As the owner of an auto body and repair shop, it is important to be aware of the types of damages and accidents that are covered under your auto repair shop insurance policy. Now that we are well into the summer season, it is not uncommon for a customer with a boat to stop by. Whether a customer is looking to have their fiberglass hull repaired or simply need a boat tune-up, it is important for you to be 100% sure that your company will be covered if something were to go wrong.
The truth is, many repair shops may not actually HAVE the proper coverage in place when it comes to boats and watercrafts. Here is a quick example:
A customer comes into your shop looking to have their fiberglass hull repaired. You fix the hull; the customer pays, thanks you and is on their way. Later on, the customer is having a good time on their boat when suddenly, the hull begins to shake. Before you know it, the hull shatters and the customer does not survive the accident. At this point, a claim will be made against your boat shop because of the faulty repair. You assume that you are covered, but oh no… your garage insurance policy has a specific exclusion pertaining to watercrafts!
Our own Robert Mucci has recently had an online garage insurance article published by Tire Business magazine, “Repair Boats and You Could Get Sunk.” This article goes in depth about this type of scenario, zoning in on the specific “language” that exists in most Garage Keepers Liability coverage. Most times, the policy will state: “We will pay all sums the insured legally must pay as damages for “loss” to a “customer’s autos” left in the insured’s care while the insured is attending, services, repairing, parking, etc…” The key phrase in this statement: customer’s auto. “Customer’s auto” pertains to land motor vehicles, trailers or semi-trailers. Boats and other floatation vehicles not included!
At Wolpert Insurance, we want to make sure this type of scenario does not happen to you. If you are not sure what your auto repair shop insurance policy protects you from, it is best to ask the experts. Together, we can design a unique policy that will cover all types of vehicles that come into your shop, whether a classic car or a large boat. Contact us for more information today!