Have a question about your current policy? Send the basics and Anthony will respond personally.
Before requesting a quote
Useful documents include the current policy and certificate, renewal date, loss history, business description, revenue, payroll, driver details, locations and property values. You do not need everything to submit the short form; the broker can identify what is missing.
When the business changes
Tell the broker before adding services, locations, storage, vehicles, plates, regular drivers or major equipment whenever possible. A material change can affect insurer acceptance and coverage before the next renewal.
Common questions
What is garage or auto shop insurance?
It is a coordinated commercial insurance program for an automotive business, potentially including garage automobile, property, general liability, business interruption and other selected coverage.
Does business insurance cover customer cars?
Do not assume ordinary business liability does. Customer automobiles need specific review, commonly involving Ontario’s OAP 4 garage automobile policy.
What is OAP 4?
OAP 4 is Ontario’s approved Garage Automobile Policy wording. It addresses garage automobile exposures and includes a section for liability for damage to customer automobiles, subject to the issued coverage.
What is the difference between OAP 1 and OAP 4?
OAP 1 is the Owner’s Policy; OAP 4 is the Garage Policy. The named insured, ownership, use and business operations determine the appropriate arrangement.
Is garagekeepers insurance used in Ontario?
The term is commonly used for customer-vehicle protection, but the actual Ontario coverage should be identified from the OAP 4 certificate, Section 6 and endorsements.
Can a new shop get insurance?
New ventures may be considered. Insurers can request owner experience, projections, driver information, premises details, security and a complete service description.
Can a mobile mechanic get insurance?
Potentially. The review should include mobile tools, service vehicles, customer locations, fluids, road work and any customer-vehicle driving.
Do I need pollution liability?
Automotive businesses handle oils, fuels, coolants and waste. Whether separate pollution coverage is appropriate depends on the operation and the exclusions in other policies.
Are employee tools covered?
They may need to be specifically addressed. Confirm ownership, values, storage and off-premises use rather than assuming every tool is included.
Does my landlord’s insurance cover my shop?
A landlord generally insures its own interests. The tenant still needs to review its liability, business property, income and automobile exposures and any lease requirements.
What affects garage insurance cost?
Common factors include services, revenue, payroll, drivers, road tests, vehicle concentrations, locations, building and equipment values, security, limits, deductibles and loss history.
Should every location be listed?
Disclose every building, lot and storage location used by the business. Confirm that accepted locations are shown correctly on the issued documents.
Are high-value customer cars different?
Maximum individual and total vehicle values can affect insurer appetite, limits and security requirements. Use realistic peak values.
What happens after I submit a request?
Anthony reviews the information and follows up directly using the contact details provided.
Does submitting the form bind coverage?
No. A form submission is a request for contact and does not create, bind or amend insurance coverage.
Primary sources
Use the current official wording and your own certificate when making a coverage decision.