Why Boat Detailers Need Specialist Insurance

As a boat detailer, your work brings vessels back to life polishing, cleaning, restoring, and protecting everything from small runabouts to luxury yachts. But while your job focuses on perfection, accidents can still happen.

Working around marinas, docks, and private vessels means you’re constantly exposed to risks like damaging a customer’s gel coat, scratching paintwork, spilling cleaning chemicals, or injuring someone on site. Unfortunately, most general business insurance policies don’t cover marine environments, leaving many detailers unprotected.

That’s where Marine Liability Insurance steps in. It’s specifically designed for professionals who work on or near the water, giving you financial protection if things go wrong during a job.

What Marine Liability Insurance Covers for Boat Detailers

Marine Liability Insurance protects your business if your work causes property damage, injury, or financial loss while detailing or cleaning a vessel. Typical cover includes:

• Public Liability: Covers third-party injury or property damage caused by your detailing work.
• Damage to Vessels or Marinas: Protection if you accidentally scratch, dent, or damage a boat or marina property while cleaning or polishing.
• Faulty Workmanship: Optional extensions may cover the cost of re-doing your work if it causes further damage.
• Products Liability: Covers liability for cleaning products or materials you supply that lead to damage or injury.
• Legal Defence Costs: Pays for legal expenses if you face a liability claim or dispute.

With the right policy, you’re covered whether you’re working at a marina, on a mooring, or from your mobile detailing van.

Why Regular Public Liability Isn’t Enough

Most standard Public Liability Insurance excludes work performed on or near water. So if a cleaning chemical spills into the water or your buffer accidentally scratches a client’s hull, you may not be covered under a general policy.

Marine Liability Insurance fills that gap, ensuring you’re protected for both land-based and on-water work. Many marinas and boatyards also require proof of marine-specific insurance before allowing contractors on site making it a must for professional boat detailers.

Other Important Insurances for Boat Detailers

To fully protect your business, consider combining Marine Liability with other essential covers:

• Tools & Equipment Insurance: Covers theft or damage to your buffers, pressure washers, vacuums, and detailing tools.
• Commercial Vehicle Insurance: Protects your work van used for transporting supplies and visiting clients.
• Income Protection: Provides a steady income if illness or injury prevents you from working.
• Stock or Consumables Cover: For the cleaning products and materials you store or transport.

These policies together create a safety net that protects both your tools and your livelihood.

How Morgan Insurance Brokers Help Boat Detailers

At Morgan Insurance Brokers, we specialise in Marine Trades Insurance including coverage for mobile and marina-based boat detailers. We understand that every detailing business is different, so we tailor insurance packages to suit your exact needs.

Here’s how we can help:

• Tailored Policies: Coverage designed for your day-to-day operations, whether you’re mobile or working at a fixed location.
• Access to Leading Marine Insurers: We work with trusted Australian underwriters who understand the marine environment.
• Competitive Quotes: We compare multiple policies to find the best value and protection.
• Claims Support: If something goes wrong, we handle the claim on your behalf and guide you through every step.

With Morgan Insurance Brokers, you’ll have confidence knowing your detailing business is properly protected so you can focus on what you do best: keeping boats spotless and clients happy.

Get a Quote for Marine Liability Insurance

If you’re a boat detailer working anywhere in Australia, make sure your insurance is as thorough as your cleaning.

Talk to Morgan Insurance Brokers today about Marine Liability Insurance and additional cover options tailored for marine detailers.