Insurance for Auto Repair and Body Shops
Auto repair shops face unique risks that standard business policies do not cover adequately. Customers' vehicles are in your care, your technicians work with hazardous equipment and fluids, and any mistake can result in costly property damage or personal injury claims. We build garage insurance packages that address every risk your shop faces.
Key Coverages for Auto Repair Shops
- Garage Liability - The foundation of any auto repair policy. Covers third-party bodily injury and property damage claims arising from your garage operations — including test drives and damage to customers' vehicles while in your care.
- Garagekeepers Insurance - Specifically covers damage to customers' vehicles while they are in your custody, care, or control. Required if customers leave their vehicles with you for any reason.
- Commercial Property - Covers your building, equipment, tools, and inventory against fire, theft, vandalism, and other covered events.
- Workers Compensation - Covers medical expenses and lost wages for employees injured on the job. Required in most states if you have staff.
- Commercial Auto - Covers vehicles you own or use for business, including test drives and shuttling customers.
- Pollution Liability - Covers cleanup costs and legal liability from fuel, oil, or chemical spills — a real risk in any shop environment.
Protecting Customers' Vehicles
One of the biggest liabilities for any auto repair shop is damage to a customer's vehicle while it is in your possession. Whether it's damage during a test drive, a fire in your shop, or theft from your lot, garagekeepers insurance ensures you are covered without relying on your customer's own policy — which protects your relationships and your reputation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is garage liability the same as general liability?
No. Garage liability is a specialized form of commercial liability designed for auto-related businesses. It covers risks that general liability excludes, such as damage to vehicles in your care. Most auto repair shops need both garage liability and garagekeepers coverage.
Do I need workers comp if I only have one employee?
Requirements vary by state, but most states require workers compensation once you hire even one employee. The risk of an uninsured workplace injury far outweighs the premium cost.