Let’s talk about one of the most necessary—but often most painful—expenses in the aircraft detailing business: insurance.
Specifically, General Liability Insurance.
Why is it so important? Because we work around multi-million-dollar equipment, driving our vehicles on active ramps, working inside jets with expensive interiors, and handling all kinds of cleaning tools and chemicals. One small mistake can turn into a big issue—fast.
What Type of Coverage Do We Need?
At the very least, you need a solid General Liability policy—and it needs to come from an aviation-specialized carrier. Why? Because:
- These carriers know the industry
- Their underwriters understand your operation
- And if a claim ever has to be filed, you want someone who actually understands what you do
Now—how do you connect with the right carrier?
By working with a broker who has real aviation experience. And I don’t mean someone who just says, "Yeah, I can help with aviation.” Many brokers simply act as intermediaries and pass your file off to someone else behind the scenes.
Here’s the golden question to ask any broker:
“Do you work with multiple carriers?”
If they only give you one or two quotes, you’re missing out on better pricing and better coverage. You want someone who can present multiple options, so you can compare and choose what works best for your business.
What Kind of Coverage Should You Ask For?
This is the classic moment when the broker says:
“What type of coverage are you looking for?”
And you think… "I’m a detailer, not an insurance expert."
Totally fair. So here are a few real-world scenarios to help guide you:
Why are you getting insurance in the first place?
1. Because the airport requires it
- Make sure you know the exact limits they want
- It’s probably not just General Liability—they might also want Commercial Auto and Workers Comp
2. Because if something happens, you want to be protected
Think about what kind of aircraft you’re working on. For example:
If your buffer slips and hits the wing of a Challenger 300, leaving a small dent:
The aircraft could go AOG
The operator might bill you for a missed trip
The part alone could cost $10,000 just to ship
The total claim could easily hit $100,000
3. Because the FBO won’t let you in without proof of insurance
Same logic as the airport—ask exactly what they require, and don’t assume it’s just General Liability.
4. Because your customer wants to know you’re covered
And honestly, that’s fair. If you were trusting someone with your $15 million jet, you’d want the same.
So, what’s the answer?
All of the above.
Even if nobody is asking for it today, all it takes is one new manager, one new policy, or one incident—and everything changes overnight. Be ready.
Key Coverages to Look For in Your General Liability Policy
✅ Products & Completed Operations
This protects you after the job is done.
Example:
You finish detailing an aircraft. It takes off, and the pilot realizes there’s residue on the windshield that obstructs visibility. If they file a claim, this coverage responds.
Another example:
You use a leather conditioner. Days later, a passenger has an allergic reaction. Even though the job was finished, you're still liable. This coverage steps in.
✅ Hangarkeepers Liability
This is a must.
Hangarkeepers covers damage to an aircraft in your care, custody, or control—even if you don’t own or lease a hangar.
Let’s be honest—when you’re cleaning a jet, it’s technically under your care. If something happens while you’re working:
- A buffer hits the fuselage
- A sprayer stains the leather
- A ladder dings the wing
Hangarkeepers pays for that.
Even if you don’t operate out of a hangar, you still need this coverage. You're around expensive equipment, inside and out, every day.
Other Coverage to Know (We’ll Do Full Posts on These Later)
There are other elements in a General Liability policy—like:
- Medical Expenses
- Damage to Rented Premises
- On-Airport Auto Liability
- and more…
But for now, Products/Completed Ops and Hangarkeepers are your two non-negotiables.
Additional Insured & Waiver of Subrogation
These are two extras your customers might ask for—and you should know why they matter.
Additional Insured
This extends some of your liability coverage to your customer (like an FBO or jet owner).
Why?
If someone gets injured while you’re cleaning their jet and sues both you and the FBO, the FBO wants your insurance to protect them too. Being listed as Additional Insured makes that possible.
✅ It’s very common—and often a requirement.
Waiver of Subrogation
This tells your insurance company:
“If someone else might’ve contributed to a loss, don’t go after them.”
So if your insurer pays out a claim, they won’t turn around and sue the FBO, even if they partially caused the problem. This makes your customers feel more protected—and it’s often required when working in shared spaces, like ramps and hangars.
🎯 Final Thoughts
General Liability isn’t just about checking a box—it’s about protecting yourself, your team, and your business when the unexpected happens.
Make sure you’re working with a broker who understands aviation, and make sure your coverage includes the things that really matter.
Because in this business, mistakes can be expensive—and insurance is how you make sure they don’t take you down.
Existing Clean Takeoff article, preserved for this design review.