Written by Michael Foote, Insurance Expert
Valeting businesses face a mix of risks that standard car insurance policies don’t address. Because you’re working directly on customer vehicles and often operating on their premises, you need specialist protection. To get a valeters insurance quote, click the button below.
Public Liability
The core cover is public liability insurance, which responds if a customer or member of the public is injured, or their property is damaged, because of your work. For example, a customer could slip on water at your site, or a cleaning product might spill onto clothing. Most valeters take at least £2 million of cover, with £5 million common for contracts with dealerships or fleet operators.
Another vital element is a treatment risk extension, which covers damage caused by the products and processes you use. Without this, scratches, burns or discolouration caused by cleaning chemicals may be excluded from liability cover. Insurers will often check that you follow manufacturer instructions, patch-test products, and keep records to show procedures were followed.
Road Risk
If you ever move customer cars, even just a few metres on a driveway or into a bay, you will normally need road risk insurance. This ensures you’re legally insured while driving vehicles you don’t own in the course of business. Mobile operators may also add tools or equipment cover, especially if carrying machines and consumables in vans.
Employers Liability
Where staff are employed, employers’ liability insurance at £10 million is usually mandatory. Operators based from premises should also look at contents, stock, and business interruption insurance to protect their investment if the site becomes unusable.
The easiest way to bring these covers together is through a specialist car valeters insurance package that can be tailored to mobile or site-based businesses.
