Last week, we went over the basics of the Massachusetts Right to Know Law. To reiterate, this law requires that information on chemical hazards are given to employees (access to MSDSs, labeled containers, training, safety procedures, etc.) As the owner of an auto body and repair shop, this law is an important law to be familiar with!

This week, we would like to educate you on the chemicals that are covered in the RTK Law. Many employers will ask, “what chemicals are covered?” To this, we answer…

According to Mass.gov, “all chemicals in which contain 1% or more (2% if an impurity) of one or more ingredients listed on the Mass Substance List are covered by the Right to Know Law. In order to determine this, it is necessary to request an MSDS from the manufacturer and compare the ingredients to the list.”

In Massachusetts, we have an easier and less time consuming way to figure this out. It is safe to assume that all chemicals which have an MSDS listing any type of hazard are covered by the Right to Know Law. This policy may ensure more protection in the long run, as well.

If you still have questions or concerns about this topic, you should not hesitate to reach out to DSL’s Massachusetts Workplace Safety and Health Program by calling 617-969-7177. Also, do not hesitate to reach out to our agency.

At Wolpert Insurance, we are well-versed on the laws, rules and regulations that surround the garage and auto body shop industry. Whether you are interested in learning more about this topic or about garage insurance, we are here with the answers. Be sure to visit our blog again next week. We will be discussing the labeling requirements under the Massachusetts Right to Know Law!

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At Wolpert Insurance, it is our #1 goal to provide auto body and repair shop owners with the right coverage for their garage. We take the time to assess all risks in order to provide a solid garage insurance policy. However, not all garage insurance policies are created equal. This week, let’s talk about CA 25 14 – Broadened Coverage for Garages.

If you are looking for coverage that combines premises liability, products and completed operations liability with auto coverage, a simple Garage Coverage Form will do the job. However, depending on your business, you may be in need of more protection. The CA 25 14 – Broadened Coverage for Garages adds the following coverage to a Garage Cover Form, in order to close most gaps:

•    Additional Persons Insured
•    Automatic Liability Coverage (for Newly Acquired Garage Business / 90 days)
•    Damage to Rented Premises
•    Host Liquor Liability
•    Incidental Medical Malpractice Liability
•    Limited Worldwide Liability
•    Non-Owned Watercraft
•    Personal and Advertising Injury Liability

Remember: This endorsement applies ONLY to garage activities and NOT to liability involving ownership, maintenance, or use of any covered vehicles.

For more information on the CA 25 14 – Broadened Coverage for Garages, please do not hesitate to reach out to our experts at Wolpert Insurance. Our agents are experienced in both insurance and the garage industry. We are committed to pinpointing the risks that pose a threat to your business and will match you up with a comprehensive and affordable garage insurance policy. Please call 800-299-6819 for a free quote, today!

As the owner of a garage and auto body shop, you have a great number of responsibilities. The second that a customer hands over his or her keys, you can be held liable for something that is or is not done. You could be held liable for theft, damage and more. To ensure that you are ready for the worst case scenario, it is important that you are equipped with the proper coverage. This is where our experts at Wolpert Insurance come into the picture.
At Wolpert Insurance, we can provide your shop with comprehensive and affordable garage insurance policies. Policies such as general liability and crime and theft coverage may protect your liability, in the event that a customer comes at your business with an issue or worse, a lawsuit.
This week, our agency also has some advice to extend. The following three points may be your top three responsibilities as an auto body shop owner.

#1: Maintain car condition. If you operate a garage repair shop, It is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to keep the cars that come into your shop in the SAME CONDITION as they came in. Any damages, dents or accidents that are caused by you or your employees will result in a problem with the customer and could land your shop into financial trouble without the right coverage.

#2: Lock up to avoid theft. Be sure to properly lock up your shop at the end of every single day. If not, your customers could lose their vehicle or possessions in a case of break-in and theft. You could be held liable for this if you are not careful.

#3: Have insurance in place. Your customers will feel much better knowing that your business is properly insured in the event of an accident or mishap. Having solid coverage will not only keep your business safe, but it will come off as professional and trustworthy to your clients. This may improve your business and reputation in the long run! Make it a point to focus on coverage.

If you have any other questions or concerns about your responsibilities and the coverage that can protect you, please call Wolpert Insurance at 800-299-6819, today.

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As the owner of a garage and auto body shop, you have a great number of responsibilities. The second that a customer hands over his or her keys, you can be held liable for something that is or is not done. You could be held liable for theft, damage and more. To ensure that you are ready for the worst case scenario, it is important that you are equipped with the proper coverage. This is where our experts at Wolpert Insurance come into the picture
At Wolpert Insurance, we can provide your shop with comprehensive and affordable garage insurance policies. Policies such as general liability and crime and theft coverage may protect your liability, in the event that a customer comes at your business with an issue or worse, a lawsuit.
This week, our agency also has some advice to extend. The following three points may be your top three responsibilities as an auto body shop owner.

