Pressure washing businesses are booming. Thanks to increased demand in residential and commercial property maintenance, the global market is projected to reach $2.7 billion by 2030. But with that growth comes greater risk exposure. Whether blasting grime off a building’s exterior or cleaning slippery sidewalks, every job involves a level of force that can quickly turn dangerous. For brokers serving this niche, it’s critical to match clients with general liability insurance for contractors that’s built to handle the real-world hazards of pressure washing.
Common Liability Risks in Pressure Washing Operations
Pressure washing isn’t as simple as it looks. The job might start with water and detergent, but if something goes wrong, it can result in costly claims.
Third-Party Bodily Injury
A trailing hose left on a walkway, water pooling on a smooth surface, or accidental contact with a spray wand can all lead to slip-and-fall incidents or more serious injuries. The high pressure of many machines poses a danger not just to workers but also to passersby.
Property Damage
It takes less than a second for a high-pressure stream to etch siding, shatter a window, or rip up paint on a client’s property. Overspray can impact vehicles or neighboring structures, and chemical agents can stain or corrode surfaces when misapplied.
Even when the equipment is functioning properly, not all surfaces are meant to withstand that level of force. According to Consumer Reports, materials like asphalt roofing, stained wood decks, and even certain types of brick or mortar can be damaged if pressure washing is done incorrectly or with the wrong nozzle. Without proper surface assessment and technique, well-meaning contractors can leave behind costly damage and open themselves to liability claims.
Worksite Unpredictability
Whether the job is residential or commercial, each site comes with its own risks, such as fragile fixtures, complex landscaping, or foot traffic. One bad angle with a pressure wand, and a contractor may find themselves facing a claim they didn’t see coming.
Why General Liability Insurance Is Essential for Pressure Washers
General liability insurance for contractors provides critical protection for the most common, and often most expensive, claims in this field. In the event of third-party injuries or property damage during a job, the right policy may cover legal costs, medical expenses, and repair or replacement costs.
The injuries aren’t hypothetical. According to EMRA, pressure washer injuries can be severe enough to require surgical intervention. The equipment may seem harmless until it breaks skin or damages soft tissues.
In addition to protection, insurance lends credibility. Pressure washing clients — especially property managers and businesses — expect insured contractors. General liability coverage builds confidence and can open the door to larger, more lucrative contracts.
Considerations for Brokers Working With Pressure Washing Clients
A successful placement starts with understanding the scope of your client’s work. Are they primarily working on residential homes? Do they clean multi-tenant commercial buildings? What chemicals are they using? These details matter when submitting for general liability coverage.
When sending submissions, make sure the client’s operations are clearly described—what surfaces they treat, whether they use ladders, and how they handle runoff or chemical use. Accurate descriptions help underwriters assign the right class code and properly evaluate risk.
In addition, watch for risk factors like water intrusion into buildings, collateral damage from overspray, or chemical runoff into storm drains. Even unintentional damage can result in significant claims.
Supporting Brokers in the Pressure Washing Segment
At Commodore, we know the contractor space. Our team provides underwriting support tailored to pressure washers, making it easier to submit clean, complete applications. Our premium indication process is straightforward, our turnaround times are fast, and we’re here to help brokers succeed in this specialized market.
Get in touch with us to learn how we support brokers and help protect pressure washing businesses with targeted general liability solutions.
About Commodore
Commodore Insurance Services, Inc. (Commodore) is a California corporation that operates as a Managing General Agency and Program Manager. Since incorporating in 1990, Commodore has developed an expertise in the production and underwriting of insurance products for businesses across the West Coast. Our focus is on providing top-level insurance products to our clients while striving to make it easy to do business for our brokers. Try us and find out why we have continued to be successful for more than 27 years and are recognized as the trusted leader in small business insurance.
