Business insurance • Exterior cleaning
Pressure Washing Insurance: Coverage, Common Claims, and Cost
Pressure washing insurance starts with general liability, which pays if your work damages a customer’s property, such as etched concrete, stripped paint, a broken window, or water forced into a wall, or if someone is hurt on the job. Insureon’s pressure washing customers pay a median of about $73 a month for general liability.
This guide covers the policies pressure washing and soft washing businesses carry, the claims they see, wastewater rules that can lead to fines, and what coverage costs.
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Coverage pressure washing businesses need
| Coverage | What it covers | Median per month |
|---|---|---|
| General liability | Damage to customer property and third-party injuries | $73 |
| Business owner’s policy | General liability plus equipment and supplies | $142 |
| Workers’ compensation | Employee falls, chemical burns, and pressure injuries | $147 |
| Commercial auto | Trucks and trailers carrying your rig | $262 |
| Janitorial bond | Customer reimbursement for employee theft | $9 |
| Commercial umbrella | Extra liability above your other policies | $76 |
Source: Insureon pressure washing cost data (updated Sept. 2026). Medians, not quotes.
Common pressure washing claims
- Etched or striped concrete, damaged pavers, or gouged wood decks
- Stripped paint, damaged siding, or water forced behind siding and into walls
- Broken windows or damaged roofs and gutters
- Chemical runoff that kills landscaping
- Slips on wet surfaces and injuries from equipment
Ask whether your policy covers damage to the surface you were hired to clean; some policies exclude or limit “your work” damage. Add tools and equipment coverage for pressure washers, pumps, and surface cleaners on your truck or trailer.
Wastewater and pollution rules
Power washing wastewater is treated as industrial wastewater in many places, even with biodegradable soap. Ohio EPA, for example, says you cannot discharge it into a storm sewer, and you need permission from the local sewer authority to send it to a sanitary sewer or must collect and haul it (Ohio EPA: power washing wastewater (June 2025)). Rules vary by city and state, so check local stormwater rules. Standard general liability usually excludes pollution, so ask about pollution liability if you use chemicals or wash commercial sites.
Equipment, trailers, and vehicles
- Commercial auto for the truck, and confirm the trailer is listed or covered.
- Tools and equipment coverage for pumps, surface cleaners, hoses, and tanks, including theft from a jobsite.
- Coverage for water tanks and chemicals on board, and what happens if they spill on the road.
Roof and height work
Soft washing roofs and multistory buildings raises the risk of falls. Some insurers restrict roof work or work above certain heights, and workers’ comp class codes may differ for roof work. Tell your insurer exactly what you do, and use fall protection.
How pressure washers can keep costs down
- Document each job with before-and-after photos to defend damage claims.
- Test pressure and chemicals on a small area first, and use soft washing for delicate surfaces.
- Use written service agreements that describe the work and known risks, such as old paint.
- Lock up equipment and trailers overnight to prevent theft.
- Bundle coverage and review your deductibles each year.
Pressure washing insurance FAQs
What insurance does a pressure washing business need?
Most start with general liability, then add commercial auto for their truck or trailer, equipment coverage, and workers’ comp once they hire.
How much is pressure washing insurance?
Insureon reports medians of about $73 a month for general liability, $142 for a BOP, and $147 for workers’ comp for pressure washing businesses.
Does general liability cover damage I cause while pressure washing?
Often yes for damage to the customer’s other property, but check how the policy treats damage to the surface you were working on.
Can I wash wastewater into the storm drain?
In many places, no. Check local rules; Ohio EPA, for example, prohibits discharging power washing wastewater into storm sewers.
Does insurance cover damage to the surface I’m cleaning?
Often not under standard general liability, which may exclude damage to the part of the property you’re working on; ask about endorsements.
Do I need commercial auto for a pressure washing rig?
Usually yes, if the vehicle and trailer are used for business.
How can I avoid pressure washing damage claims?
Photograph the property before and after, test settings on a small area, and use written agreements describing known risks.
Related guides
Important information
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Cost figures. Published averages and ranges are cited from the sources named, as of the dates shown. They are not quotes and may not reflect your price, which depends on the insurer, your state, your business, your payroll and revenue, your limits, and your claims history.
Availability. Coverage, prices, discounts, and eligibility vary by insurer, state, and applicant, and are subject to underwriting. The issued policy controls.
Your next step
Tell us about your pressure washing business, and a licensed agent will help you compare coverage from the insurers we offer in your state.