#1: Maintain car condition. If you operate a garage repair shop, It is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY to keep the cars that come into your shop in the SAME CONDITION as they came in. Any damages, dents or accidents that are caused by you or your employees will result in a problem with the customer and could land your shop into financial trouble without the right coverage.

#2: Lock up to avoid theft. Be sure to properly lock up your shop at the end of every single day. If not, your customers could lose their vehicle or possessions in a case of break-in and theft. You could be held liable for this if you are not careful.

#3: Have insurance in place. Your customers will feel much better knowing that your business is properly insured in the event of an accident or mishap. Having solid coverage will not only keep your business safe, but it will come off as professional and trustworthy to your clients. This may improve your business and reputation in the long run! Make it a point to focus on coverage.

If you have any other questions or concerns about your responsibilities and the coverage that can protect you, please call Wolpert Insurance at 800-299-6819, today.

In the automotive service and repair industry, chemicals are a crucial part of the business. Cleaning chemicals, spray paints, and even gases are used on a daily basis. As the owner of your own shop, it is critical to be aware of which chemicals in your shop are considered hazardous. As long as you are “in the know,” you will be able to take the proper preventative measures to keep both yourself and your employees safe.

There are a variety of hazardous chemicals that you must be careful with. Here are just a few to be aware of:

•    Acids: Battery acid contains a harmful chemical, sulphuric acid.

•    Aluminum cleaners: These types of cleaners in your shop contain a highly dangerous hydrofluoric acid.

•    Benezene vapors: This volatile organic compound is commonly found in auto repair shops but can be handled effectively with the right air filters in place.

•    Solvent cleaners: Substances like kerosene and turpentine contain hazardous ingredients, such as xylene.

•    Solvent degreasers: This type of solvent may contain turpentine (containing xylene) and methylene chloride.

As your trusted garage insurance provider, we want to make sure that you eliminate the risk of accidents and injuries as best as possible in your shop. The more claims made on your policy, the higher your premium may be in the long run. We wouldn’t want to see that happen!

For more information on our garage insurance options, do not hesitate to call us. At Wolpert Insurance, we always put our clients concerns and questions first!

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In the automotive service and repair industry, chemicals are a crucial part of the business. Cleaning chemicals, spray paints, and even gases are used on a daily basis. As the owner of your own shop, it is critical to be aware of which chemicals in your shop are considered hazardous. As long as you are “in the know,” you will be able to take the proper preventative measures to keep both yourself and your employees safe.

There are a variety of hazardous chemicals that you must be careful with. Here are just a few to be aware of:

• Acids: Battery acid contains a harmful chemical, sulphuric acid.

• Aluminum cleaners: These types of cleaners in your shop contain a highly dangerous hydrofluoric acid.

• Benezene vapors: This volatile organic compound is commonly found in auto repair shops but can be handled effectively with the right air filters in place.

• Solvent cleaners: Substances like kerosene and turpentine contain hazardous ingredients, such as xylene.

• Solvent degreasers: This type of solvent may contain turpentine (containing xylene) and methylene chloride.

As your trusted garage insurance provider, we want to make sure that you eliminate the risk of accidents and injuries as best as possible in your shop. The more claims made on your policy, the higher your premium may be in the long run. We wouldn’t want to see that happen!

For more information on our garage insurance options, do not hesitate to call us. At Wolpert Insurance, we always put our clients concerns and questions first!

Garagekeepers liability insurance, garage liability, employment practices liability… the options are endless! Figuring out exactly what you need as an auto body and repair shop owner – now that is where things may get a little confusing. Fortunately for you, our agents at Wolpert Insurance are here to guide you.

There are a variety of liability coverage options that are available. Depending on the type of garage shop you run, the number of workers you employ and various other factors, your policy may differ from the next shop. We understand – you are an auto body shop expert, not an insurance agent. This is where Wolpert Insurance comes into the picture. This week, let’s take a quick look at a few of your liability insurance options…

General liability insurance: Most shops are required to have a general liability insurance policy, at the very least. This will protect the assets of your business when it is sued for something it has – or has not – done that may cause personal injury or property damage.

Garagekeepers liability: This policy is designed to cover damages made to your customers’ vehicles that are being serviced and/or held at your shop.

Garage liability: This policy is designed to provide liability coverage for the premises, products and operations. Please note that this policy is different from garagekeepers liability insurance. To learn more about the differences, refer back to our blog post from earlier this year: Difference Between Garage Liability and Garagekeepers Insurance.

Employment practices liability insurance (EPLI): This policy is designed to cover your business in the event that an employee accuses you of wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment of any sort and various other employment-related allegations.

Broad form products liability: This policy is designed to provide coverage against claims of unexpected or new hazards that could develop over time – in regards to the products or services your shop offers.

For all the information you need, exceptional service and excellent garage insurance, call our agents at Wolpert Insurance. We would be more than happy to speak with you about your garage and auto body shop in order to design a “perfect fit” policy. Call us at 800-299-6819, today!