Accidental paintwork damage is one of the most common concerns in valeting. Standard public liability insurance doesn’t always protect against it because liability policies often exclude “damage to property being worked on.” That’s where a treatment risk extension comes in.
Treatment Risk
Treatment risk covers accidental damage caused by the materials and methods you use, such as scratches from machine polishers, discolouration from chemicals, or water ingress from pressure washing. Insurers expect valeters to take reasonable precautions, including patch-testing products, checking paintwork condition, and following product instructions. Keeping before-and-after photos or customer sign-off can also strengthen your defence in case of a claim.
Not all policies include treatment risks automatically, so it’s important to check. Without it, you could be left paying out for repairs or resprays if something goes wrong during a job. Excesses are often higher on this section, reflecting the specialist nature of the cover, but it provides crucial protection for your reputation and finances.
Mobile Valeters
For mobile valeters, insurers may also ask about where work is carried out, how products are stored, and whether jobs are performed under cover or outdoors. These details help them assess risk and set appropriate terms.
If you’re comparing policies, always confirm that treatment risks are included in your car valeters insurance and set at a level suitable for the vehicles you regularly handle.
Frequently asked questions
Does valeting insurance cover damage to paintwork?
Standard public liability insurance often excludes damage to property being worked on, so paintwork damage is usually only covered if your policy includes a treatment risk extension. Not all policies include it automatically.
What is treatment risk cover for valeters?
It covers accidental damage caused by the materials and methods you use, such as scratches from machine polishers, discolouration from chemicals or water ingress from pressure washing.
What do insurers expect valeters to do to avoid paintwork claims?
Take reasonable precautions such as patch-testing products, checking the condition of paintwork and following product instructions. Keeping before-and-after photos or customer sign-off can strengthen your defence if a claim arises.
Is the excess higher on treatment risk cover?
Excesses are often higher on this section of the policy, reflecting its specialist nature, but without it you could be paying for repairs or resprays yourself.
What do insurers ask mobile valeters about?
Where work is carried out, how products are stored and whether jobs are done under cover or outdoors, as these details help them assess risk and set terms.
Michael Foote, Insurance & Finance Expert
Michael Foote is the founder of Quote Goat and has over 20 years experience working in finance & insurance. Since launching Quote Goat he has appeared on TV as well as many of the largest online publications including Forbes, The Telegraph and The Metro. Prior to Quote Goat, he worked in finance in the city.
