COLUMBUS, OH — Last weekend, Frank Mascari received the late-night call that many carwash owners dread. At about 2 a.m. on Saturday, Mascari was contacted by a neighbor of his business letting him know that his wash had been damaged during a strong storm.
Mascari told PC&D in an exclusive interview that straight-line winds lifted the roof of a nearby U-Haul building and dropped it onto his self-serve carwash in Columbus, OH. Mascari owns and operates two R & R Car Wash locations with his wife Kathy. The location in Reynoldsburg, OH, was not damaged during the storm.
As far as Mascari knows, his business and the U-Haul location were the only buildings damaged by the storm. After speaking to insurance adjusters, it appears the damage to his carwash will be considered an “Act of God.” This means his carwash insurance coverage will have to foot the bill for repairs, and Mascari is worried his premiums will increase.
Based on early conversations with the insurance company, it looks like everything but about $1,000 should be covered. Also, U-Haul has sent a demolition company to remove their roof from the carwash property. Currently, about 60 percent of the debris has been removed.
Thankfully, four bays were saved from damage, and, though the power is out now, Mascari hopes to have these bays reopened in 24 to 48 hours.
When it comes to repairs, Mascari is hoping he can do some of the work himself. He also said he is “looking for the blessing in this.”
