Car Wash Insurance

Yes. Bailees liability cover protects you against claims for damage to customer vehicles while they are in your care. This includes scratches, dents, broken antennas, mirror damage and paint damage caused by wash equipment or staff. This is one of the most important covers for any car wash operator.

Bailees liability covers your legal responsibility for property belonging to others that is in your care, custody or control. For car wash businesses, this means customer vehicles. If a vehicle is damaged during the wash process, bailees liability covers the repair cost, protecting you from out-of-pocket expenses that can be substantial for high-end vehicles.

Standard property insurance covers equipment damaged by fire, storm or external events, but not internal mechanical or electrical failure. Machinery breakdown cover can be added to protect against sudden failure of automatic wash systems, conveyor drives, pumps, compressors and water recycling equipment. Given the high cost of car wash machinery, this endorsement is strongly recommended.

Yes. As a business operator, you have a duty of care to maintain a safe premises. Wet surfaces are an inherent part of car wash operations, and slip and fall claims are among the most common liability events. Your public liability insurance covers these claims. To reduce risk, install non-slip surfaces, maintain effective drainage and use clear warning signage.

Yes. Mobile detailing businesses can be covered under a tailored policy that includes public liability, bailees liability for customer vehicles, tool and equipment cover, and contents in transit. The policy is structured differently from a fixed-site car wash but addresses the same core risks of customer vehicle damage and third-party injury.

Environmental liability cover is recommended for all car wash businesses. Chemical spills, wash water runoff into stormwater drains and soil contamination from cleaning products can result in clean-up costs and regulatory fines. This cover protects against third-party claims and remediation expenses arising from pollution events on or from your site.

Effective measures include non-slip surfaces and adequate drainage throughout the premises, comprehensive CCTV coverage, regular equipment maintenance and servicing records, compliant chemical storage, clear customer signage and safety instructions, and staff training in equipment operation and customer vehicle handling. Shielded can advise on risk improvements that may reduce your premium.

Commercial property insurance covers a wide range of property types including office buildings, retail shops, warehouses, factories, shopping centres, hotels, motels, restaurants, cafes, medical centres, child care centres, gyms, salons, laundromats, churches, petrol stations, mixed-use developments and more. Whether you own a single tenancy or a multi-storey complex, we tailor cover to match your property.

Premiums vary based on building value, location, construction type, tenant occupation and risk profile. A small retail shop may cost $1,500 to $4,000 per year, a standard office building $3,000 to $10,000, and a large warehouse or industrial property $5,000 to $25,000+. High-risk tenancies (restaurants, manufacturing) attract higher premiums. Request a free quote through Shielded for an accurate indication.

Commercial building insurance covers the physical structure including walls, roof, floors, fixed fixtures, common areas, car parks, fencing and services (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) against fire, storm, flood, impact damage, malicious damage, theft and accidental damage. It typically also covers demolition and removal costs, professional fees (architects, engineers) and compliance with current building codes when rebuilding.

If you own a commercial building and lease it to tenants, you need commercial landlord insurance. This covers the building structure, landlord's contents (common area furnishings, HVAC systems), public liability for common areas, loss of rental income if the building is uninhabitable after an insured event, and plate glass. Your tenants are responsible for insuring their own contents, stock and fit-out.

Loss of rental income (also called business interruption for landlords) provides replacement income if your commercial property becomes uninhabitable after an insured event such as fire, storm or flood. It covers the rental income you would have received during the repair or rebuild period, typically for up to 12 or 24 months. This is essential for property investors who rely on rental returns.

Plate glass cover is usually an optional add-on, not included in the base building policy. It covers the cost of replacing glass shop fronts, windows, doors, display cases and signage glass that is accidentally broken or vandalised. For retail properties with large glass frontages, this is an important cover to include.

Generally, the landlord insures the building structure, common areas and landlord's fixtures. Tenants are responsible for insuring their own contents, stock, fit-out, trade fixtures and their own public liability. Most commercial leases clearly define these responsibilities. As a landlord, ensure your lease requires tenants to hold adequate insurance and provide certificates of currency.

Contact us at Shielded Insurance on 1800 97 98 99 or reach out to your insurer directly. We recommend notifying us as soon as possible after damage occurs, documenting everything with photos, securing the premises to prevent further damage, and keeping records of all emergency repair costs.

We compare quotes from leading Australian commercial property insurers including CGU, QBE, Zurich, Vero, Hollard, Allianz, AIG and others. The best insurer depends on your property type, construction, tenant occupation and risk profile. As brokers, we do the comparison work to find competitive and suitable cover for your property.

Review your policy annually at renewal, or whenever there are significant changes such as new tenants, renovations, extensions, changes in building use, or updated valuations. Building replacement costs increase over time - if your sum insured does not keep pace with construction cost inflation, you risk being underinsured at claim time. We recommend a professional building valuation every 3 to 5 years.