Will My Insurance Cover Car Wash Damage?

You may love the convenience of car washes. They make your car look shiny and new. But what happens if the car wash damages your vehicle? Scratches, dents, or broken parts can ruin your day. Hope this doesn’t happen to anyone. However, unfortunately, everything isn’t so certain. If your car is damaged by a car wash, the first that naturally comes to mind is “Will my insurance cover car wash damage?” Let’s discuss this in detail so you're clear on what to do in this situation. 

If you’re reluctant to read this article, just because it’s too long, here are some key takeaways from the article:

• Comprehensive collision coverage can cover damage to your car from a car wash.
• If the car wash owners are responsible for any damage due to their negligence, their liability insurance will pay for the damages.
• If you damage the car wash property, your liability insurance will pay for repairs up to policy limits.
• When both you and the car wash are at fault, state laws decide who pays for the damages.

Let’s Understand Car Wash Damage First

Car wash damage has become commonplace in North America, where more than 2 billion cars are washed each year. But how does car wash damage happen? It happens in several ways. Automatic car washes sometimes have faulty equipment that can scratch your car. Brushes or rollers with dirt or debris may leave marks on your vehicle. Besides, loose parts like antennas or mirrors can break off if not secured. Even pre-existing issues like bubbling paint can worsen during the wash.  

The common types of damage at car washes include the following:

• Scratches and dents (Check out our article about whether car insurance covers scratches and dents.)
• Broken mirrors or antennas.
• Water damage if seals on your car aren’t tight.
• Harsh soap might cause your car’s pain to fade. 

However, you might feel skeptical about the safety of using automatic car washes for your vehicle. Generally, they are safe, although risks do exist. Improper maintenance can lead to equipment failure. Some machines use harsh soaps or chemicals that could affect your car’s finish. Touchless car washes are gentler, but they may not be cleaned as thoroughly. 

In brief, the use of car washes can sometimes risk your car’s paint, mirrors, and seals. Improperly trained staff or malfunctioning machines can cause damage. Also, wear and tear from regular washing may lower your car’s long-term value. 

Will My Insurance Cover Car Wash Damage?

The straightforward answer is yes. Your car insurance may cover damage from the car wash. However, it depends on your insurance policy and the cause of the damage. If you’ve full coverage car insurance which is commonly comprised of liability insurance, collision coverage, and comprehensive coverage, you’re more likely to be protected. However, wear and tear or damages from negligence may not be covered. 

If you damage your car on purpose or if it's your fault, the car wash owner is not responsible for the repairs. You will need to pay for the repairs yourself. Besides, if you notice damage after you bring your car home, it might be difficult to prove when the damage occurred. That’s why we recommend that you always check your car for damage right after you get it back from the automatic wash. 

Learn More: Does Car Insurance Cover Car Battery? 

Types of Insurance That Cover Car Wash Damage

If your car is damaged from a car wash, then the following types of insurance coverage might help you pay for the fixes:

• Comprehensive Insurance
• Collision Insurance
• Liability Insurance

Comprehensive coverage protects your car from non-collision events (e.g., theft, vandalism, and natural disasters like hail damage) including car wash-related damages. For example, If a falling object in the car wash dents your car, this coverage can help. It also covers damage from faulty equipment, like a malfunctioning roller that scratches your car. However, it won’t cover any pre-existing issues or damage caused by regular wear and tear. 

Collision coverage, on the other hand, applies if you cause the damage. For instance, if you hit the car wash wall or machinery, this policy would pay for repairs. However, you’ll need to pay your deductible first. Having this coverage will make sure you don’t bear the full costs of auto repairs for accidental damage. 

Lastly, state-mandated liability insurance covers damage you cause to others or any property at the car wash. For example, if you hit another car or damage car wash equipment, this insurance pays for the repairs. Keep in mind that it does not cover damage to your own car. Therefore, to ensure you’re fully protected, always check your coverage limits. 

You can read our article about the different types of car insurance coverage. It explains what each sort of insurance does and does not cover. 

Who Is Responsible for Car Wash Damage?

Who is liable for car wash damage will determine who pays for it. Sometimes, the car wash owner is liable, and other times, the driver may be at fault. Let’s look at some key scenarios to help you determine who is responsible if something bad happens to your car. 

