Ask an Agent
Have a question? We're here to help.
Ask an agent for free
Question

If my car was damaged in a car wash, who pays for the repair?

The mirror was knocked off my car and there are lots of scratches and a big dent from the car wash. Will the gas station that owns the car wash pay for my damage or do I have to file a claim?

Aug 3, 2018 Bloomington, MN

Answer
Author profile picture

The Zebra

The nation's leading independent insurance comparison site

The Zebra is an independent insurance advisor and quote comparison site with headquarters in Austin, Texas. Utilizing its real-time quote comparison …

The answer to your question will depend completely on the specifics of how the damage occurred. The gas station will pay for the damage if:
  • If your vehicle was not moving and the brushes or moving parts of the car wash damaged your vehicle then the liability would be on the owner of the wash.
You will have to file a claim if:
  • If you were in control of your vehicle when the damage occurred - for instance, you drove your car into something in the process of washing the vehicle
Either way, you can contact your car insurance company to begin the claims process. Once your company determines how the damage was caused then they will either require that you pay your deductible, or require the car wash owner pay for the repair.
Ask an Agent
Have a question? We're here to help.
Ask an agent for free

Insurance is complicated, but it doesn't have to be.

The Zebra searches all of the top insurance companies, in one place, so you can compare the cost and coverage you need to protect your car, home and other property.

Step 1: Tell us a little about yourself

Choose an insurance product and enter your zip code to get started.

Step 2: Sip your coffee while we find the best quotes

Enter the necessary information and then sit back while we find quotes from 100 top insurance carriers.

Icon Fill Form

Step 3: Compare your quotes

Compare quotes side-by-side to find the right match for you, whether it's home, auto, or more.

Icon Agent

Step 4: Let our agents do the hard work for you

Once you pick your policy, our agents are here to get you over the finish line. Then just relax and enjoy your savings.

Compare insurance rates today!

Location pin icon
No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.

Related Questions

Other people are also asking...

Do I need a police report to file an uninsured motorist claim?

For uninsured motorist claims, it's likely that your insurer would want a police report of the incident. What I don't know is if it would be possible to still get a police report and redo the claim. If they make you pay the higher deductible at the end of this, make sure they mark the cla…
May 26, 2020 Memphis, TN

Should I work things out with the at fault driver instead of going through insurance?

We are sorry to hear that you were involved in an accident. If you and the at fault driver have agreed to have them pay for the damages out of pocket, that is within your rights. However, if you're going that route it is wise to photograph all damages, keep a paper trail of your correspondence…
May 23, 2022 Minneapolis, MN

Can you file a claim on behalf of the insured if they are deceased?

First of all, we're very sorry to hear about the passing of your mother. Our thoughts are with you and your family. As to your question, you mention that you're not the official executor of the estate. Do you know if there is an official executor? If you're in contact with the person…
May 20, 2022 Winter Park, FL

Should I file a claim for damage that I caused to someone's bumper?

I would recommend having the other driver get an estimate first. This way, you can decide if the repair costs are affordable enough to pay for the damage yourself. If the repair costs are not feasible for you to pay on your own then you would need to file a claim with your insurance company. And wh…
Feb 1, 2017 Jackson, MS