Laundromat Insurance

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Compare laundromat insurance quotes from leading Australian insurers. Cover for commercial washers, dryers, premises, water damage liability, business interruption and more. Free quotes from Shielded Insurance.

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Laundromat Insurance

Specialist commercial property insurance for laundromats, coin laundries and commercial laundry businesses across Australia.

Laundromats and coin laundries rely on expensive commercial washing machines and dryers operating at high capacity, with extensive plumbing and electrical infrastructure supporting daily operations. Water damage, equipment breakdown, fire from dryer lint accumulation and liability from self-service public access are all risks that require specialist commercial property insurance. Shielded sources tailored laundromat insurance from leading Australian insurers including CGU, QBE, Zurich, Vero, Hollard, Allianz and AIG.

Why Laundromats Need Specialist Insurance
Laundromats present a unique risk profile that differs significantly from standard retail or commercial premises. Commercial washing machines and dryers represent a substantial capital investment, often exceeding $150,000 for a well-equipped facility. The volume of water flowing through the premises daily creates constant exposure to water damage from burst hoses, blocked drains and machine malfunctions. Commercial dryers operating at high temperatures accumulate lint, which is a significant fire hazard. Many laundromats operate as self-service, often unattended, which increases both property and liability exposure.

What Does Laundromat Insurance Cover?

  • Building & Fit-Out: Covers the premises including plumbing infrastructure, drainage systems, flooring, benches, folding tables, signage and any associated commercial space against fire, storm, flood, vandalism and other insured events.
  • Equipment: Protects commercial washing machines, dryers, coin and card payment systems, change machines, vending equipment and hot water systems.
  • Equipment Breakdown: Covers mechanical and electrical failure of commercial laundry machinery, including repair costs, replacement parts and any resulting water damage.
  • Public Liability: Covers claims from customers who suffer injury on the premises, including slip-and-fall incidents on wet floors and burns from hot water or equipment.
  • Business Interruption: Replaces lost revenue and covers ongoing expenses if the laundromat is forced to close following an insured event.
  • Money & Theft: Covers cash in coin machines, change machines and on premises against theft, robbery and vandalism. This is a significant exposure for cash-heavy laundromat operations.

What Affects the Cost of Laundromat Insurance?
Premiums for laundromat insurance in Australia are influenced by:

  • Equipment Value: The total replacement cost of commercial washers, dryers, payment systems and hot water infrastructure. A fully equipped laundromat can hold $100,000 to $300,000 in machinery.
  • Premises Value & Condition: The age and condition of plumbing, drainage and electrical systems directly affect water damage and fire risk ratings.
  • Attended vs Unattended: Self-service laundromats operating without staff present face higher property and liability premiums than attended facilities.
  • Fire Suppression: Lint filter maintenance schedules, dryer exhaust systems and fire suppression equipment influence fire risk ratings.
  • Cash Holdings: The volume of cash held in coin machines and on premises affects money and theft premiums.
  • Location: Flood zone ratings, crime statistics and building age for the premises location.

Water Damage Risks for Laundromats
Water damage is the most frequent property claim for laundromat businesses. The sheer volume of water processed daily means that burst hoses, blocked drains, washing machine overflows and hot water system failures can cause rapid and extensive damage to flooring, walls, equipment and neighbouring tenancies. In multi-tenancy buildings, water damage to premises below can result in significant third-party liability claims. Proactive maintenance of hoses, drainage and machine connections is essential, and insurers may require evidence of regular plumbing inspections. Automatic water shut-off systems can reduce both risk and premiums.

Fire Risk from Dryer Lint
Commercial dryers are a significant fire risk in laundromat operations. Lint accumulation in filters, exhaust ducts and around machines is a common ignition source when combined with the high operating temperatures of commercial dryers. Laundromat fires often occur after hours when the premises are unattended, allowing fires to develop before detection. Insurers place considerable weight on lint management protocols, exhaust duct cleaning schedules and the presence of fire suppression systems. Documented maintenance records demonstrating regular lint filter cleaning and annual exhaust duct inspections can improve insurability and reduce premiums.

