A myriad of exposures are present within a garage operation hitting nearly every major commercial insurance exposure from property through liability and bailment risk. Following is a brief synopsis of the information underwriters will require when placing garage protection:
Type of vehicles sold or repaired (autos, motorcycles, boats, motor homes, trailers, etc.):
List of vehicles owned by the insured:
List of drivers (and classification):
Is towing done? If so, for whom:
Are the tow trucks on a jurisdictional "rotation" (do they pick up for city, county, town, etc.)?
Are any vehicle modifications done by the shop? Describe:
Any spray painting? In an approved booth? If not in a booth, describe spray area?
How much paint kept on site and how stored?
Any tire recapping?
Number of dealer plates:
Is the storage yard secure? Describe security methods:
Any pickup and/or delivery of automobiles? What is the usual radius of such operation?
Test driving procedures for customer autos (who is allowed and where):
Test driving procedures for autos held for sale (do customers go alone or accompanied; is a copy of the drivers license obtained, etc.):
Is there a guard dog on premises?
Any cars sold on consignment?
Are cars allowed to park in your lot for a fee?
Any operations beyond garage-related operations conducted on-site by the insured?
This is not an exhaustive list of underwriting questions, but it will trigger other questions and more relevant underwriting information.