When Is the Car Wash Owner Liable for Damages?

The car wash owners will be responsible for damages if caused by negligence or equipment failure. Here are common examples:

• Faulty equipment: Damage caused by a malfunctioning machine, like a falling brush or roller.
• Poor maintenance: Equipment not regularly serviced which leads to scratches and dents.
• Negligent Employees: Improperly trained staff whose actions damage your car.
• Inadequate Safety Protocols: Missing or unclear instructions that confuse drivers.
• Unaddressed Hazards: Known issues ignored by the car wash management.

How Can Negligence Affect Liability and Coverage? 

Negligence plays a pivotal role in deciding liability. If the car wash owners fail to maintain equipment or ensure safety, they are liable. For example, broken machinery causing damage reflects nothing but negligence. However, if you posted instructions or warnings, you may be at fault.  So, in such cases, your insurance coverage might not apply. 

When negligence is shared, usually state laws come in with comparative fault rules that decide how costs are split. If the owner’s general liability insurance applies, they will cover the damages. 

What If I Signed a Waiver Before Using the Car Wash? 

Signing a waiver doesn’t always mean you cannot file a claim. Many factors affect its validity.

1. State Laws: Some states limit liability waivers, particularly if the damage involved negligence.
2. Negligence by the Owner: Waivers are void if the business knowingly ignored safety concerns or used faulty equipment.
3. Vague Wording: Waivers with unclear terms might not hold up in court.

If you suspect negligence, consult your insurance company or attorney to understand your options. 

Filing a Claim for Car Wash Damage

If your car gets damaged at a car wash, filing a claim is your next step. In the following section, we’ll address a few important questions related to filing an auto insurance claim for car wash damage. 

What Should I Do First If My Car Is Damaged at a Car Wash?

Check your car immediately after leaving the car wash. Look for any damages like scratches, dents, or broken parts. Report the damage to the car wash management right away. Take photos of the damage as evidence for your insurance claim. This proof of damage helps the insurance company to assess the legitimacy of your claim and determine the amount for reimbursement. 

How Do I File a Claim for Car Wash Damage? 

Start by contacting your insurance company to report the damage. Provide detailed information about where and how the damage occurred. Request a copy of the car wash owner’s insurance details if they are at fault. If you need help, talk to your insurance broker. They can guide you through the process step by step. 

Once you file a claim, a claim adjuster will manage the process based on how and when the damage happened. For instance, if you hit another car at the car wash, the adjuster will use the liability portion of your policy to compensate the victim for medical expenses or property damage (e.g., vehicle repair cost). If your car was damaged due to the falling of an object/machinery at a car wash, the adjuster will open your comprehensive policy to pay the repair costs. They will also chase after the car wash owner to settle the issue. 

What Information Do I Need to Provide to My Insurance Company? 

You need a few key pieces of information:

• Photos of the damage to your car before and after the wash.
• Receipts or proof of using the car wash.
• The insurance information of the car wash, if they’re at fault.
• A detailed report of how the accident happened, including the time and location.

How Does the Deductible Impact My Claim?

Your deductible is the amount you pay before your insurance covers the remaining costs. Let’s say the damage costs $800 and your deductible is $500, you pay $500, and the insurance company pays $300. If the repair cost is less than the deductible, your insurance won’t cover it. Always check your policy for specific deductible terms. 

What Happens If Both My Car and the Car Wash Are Damaged?

If an accident at the car wash involves both your car and the car wash property, in such cases, responsibility depends on the situation. So, let’s discuss how insurance and liability work when both parties are affected. 

There might be three possible scenarios:

1. If you damage the car wash with your car
2. If your car was damaged by the car wash
3. If both parties are at fault for the damage

In case you damage the car wash equipment, your liability insurance will cover repairs up to your policy limits. Let’s just say you accidentally hit a machine or wall at a car wash. In such a case, your liability insurance coverage will pay for the property damage. However, if your policy limit exceeds to cover the costs, you’ve to pay the outstanding amount out of your pocket. Also, if the damage is due to your negligence, like ignoring the safety protocols instructed by the car wash, then you’ll be held liable for it. 

