The B2B detailing legal and insurance manual

In the high-ticket world of professional detailing, protecting your business from liability is even more important than the quality of your finish. A single damage claim or a contract dispute can erase months of profit. This manual covers the essential legal and insurance frameworks for professional shops.

Contract Integrity for Professional Shops

Contracts define expectation. Without a written agreement, you are open to significant risk.

1. Customer Service Agreements

Every job should start with a signed "Scope of Work." This describes the service, the price, and any pre-existing conditions (documented with photos in the Customer Portal).

2. Commercial B2B Contracts

When landing Fleet Accounts or dealership work, your contracts must be more robust. They should include payment terms (Net-15/30), liability limits, and termination clauses.

3. Employment Agreements

As you Hire Your First Employee, ensure you have signed agreements covering non-solicitation, work standards, and Chemical Safety acknowledgment.

Insurance: Your Second Layer of Protection

Legal structure (like an LLC) doesn't replace the need for active insurance.

4. General Liability and Garage Keepers

• General Liability: Covers basic property damage at the site.
• Garage Keepers: Specifically covers the vehicles in your "care, custody, and control." This is the most critical policy for anyone performing Paint Correction or Ceramic Coatings.

5. Workers Compensation

If you have staff, Workers Comp is mandatory. It protects both the employee and your business in the event of an on-the-job injury.

How DetailerBase Supports Your Legal Foundation

• Digital Sign-offs: Require customers to sign your terms of service directly during the booking process or via the Customer Portal.
• Damage Documentation: Techs can upload unlimited "Before" photos to provide an audit trail of pre-existing damage.
• Secure Repository: Store your insurance certificates and business licenses in your Business Settings for easy retrieval during fleet bids.

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Found your business on security. Learn more about our documentation features and protect your detailing shop with DetailerBase.