Damage Policy

Scratches, Dents & Paint Damage

Waves accepts responsibility for damage directly caused by a malfunction or failure of our car wash equipment. We will also consider covering surface damage that follows the exact pattern of our light-touch foam applicators and is visible along the majority of the vehicle’s length. Damage that does not correspond to the pattern of our foam equipment is not eligible for coverage.

Glass

Waves will cover the cost of glass replacement if a window or windshield breaks as a direct result of impact with our equipment, provided the customer does not have applicable glass insurance coverage. Waves does not cover glass breakage resulting from pre-existing cracks, chips, or other prior damage, or from thermal shock.

Moldings

Moldings with pre-existing looseness or prior damage are not eligible for coverage. For vehicles eight (8) or more model years old, Waves will cover the cost of the replacement part only; labor costs are the customer’s responsibility.

Mirrors

Mirrors with visible prior damage — including damaged clips or marks on the mirror cover — are not eligible for coverage, as these indicate the mirror was previously compromised. Where no signs of prior damage exist, Waves will cover the cost of mirror replacement. For vehicles eight (8) or more model years old, Waves will cover the cost of the replacement part only; labor costs are the customer’s responsibility.

Tires

Waves will cover the cost of any tire punctured during the wash process, except where the damage was caused by the customer turning the wheel excessively or driving over the car wash conveyor. Waves does not cover valve stem damage when the valve stem is protruding beyond the normal tire profile, as this presents a pre-existing risk.

Rims

Rim damage is not covered under any circumstances.

Tunnel Collisions

Waves is not responsible for vehicle-to-vehicle collisions in the wash tunnel caused by driver error, including: applying the brakes during the wash, failing to place the vehicle in neutral, or engaging the parking brake or auto-hold function. Waves is also not responsible for damage caused by a customer driving faster than the conveyor speed while failing to maintain neutral gear. Waves accepts responsibility only for collisions caused by a vehicle stopped on the conveyor track due to an equipment failure.

Aftermarket Accessories

Waves does not cover damage to aftermarket accessories, nor damage to the vehicle caused by the presence of an aftermarket accessory. Responsibility for such damage rests with the customer.

General Policy

All damage claims must be reported within four (4) hours of the completed wash. Claims reported after this window will not be eligible for review. Where a repair requires a body shop or mechanic, Waves reserves the right to select a reputable third-party repair facility within three (3) miles of the Waves Car Wash location, or to perform the repair on-site. Waves may use OEM (dealer) or quality third-party replacement parts at its discretion.

Appeals Process

Customers who disagree with Waves’ damage assessment may submit a written appeal to info@waveswash.com. All appeals will be reviewed and a response provided within seven (7) business days.