Terms of Service

Before we start

We photograph existing scratches, dents, chips, stains and wear at intake. You confirm you are authorized to book the vehicle and have disclosed known issues. Dated before-service photos are the record.

How it works: a 360° walkaround records at least 8 exterior and 4 interior photos, or 16 exterior and 8 interior for hypercar/collection jobs.

Special finishes

Matte/satin: no abrasives, sealant or wax; matte-only products. PPF/wrap: no pressure within 6 in. of edges, no solvent tar remover, edge photos before and after. Wraps and PPF over 3 years old are serviced at the owner’s risk.

EV: no underbody pressure; follow car-wash mode and 12V guidance. Classic: gentle hand wash only unless the owner signs the hidden-damage release; no clay. Soft top: no pressure, top-specific cleaner, no dressing on the fabric.

How it works: disclose finish flags and special handling instructions at booking; crew follows the matching protocol.

Driving your vehicle

You authorize pickup and return moves only, capped at 15 miles. No concierge driving under winter weather advisories. Tolls and camera tickets are passed through at cost with documentation.

How it works: use a lockbox and provide valet-mode/PIN instructions for concierge moves. Chain-of-custody photos record the key/fob and storage location at receipt and return. Fob replacement is capped at $500; fobs left in the vehicle are excluded.

Concierge returns include a photo of the parked car and key location, with pickup and return odometer readings on the Detail Report.

Damage & claims

All work is performed by insured detailers carrying garage keepers and general liability coverage. Dated before-service photos are the record of condition.

Any damage must be reported within 48 hours with photos. Pre-existing damage, mechanical or electrical faults, aftermarket modifications, weather and personal items are excluded.

Liability is limited to the insurance coverage in force on the job and, for Detail DMV LLC, to the amount paid for the service. We coordinate any claim with the insurer. Nothing limits non-waivable consumer rights.

How it works: contact us with photos before arranging repairs so we can inspect and coordinate with the insurer.

Unattended Service Release

When you are not present, pre-service photos are sent by SMS/email with “Reply OK or call us before we start” and service may proceed after 10 minutes.

How it works: review the photos promptly and call us before work starts if you disagree with the recorded condition.

Deposits, changes and weather

A 25% deposit holds your slot. Cancellation is free 24h+ before service; inside 24h we retain 50% of the deposit. The full deposit is forfeited if the car is inaccessible 30 minutes past the window. Repeat no-shows require a non-refundable retainer.

Lightning, winds over 25 mph, or temperatures below 35°F for exterior work mean a free reschedule. No concierge driving under winter weather advisories.

30 minutes past your window with no text and your next Essential is on us.

How it works: contact us to cancel or reschedule; service times are estimates, not guaranteed durations.

Pricing

Listed prices are starting prices for average condition by vehicle size. We confirm the final price on-site after inspection.

Heavy soil, excessive pet hair, sand, salt or smoke add time and cost. We quote added fees before starting; you can decline, and we may decline severe contamination.

No extra charge is ever added without your approval.

No upcharge without your photo-approved OK.

DC jobs include 6% sales tax.

Excessive pet hair not disclosed at booking — photo-approved: $69

Heavy soil/sand: $49–99

Mold/mildew: From $149

Smoke: From $149

Biohazard: From $199 or declined

Rodents/insects: Declined

Your location

No public lots. Indoor garages require written authorization. Provide gate codes at booking. You warrant permission to work at the site and bear HOA/garage fines.

How it works: provide a safe, legal spot and access instructions when booking. We may refuse an unsafe site.

What we do and don’t

We never remove or reinstall child seats. We do not open the glove box or console. We are not responsible for personal items or firearms. Found items are placed in the trunk; a found firearm is left untouched and the owner is called.

We decline bodily fluids, mold, bedbugs, rodents and hazardous residue. Stains, odors, headliners, brake dust, cracked trim and engine-bay electrics are not guaranteed.

We may refuse service for an unsafe site, abuse, risk of damage or suspected fraud.

How it works: request a free re-do within 48h before requesting a refund; after the re-do, refunds are at our discretion, subject to non-waivable rights.

Payments and service hours

Cashless only. Tips are never expected, optional in the app, and 100% goes to crew. Hours and holiday closures are published.

Failed payments receive 3 retries over 7 days; membership is suspended, with collections at 30 days.

How it works: keep your payment method current and check published hours and holiday closures before booking.

Memberships

Your card is billed monthly or annually, as selected, and renews automatically until cancelled through your confirmation email link or by replying CANCEL, effective at the end of the current period.

Pause up to 2 times per year in 30-day blocks with auto-resume. We send a 3-day warning before auto-resume.

Skipped visits don't roll over; one missed visit per quarter is rebookable within 14 days.

Early exit before 3 visits reverses the member discount. The discount is reversed on visits taken.

Price lock: 12 months Gold / 24 months Platinum. Non-founding rates return to current pricing when the lock ends. Founding members keep their rate for as long as they remain members.

Promo codes and referral credit never apply to membership fees.

Annual plans refund pro-rated on exit minus visits taken at the regular Essential rate.

An annual renewal reminder email arrives 45 days before the anniversary with the price, renewal date and a one-click cancel link.

A household membership covers up to four registered vehicles, each with its own size and rhythm; extra cars are discounted. A Premier is required at sign-up or after 60 or more days without a visit.

Member extras are real entitlements, one use per calendar year where stated: Pollen Prep is included on member visits in April and May and Salt Removal December through February; your 12th visit upgrades to a Premier (Gold) or Signature (Platinum); Both tiers receive one free add-on in their birthday month. Platinum also includes a second-car day pass, one Travel Essential inside Zone 3 and an annual coating inspection. Gold includes interior protection on the sign-up Premier when there is no prior completed Premier for that customer.

Platinum rain guarantee: when weather forces a reschedule, Platinum visits are rebooked first within the same week; if no same-week window exists, that visit is free.

Photos

We may photograph before, during and after service for documentation, insurance, training and marketing. Plates are blurred; names and addresses are not shared.

Opt out of marketing use anytime by email without affecting your service. Documentation photos are always taken.

Who does the work

Detail DMV coordinates your booking and stands behind the work. Services may be performed by our staff or independent, vetted, insured detailing professionals working under the Detail DMV brand.

These terms, our satisfaction remedy and our claims process apply either way. Detail DMV is your point of contact.

The legal part

Virginia law applies. Disputes are heard in the General District Court for Fairfax County, or small claims where service was performed. Both sides first try to resolve the matter directly for 30 days.

If a provision is unenforceable, the rest remains effective. These terms are the entire agreement for the service; the version posted when you book applies.

Nothing limits rights under Virginia, Maryland or DC consumer-protection law that cannot be waived.