However, if your car was damaged by the car wash, you would get compensation in two ways. Either your comprehensive policy will help cover the repair cost or the car wash owners may be liable under their general liability insurance. For instance, if a machine malfunctions or poorly maintained equipment causes damage, their insurance policy will typically cover it. However, you may still need to prove their negligence. And that’s where taking photos before and after the car wash damage gets meaningful enough to strengthen your claim. 

Lastly, when you and the car wash owners share fault, state laws decide how costs are divided. For example:

• Comparative Negligence: You pay for the percentage of damage you caused, and the car wash liability insurance covers their part.
• Modified Comparative Negligence: You might pay all damages if you’re over 50% at fault.
• Contributory Negligence: If both parties are even slightly at fault, you may need to cover your own damages.

In such cases, be familiar with your insurance policy and local laws. It can help you figure out who and how much you have to pay. 

Learn More: How to Find Out If Someone Has Auto Insurance? 

Preventing Car Wash Damage

You can reduce the risk of car wash damage by taking simple precautions and following safety tips. Here’s how: 
Minimizing the risk of car wash damage:

• Inspect your car before entering the car wash for loose parts like antennas or mirrors.
• Follow all instructions provided by the car wash, such as placing your car in neutral.
• Avoid using automatic car washes if your car has fragile or customized parts.
• Choose touchless washes to minimize the risk of scratches and dents.

So, what precautions should you take?  

• Fold side mirrors and retract antennas to prevent blockage.
• Ensure windows and doors are fully closed to avoid water damage.
• Remove roof racks or external accessories before entering the wash.
• Avoid car washes with visible signs of poor maintenance or worn equipment.

Tips for protecting your vehicle at a car wash:

• Check your car for damage immediately after the wash and take photos if necessary.
• Wash your car yourself for greater control and less risk of wear and tear.
• Review the insurance information provided by the car wash in case of damage.
• Use a high-quality protective wax to shield your car’s paint from harsh chemicals.

Does Insurance Cover Car Wash Damage: The Bottom Line

Any damage from the car wash might be compensated by the insurance company, depending on the type of policy and situation. Comprehensive coverage helps when equipment malfunctions or objects fall on your car. Collision coverage applies if you’re at fault for the damage. Liability insurance covers damage you cause to the car wash property. This means if you have full coverage auto insurance, you’re most likely to get covered in all these situations. 

Always inspect your vehicle before and after a wash, follow safety instructions, and file a claim with proper evidence if needed. To protect your vehicle from car wash damage at an affordable rate, you can get the coverage you need from our affordable insurance agency. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are Pre-Existing Damages or Wear and Tear Covered? 

No, insurance does not cover pre-existing damage or wear and tear. These are considered maintenance issues and are excluded from coverage.

2. Should I Inspect My Car Before and After Using a Car Wash? 

Yes, inspecting your car before and after the wash helps identify new damages. You can Document issues with photos to strengthen your insurance claim.

3. Can I Still File a Claim If the Damage Is Minor? 

Yes, you can file a claim for minor damages, but costs must exceed your deductible for insurance coverage to apply.

4. How Does Subrogation Work in Car Wash Damage Claims? 

Subrogation allows your insurance company to recover repair costs from the car wash owner’s insurance if they are at fault.

5. Does Signing a Liability Waiver Void My Claim Rights? 

Not always. Waivers may not hold up if the car wash owners were negligent. You should check state laws and consult your insurance company. If you’re confused, you can always find an insurance agent and ask whether you can file a claim or not in such a situation.

6. How Does Insurance Coverage Differ for Commercial and Personal Vehicles? 

Insurance coverage for commercial vehicles often has higher limits due to increased risks, while personal vehicle policies have standard coverage for damages and liability.

7. What Happens If a Car Wash Breaks Your Mirror? 

If the car wash equipment caused the damage, their liability insurance might cover it. Otherwise, your comprehensive coverage can help repair the mirror. 

8. How to Remove Car Wash Scratches from Car? 

You can remove scratches with car polish or scratch-removal kits. For deeper damage, consult a professional for repairs or repainting.

9. What Happens If You Brake in a Car Wash? 

Braking in a car wash disrupts the process and may cause accidents. Damage caused by braking will perhaps make you liable for repair costs.