, you’re not alone in being confused by insurance options. Many mobile detailers report being turned away or quoted incorrect rates—often because:

  • They mentioned detailing semi-trucks or commercial vehicles, which triggered an entirely different (and higher-risk) policy class.
  • They said they’d be moving customer vehicles, which can require garage keepers coverage—not just general liability.
  • They used a personal car for business, and were told their personal auto insurance wouldn’t cover them (which is true).
  • They didn’t clarify they’d be on-site only, and the quoting system assumed they were operating a full detailing facility.

So yes—it's easy to get misclassified. And that can cost you both time and money.

What Types of Insurance Do Mobile Detailers Actually Need?

Let’s make it simple. Here’s what most mobile detailing businesses need in 2025:

General Liability Insurance

Protects you if a client’s property is damaged or someone is injured during your service.

Cost: Around $30–$70/month for a solo operator.

Garage Keepers Liability

Covers damage to a customer’s vehicle while it’s in your care—whether parked, being moved, or worked on.

If you plan to move vehicles (even just within a parking lot), you need this.

Cost: Varies, but typically $50–$150/month depending on coverage and risk level.

Commercial Auto Insurance

If you use your personal car for business, your personal insurance will likely deny a claim.

Commercial auto protects you and your vehicle in the event of a crash while on the job.

Cost: Usually $100–$250/month depending on vehicle, coverage limits, and driving record.

Tools and Equipment Coverage (Inland Marine)

Protects your detailing gear—polishers, vacuums, steamers, water tanks—if they’re damaged or stolen.

Cost: Often bundled, but stand-alone coverage starts around $10–$30/month.

Optional: Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)

Bundles general liability + equipment/property insurance. Not always needed for mobile-only, but can save money if you grow.

What If You’re Offering Light Repairs or Working on Big Rigs?

Mentioning "light repairs" or "semi-truck detailing" to a commercial agent or quote system can cause your application to get flagged for high-risk services. That includes:

  • Engine bay cleaning
  • Paint correction
  • Working on commercial fleet vehicles or tractor trailers
  • Using ladders, scaffolding, or chemicals that require hazmat handling

If you're offering any of this, be clear—but also specific. You may need to work with a local broker who understands what you actually do and can prevent your business from being wrongly categorized.

Why Local Insurance Brokers Still Matter

While big-name platforms and quote calculators are convenient, they don’t always work well for mobile trades like detailing—especially when your services blur the line between residential, commercial, and auto.

That’s why many mobile detailers work with a local commercial broker who:

  • Knows what policies are available in your state
  • Can explain what coverage gaps to avoid
  • Will help adjust your coverage as your business grows

It might not be as fast as clicking “Get Quote,” but it’ll save you from buying a policy that doesn’t actually protect you when it matters.

How Much Should You Budget for Insurance in 2025?

Here’s a realistic monthly breakdown for a solo mobile detailer just starting out:

  • Coverage TypeEstimated Monthly Cost
  • General Liability $40–$70
  • Garage Keepers Liability $50–$150
  • Commercial Auto $100–$250
  • Equipment Coverage $10–$30
  • Estimated Total $200–$500/month

This will vary depending on your state, driving record, business location, and the value of the vehicles or tools involved.

Current 2025 News That Impacts Your Insurance Rates

There are two important trends you should know about:

Auto insurance premiums are rising fast.

Thanks to recent federal tariffs on imported auto parts and rising repair costs, commercial auto insurance has spiked 8–10% across California and other high-cost states. Expect higher rates, especially for businesses that use personal vehicles on the job.

Liability claims against service-based businesses are up.

Insurance carriers have seen an increase in claims related to property damage and small business liability—especially in mobile services like detailing, pressure washing, and home cleaning. As a result, underwriting standards are tightening.

Translation: Waiting too long to get insured—or trying to skirt the right policy—could cost more later.

What Not to Do (Lessons from Other Detailers)

  • Don’t rely on your personal auto policy to cover business use. It won’t.
  • Don’t leave out that you move vehicles—if you do, you need garage keepers coverage.
  • Don’t overestimate your gross income when applying—it can inflate your premium. Start conservatively and adjust later.
  • Don’t buy a bare-minimum liability policy and assume you're covered for everything. You’re not.

Our Take as a Local Insurance Agency

We work with trades, contractors, and mobile service businesses every day—so we’ve seen firsthand what happens when new entrepreneurs get bad advice or rushed quotes. It’s frustrating and expensive to fix later.

If you're launching your mobile detailing business, get coverage right the first time. We’ll help you understand what’s required, what’s recommended, and what’s not worth the cost—yet.

We Offer:

  • General Liability and Garage Keepers Coverage
  • Commercial Auto and Equipment Insurance
  • Workers Comp (for when you expand your team)
  • Business Property and Tool Coverage
  • Medicare and Life Insurance if you’re going full-time

Get a Farmers business insurance quote for your mobile detailing business today. We’ll walk you through it all—no pressure, no upselling, just the protection you actually need.

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