While car washes are practical methods of maintaining the overall appearance and outlook of a vehicle, they can occasionally result in unanticipated damage that raises concerns regarding insurance coverage. Most car owners wonder if insurance will cover car wash damage. There are questions about whether dents, scratches, and other problems that could occur during the car wash will be repaired by their auto insurance.
Factors, such as the type of damage and details of your policy, determine if you will be covered or not. Additionally, most insurance companies will also check if the damage was caused by negligence or not. Essentially, it is crucial to know the ins and outs of your insurance policy in order to have an idea of when coverage applies for car wash damage.
This post will discuss whether insurance pays for damage from a car wash, what kinds of coverage might be applicable, and what to do if something goes wrong after a car wash.
How Does Car Wash Damage Happen?
Regardless of how safe car wash facilities are, there are damages that are beyond control and can be caused by several things. One of the major reasons for car wash damage is poor maintenance of car wash equipment, including equipment malfunction. There are times that dirty brushes can leave scratches or dents on cars as well. These little things can ultimately damage the appearance of a car.
When taking your vehicle to the car wash, it is important to always adhere to the instructions of the car wash in order to avoid unforeseen damage. For clarity purposes, you can ask the car wash attendant for any precautionary measures that can help to prevent car wash damage.
Does Insurance Cover Car Wash Damage?
Car insurance offers coverage for damage caused during a car wash, provided you have comprehensive or collision coverage. The applicability of coverage is also contingent on how the car was damaged. However, if you have comprehensive or collision coverage on your auto insurance policy, it should be able to cover the cost of repair for the damage incurred during the car wash procedures.
There are situations where the owner of the car wash will be deemed responsible for covering all related expenses if the damage was caused as a result of equipment malfunction or non-compliance with safety protocols. On the other hand, if you were at fault for the damage done to your car, you will have to pay out of pocket for repair costs. You can also file a claim with your insurer if you have comprehensive or collision insurance.
What Should I Do If My Vehicle Suffers Car Wash Damage?
We often advise car owners to inspect the inner and outer parts of their car thoroughly before leaving the car wash. This is to ensure that, if there is any damage done to your car, you can report it immediately before leaving the facility. It is often difficult to prove car wash damage after leaving the car wash, hence the importance of reporting the incident with immediate alacrity.
If your vehicle was damaged during a car wash, take photos to serve as evidence. Afterwards, call the attention of the car wash owner to the damage and fill out an incident report form. You can then submit this report to your insurance company when filing a claim for coverage.
Who is Responsible for Car Wash Damage?
In a situation where the damage was caused from your end as a result of negligence or not adhering to the car wash’s safety protocol, you have to cover the expenses from your pocket. On the other hand, you can hold the car wash owner responsible for the damage if:
- The car wash attendants are not properly trained to do a good job.
- A malfunctioning piece of equipment falls on your car.
- They neglected standard safety protocols.
- They failed to warn about potential risks.
- They applied improper cleaning techniques.
- They used harsh chemicals to wash your car.
These are some of the typical situations where the car wash owner can be held responsible for any type of damage that affected your car, be it a scratch or a dent.
FAQs
Does insurance cover scratches caused in a car wash?
The answer to this question largely depends on what resulted in the damage. Nevertheless, most car insurance policies that have comprehensive or collision coverage offer protection in the event of a car scratch. Always review your policy documents to have an idea whether or not it covers scratches caused by car washes.
Can I file a claim if the damage is minor?
Of course you can file a claim for car wash damage, whether it is minor or not. However, it is important to consider the deductible to be sure if filing a claim is worth it for the minor damage.
Does insurance cover paint damage on cars?
The applicability of coverage for paint damage largely depends on what caused it. Your insurance can cover paint damage if you have collision or comprehensive coverage in your auto insurance policy. Note that your policy will not provide coverage for negligence, intentional damage, and normal wear and tear.
How can I prevent car wash damage?
While car wash damage can occur in several ways, there are ways you can prevent it before it even happens. Yes, your insurance may cover the damage, but it does not hurt to take precautionary steps on your home.
The best way to prevent car wash damage is by choosing a reputable car wash. It is also important to ensure that your car is in good condition and follow safety protocols to prevent issues while washing.
