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Related Pages >> Tow Truck Insurance - Garage Keepers Insurance - Commercial Vehicle Insurance
Garage Liability Insurance protects your premises, products and completed operations, against any work you may do on a customer's vehicle which might result in bodily injury or property damage. It will also cover automobiles owned by your business (they must be listed in the policy). It is a sort of umbrella policy that adds protection to your general liability insurance. Garage Liability Insurance is essential for anyone in the automotive industry.
Some tow operators might think they don't need garage liability coverage because they don't own an actual "garage". Unfortunately, many insurance agents unfamiliar with the towing industry may agree and suggest you skip this coverage. Much of the confusion surrounding the need for garage liability results from the insurance industry's definition and use of the term "garage".
It can mean any physical location of your towing business—service station, parking lot, storage area, etc. It extends to the day-to-day operations (necessary or incidental), stock, products, and contents associated with the business. Garage Liability not only covers risks directly associated with a "garage" but those associated with its operations regardless of whether you own a "garage" or not.
If you’re in the automotive or valet industry you’ll likely need this coverage:
The policy will not cover injury to your employees or damage to the garage itself. It also doesn’t cover any damage incurred to a customer’s vehicle (see supplemental coverage below).
Garage Liability covers third party bodily injury and property damage that is incurred during the course of business. Garage Keepers Insurance is a supplement that covers damage to a customer’s vehicle while it’s in the care of your business. This includes damage caused by fire, vandalism, theft, or collision. There are 3 basic coverage options that we outline in our comprehensive guide on Garage Keeper’s Insurance.
There are a few additions you should consider bundling with your garage liability insurance:
You need to include workers’ compensation in your business coverage if you have employees. It covers medical expenses and other costs associated with illness or work-related injuries.
This should be included in your business policy if you own vehicles used during the course of business—including cars provided to customers and tow trucks.
Outlined above, this addition is essential to protect you should you damage a customer’s vehicle or property during the course of business.
This insurance compensates you if you experience a loss of income due to something outside of your control, such as a downed power line that causes your business to lose electrical, internet, etc.
Check with a knowledgeable insurance agent for any applicable state, municipal, federal laws, or codes governing garage liability requirements as they relate to your towing operations. For example, in Illinois, tow truck operators are required to carry garage liability in order to operate legally. There are several variables affecting the cost of coverage, including:
Be certain to check your Garage Liability coverage for any exclusions or limitations which may have been written into the policy. Protect your investment and livelihood by reviewing your policies annually (at a minimum) with your insurance agent to ensure you have adequate tow truck insurance.
You can also complete the form above for a free quote. One of our agents can speak with you about the coverage you need and help set you up with the best policy for you and your business.
