Auto detailing and mobile detailer insurance in Ontario.

Mobile-only versus shop-based detailing

A mobile-only detailer works from a van or trailer at customer homes, workplaces or fleet yards, with no fixed location for customer vehicles. A shop-based detailer adds a lease or building, overnight vehicles and in-house storage of products. Many businesses do both. The broker needs to know the proportion, the number of service vehicles and whether any customer vehicles are driven between sites.

• Mobile only, working at customer locations
• Studio or shop with drop-off vehicles
• Shop plus mobile units
• Fleet or commercial detailing contracts

Chemicals, solvents and heat tools

Detailing products, degreasers, solvents and used rags raise fire, spill and storage questions. Heat guns, steamers, polishers and extraction machines add their own concerns. Insurers may ask how products are stored, how soiled rags are handled, whether a fire extinguisher and ventilation are in place and how products are transported in a service vehicle. Describe what the business really does.

Water and power at customer locations

Mobile detailers often depend on the customer’s water and electrical supply, or carry their own tanks, generators and pressure washers. Runoff, wet surfaces, extension cords and fuelled equipment can create third-party liability questions at someone else’s property. Tell the broker what equipment is carried, whether a generator is used and whether any written permission or contract terms govern site access.

Coatings, paint correction and high-value finishes

Ceramic coatings, paint correction, protective films and work on luxury or collector vehicles raise the stakes of an alleged error. Insurers may ask about the highest-value vehicle handled, who performs coating and correction work, and what training and process records exist. Confirm in writing how an alleged defect in finished work is treated.

Customer vehicles in your care, custody or control

Ontario’s garage automobile wording addresses damage to a customer’s automobile while it is in the insured’s care, custody or control, subject to the certificate, limits, deductibles and exclusions. Explain who holds the keys, whether vehicles are driven, how vehicles are secured overnight and what the maximum individual and total values on site could be.

Premises, equipment and interrupted income

Detailing shops should value tenant improvements, water and extraction systems, compressors and lighting realistically. Mobile operators should consider the service vehicle and the tools and equipment that travel in it. Business interruption options should reflect how long a lost space, van or critical machine could realistically disrupt revenue.

Prepare a detailing submission

Bring the current policy and loss history, revenue and payroll, a full service list, the share of mobile work, maximum customer-vehicle values, driver details and equipment values. Clear information helps the broker approach insurers with a consistent picture.

Common questions