Key Considerations for Laundromat Owners

  • Unattended Operations: Self-service laundromats operating without staff face higher risk premiums. CCTV, automatic water shut-off systems, fire detection and emergency signage can help satisfy insurer requirements for unattended facilities.
  • Coin and Cash Security: Coin machines and change dispensers are targets for vandalism and theft. Reinforced cabinets, regular cash collection and CCTV monitoring reduce money risk exposure.
  • Equipment Age: Older commercial machines are more prone to breakdown and water leaks. Insurers may apply higher excesses or restrict cover for aging equipment. A planned replacement program improves both insurability and operational reliability.
  • Neighbouring Tenancies: Water damage liability to tenancies below or adjacent to your laundromat is a significant exposure. Ensure your public liability cover is adequate, typically $10M to $20M.

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Protection for third party property damage or personal injury.

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Protection for loss of rental income due to an insured event.

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Protection for building plant - lifts, HVAC, fire systems.

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Protection for glass windows, panels and doors.

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Contents

Protection for landlord contents within the building.

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We insure all types of commercial properties across Australia. Select a category to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about Laundromat Insurance and General Enquiries

How much does laundromat insurance cost in Australia?

Laundromat insurance typically costs between $2,500 and $8,000 per year depending on equipment value, premises condition, attended or unattended operations, location and cash holdings. A small self-service coin laundry may pay around $2,500 to $4,500, while a larger facility with extensive commercial equipment could pay $5,000 to $8,000. Request a free quote through Shielded for accurate pricing.

Does laundromat insurance cover water damage to my premises?

Yes. Commercial property cover protects against water damage from burst hoses, machine overflows, blocked drains and plumbing failures. Equipment breakdown cover can also respond where a machine malfunction causes flooding. Proactive maintenance of hoses and drainage systems helps reduce both claim frequency and premiums.

Is equipment breakdown covered under laundromat insurance?

Yes. Equipment breakdown cover protects against mechanical and electrical failure of commercial washers, dryers, hot water systems, payment systems and other laundry plant. It covers repair and replacement costs and can include resulting damage such as water damage from a machine failure.

Does laundromat insurance cover fire caused by dryer lint?

Yes. Fire cover is a standard inclusion in commercial property insurance. However, insurers expect documented lint management protocols including regular filter cleaning, annual exhaust duct inspections and appropriate fire detection systems. Poor maintenance records can affect claim outcomes and future insurability.

What happens if my laundromat has to close after a fire?

Business interruption insurance covers the loss of revenue and ongoing expenses while the laundromat is closed for repairs. It also covers additional costs such as expedited equipment delivery. Commercial laundry equipment can have lead times of 6 to 10 weeks, so an adequate indemnity period of at least 12 months is recommended.

Does laundromat insurance cover theft of coins from machines?

Yes. Money cover protects cash in coin machines, change dispensers and on premises against theft, robbery and vandalism. Insurers may set sub-limits for money in unattended premises. Reinforced coin cabinets, CCTV and regular cash collection schedules can improve cover terms.

Which insurers cover laundromats in Australia?

Major commercial insurers including CGU, QBE, Zurich, Vero, Hollard, Allianz and AIG all offer policies suitable for laundromats and commercial laundry businesses. Each insurer has different views on unattended operations and equipment age. Shielded compares options across this panel to find the best cover and pricing for your laundromat.

Does laundromat insurance cover damage to a neighbouring tenancy from water overflow?

Yes. Public liability insurance covers claims from neighbouring tenants whose premises are damaged by water overflow, burst hoses or drain blockages originating from your laundromat. This is a significant exposure for laundromats in multi-tenancy buildings, and adequate liability cover of $10M to $20M is recommended.

What types of properties can be insured under commercial property insurance?

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.

How much does commercial property insurance cost in Australia?

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.

What does commercial building insurance cover?

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.

Do I need landlord insurance or commercial property insurance?

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.

What is loss of rental income cover?

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.

Is plate glass cover included in commercial property insurance?

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.

Who is responsible for insurance - the landlord or the tenant?

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.

Who do I contact to make a claim?

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.

Which insurers does Shielded compare for commercial property?

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.

How often should I review my commercial property insurance?

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.