Garage Dealer Insurance
Garage Dealer Insurance is a specialized type of insurance coverage designed for businesses that operate in the automotive industry, specifically those that deal with vehicles in various capacities. This includes car dealerships, auto repair shops, service stations, and towing companies.
Key Coverages:
- Garage Liability Insurance: Covers bodily injury and property damage that may occur as a result of business operations, such as when customers are on the premises or due to work done on vehicles.
- Garagekeepers Insurance: Provides coverage for damage to customers’ vehicles while they are in the care, custody, or control of the business. This is especially important for repair shops or dealerships that offer vehicle storage.
- Dealer’s Open Lot Insurance: Covers vehicles owned by the dealership that are held for sale, protecting them from risks like theft, vandalism, or weather-related damages.
- Business Property Insurance: Protects the physical assets of the business, including tools, equipment, and the building itself.
- Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insurance: Protects against claims of negligence or mistakes made by the business, such as failing to disclose a vehicle’s history accurately.
Who Needs Garage Dealer Insurance?
- New and used car dealerships
- Auto repair shops
- Auto body shops
- Service stations
- Towing companies
- Specialty vehicle dealerships (e.g., motorcycles, RVs)
Importance:
Garage Dealer Insurance is critical for businesses in the automotive industry because it addresses the unique risks they face, such as handling expensive vehicles, dealing with the public, and managing various types of property. Without this coverage, businesses could be exposed to significant financial losses from lawsuits, accidents, or damage to vehicles under their care.