At the Car Wash: Take Cover With Proper Insurance

In addition to insuring buildings and equipment, you need to protect your human assets. Whether you pay staff hourly or by salary, consider providing benefits. Don’t overlook the possibility that paying for benefits may positively impact your business if you’re able to retain employees longer and spend less on hiring and training.

My car wash employs 40 part-time and salaried workers. We compete against other companies where the core work force is hourly. Many of these companies offer benefits. This year, we searched far and wide for affordable health programs to stay competitive. The health-insurance issue will continue to make life difficult for small-business owners. Unless you already do, providing health benefits for staff is highly encouraged.

You also need a good lawyer. Find one who knows your line of work and can provide the best counsel. Covering yourself from the inevitable is not easy, but it’s an expensive proposition to ignore. If your business has daily traffic, consider extra precautions. Security cameras, signage and contracts are just the beginning. Customers need to know you won’t be easy prey.

Of course, not everyone who comes to your site is looking for an opportunity to take advantage of you; but the truth is it only takes is one bad incident to hurt your business. That’s why digital cameras come in handy and can be your least expensive weapon against fraudulent claims. Should you be victimized at any time, take pictures and document everything. Also train your employees and hold them accountable for damage that occurs while they’re on the job.

If you’re a car-wash operator, make sure every vehicle entering your property is checked stem to stern, and be on the alert for vehicles that have a reputation for being problematic. For example, certain models may have trim or certain operational behavior that could put you at risk for damage. Note and discuss anything that could be a potential issue with the driver. If a concern is raised and the customer won’t sign a release, don’t wash his vehicle.

Although some of this column has been tongue in cheek, I hope the gravity of living in a litigious society will change your thinking. Always watch your back. Moreover, secure your site so you, your employees and customers know you’re observing and protecting all who enter. 

Fred Grauer is the president of Grauer Associates and executive vice president, investor market and conveyors, for Ryko Manufacturing Co., a car-wash-equipment manufacturer in Grimes, Iowa. He has made a lifelong career of designing, selling, building and operating car washes. He can be reached at fredgrauer@comcast.net.