Valeters Trade Insurance

In the vehicle valeting industry, many customers opt to remain in their cars during the cleaning process, particularly for quick exterior or drive-through services.

However, professional valeters frequently encounter situations where vehicles need to be moved, repositioned, or even collected and delivered as part of a more comprehensive service. Whether it’s to access better lighting, work space, or to perform a full valet at a customer’s home or workplace, moving the vehicle is often a necessity.

While valeting services are primarily focused on cleaning, polishing, and detailing vehicles, the act of driving or handling customers’ cars—even for short distances—introduces a unique set of risks and responsibilities. Damage can occur while manoeuvring in tight spaces, accidents can happen during transportation, and liability can arise if a third party is injured or property is damaged while the vehicle is under your control.

This is why having the appropriate insurance coverage is critical. A standard liability policy may not cover incidents that occur while a customer’s vehicle is being driven by a valeter. To be fully protected, valeters need specific cover—such as “road risks” insurance—that includes permission to drive customers’ vehicles for motor trade purposes.

Moreover, comprehensive insurance not only protects your business financially but also instills confidence in your clients. Customers are more likely to trust and return to a service provider that demonstrates professionalism and responsibility through proper insurance and risk management.

Some valeting businesses offer a service where they pick up customers’ vehicles and return them after the service is completed. Driving the customer’s car from one location to another is a common task.

Valeters frequently face situations where they need to reposition vehicles on their premises to access different areas of the car or to facilitate the cleaning process. This is particularly common when working with large fleets of vehicles or in confined spaces, such as a small workshop

It’s important for valeters to have clear consent from customers to drive their vehicles. This is typically included in the service agreement or terms and conditions. While insurance will cover the risks, having proper documentation protects both the valeter and the customer.

Full Retail Value on Customers’ Vehicles ensures that customer vehicles are financially protected while they are in your care, whether for repairs, servicing, or other business operations. This coverage guarantees that if the vehicle is damaged, stolen, or suffers a total loss, the customer is compensated for its full retail value.