5 Common Risks for Commercial Garages and How Insurance Handles Them
Owning a commercial garage is no small feat. You’re juggling a lot of moving parts (literally!), and it’s all happening in a risky environment. Customer vehicles, heavy machinery, hands-on employees, hazardous materials — there’s a lot to think about, and a lot that could go wrong in your garage! Accidents are bound to happen, and when they do, commercial garage insurance could be the only thing standing between your business and a total financial breakdown.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves here. First, let’s talk about commercial garage insurance and why it’s important. Then, we’ll talk about some of the most common risks that commercial garages face (and how insurance can help you handle them).
What is Commercial Garage Insurance?
Garage insurance is designed to protect you from all kinds of potential losses — think property damage, customer injuries, or even a lawsuit. With garage insurance, you get a bundle of coverages like general liability, which shields you from financial liabilities due to accidents, and a business owner’s policy that protects your property and income. You can also include workers’ compensation for your employees and garage-keepers legal liability to cover vehicles under your care. Basically, it’s a type of coverage that’s best suited for the garage-keeping business.
Risks You’ll Face (And the Coverage You’ll Need)
1). Customer Slip-and-Fall
You know how it goes — oil spills, tools on the floor, or maybe even that slick patch of snow right outside the door. A customer slips and suddenly, you’re facing a potential lawsuit. Yikes! General liability insurance has your back here. It helps cover medical costs or legal fees, so one small accident doesn’t turn into a business-ending disaster.
2). Tools Gone Missing
Ever have a situation where a wrench, tire iron, or maybe even a jack goes “mysteriously missing”? The tools and equipment in your garage aren’t cheap, and losing them — or worse, having them stolen — can really set you back. That’s where a business owner’s policy (BOP) steps in. It covers not just liability, but property loss too. So, if your tools take a walk, you’re not left scrambling to replace them out of pocket.
3). Damage to Customer Vehicles
You’re working on a customer’s car and something goes wrong. Maybe another vehicle bumps into it in the lot, or something falls and dings the paint job. Uh-oh. This is where garage-keepers legal liability comes into play. It’s specifically designed to cover any damage to vehicles that are in your care. So, whether the car’s in the shop or sitting outside waiting to be picked up, you’re covered.
4). Employee Injuries
Running a commercial garage isn’t exactly desk work. Your employees are on their feet, lifting heavy objects, and working with dangerous tools. Accidents happen! Workers’ compensation insurance ensures that if one of your employees gets hurt on the job, their medical bills and a portion of lost wages are covered, and your business isn’t hit with unexpected expenses.
5). Business Shutdowns
Imagine a fire breaks out, or a storm damages your garage, and you have to close for repairs. No income, no customers, but the bills still keep coming. That’s where business interruption insurance steps in like your financial safety net. It helps you pay your bills, keep your business afloat, and even cover the cost of temporarily relocating if needed.
Need Garage Insurance? Let Us Help!
At Avalue Insurance, we understand the unique risks that garage-keepers face. Our team is here to help you get all the coverage you’ll need to keep your business running smoothly. Give us a call at 303-773-3332, shoot us an email at info@avalueinsurance.com, or request a consultation right here online!
