Describe every operation up front. A complete picture helps the broker approach insurers willing to consider the actual business.
Performance and custom garages
Modifications, high-value vehicles, racing-related equipment and dynamometer operations can fall outside ordinary insurer appetite. Describe exactly what is and is not performed, how vehicles are used, and whether any work or vehicles are connected to racing. Acceptance and exclusions must be confirmed in writing.
Accessories, electronics and wraps
Remote starters, audio systems, wraps and other accessories create property, installation and completed-work questions. Disclose the products installed, any subcontracted work and the maximum value of customer automobiles in the business’s care.
Mobile mechanics
Mobile work shifts property and liability exposures away from a fixed shop. Review tool transit, service vehicles, customer locations, roadside work, fluids, temporary vehicle custody and whether customer vehicles are driven.
Coverage topics beyond customer vehicles
A specialty-shop review should extend beyond the garage automobile policy. Depending on the operation and insurer, the discussion may include the building or tenant improvements, tools and equipment, equipment breakdown, business interruption, employee dishonesty, computer systems, exterior signs, pollution cleanup, employee property and umbrella liability. These are not automatic inclusions; ask where each item is shown and what conditions apply.
- Hoists, compressors and specialized equipment
- Tools at the shop, in transit and at customer locations
- Business income after an insured interruption
- Oils, solvents, chemicals and pollution exclusions
- Computer systems, payment data and privacy exposures
- Employee dishonesty and employee-owned property
Loss-prevention details can strengthen the submission
Insurers may ask how the shop prevents avoidable losses. Useful controls include a secured key-drop box, restricted customer access to work areas, written hot-work procedures, approved containers for oily or solvent-soaked rags, regular driver-abstract reviews and well-lit secured storage for customer vehicles. Describe the controls that are actually used rather than promising future practices.
- Secure keys during and after business hours
- Post and enforce employee-only work areas
- Control welding, cutting and other hot work
- Store oily and solvent-soaked rags safely
- Review abstracts for anyone driving business or customer vehicles
- Use lighting, fencing, alarms and cameras appropriate to vehicle storage
One complete business description
If the operation combines repair, retail, storage, sales, towing or another service, list it. A policy arranged for only one part of the business may not reflect the full risk. The broker can then determine which markets and policy structure are appropriate.
Common questions
Can one program cover several automotive services?
Often a coordinated program can address multiple accepted operations, but every service must be disclosed and the insurer must agree to the risk.
Can a dedicated tire shop use this program?
No. Dedicated tire retailers and tire-only shops are outside this program’s current focus. A broader auto repair garage that repairs tires or makes occasional tire sales can still be reviewed as part of its complete operation.
Can high-value vehicles be reviewed?
Potentially, but maximum individual and total values, security, services and driver activity are important underwriting details.
Is mobile work automatically included?
Do not assume so. Off-premises work, tools in transit, service vehicles and customer-vehicle activity must be described and accepted.
Primary sources
Use the current official wording and your own certificate when making a coverage decision.