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Business owner’s policy for auto services and dealers

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Business owner’s policy

A business owner’s policy (BOP) bundles general liability insurance with commercial property insurance. It typically costs less than if the policies were bought separately.

BOP insurance bundles policies to protect automotive businesses

A business owner’s policy offers broad coverage against common risks of the automotive industry, including customer injuries and damaged business property. A BOP combines general liability insurance and commercial property insurance, usually at a lower rate than purchasing the policies separately.

A BOP shields against:

  • Customer injuries and property damage
  • Business property damage
  • Copyright infringement and other advertising injuries
  • Temporary closure

Customize a BOP to fit your business

Business owners can tailor a BOP to meet their specific needs. In the automotive industry, useful add-ons might include business interruption insurance or other endorsements.

Businesses that are eligible for a BOP usually:

  • Have fewer than 100 employees
  • Have a small office or workplace
  • Make less than $1 million in annual revenue
  • Operate in a low-risk industry
  • Need less than 12 months of business interruption insurance

Speak with a licensed Insureon agent to learn whether your business is eligible.

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What coverage can a business owner’s policy provide for auto service businesses?

Customer injuries and property damage

The general liability portion of a business owner’s policy covers expenses related to customer injuries and property damage. For example, it can provide coverage if:

  • A customer slips in your auto showroom
  • Your car wash damages the finish on a car

A BOP can pay a customer's medical expenses, such as an ambulance ride or medications. It can also pay to repair or replace damaged customer property. If the customer sues over an injury or property damage, it can help cover your legal expenses or pay for a settlement.

Business property damage

A BOP includes commercial property insurance that protects:

  • Auto repair and servicing tools and machinery
  • Gas pumps, car washes, and other specialized equipment
  • Office furniture and fixtures
  • Your building if you own it

If your property is damaged, stolen, or destroyed, a BOP can pay to repair or replace it. This policy covers theft, vandalism, fire, burst pipes, and damage from some weather events, among other risks.

Copyright infringement and other advertising injuries

The general liability portion of a BOP provides coverage against advertising injuries, including:

  • Defamation, such as libel (written) and slander (spoken)
  • Accidental copyright infringement

For example, if an employee writes a negative review about a rival auto repair shop and your business is sued for libel, general liability insurance could help pay your legal fees. This is important coverage for business owners who participate in social media or advertise their automotive business in any medium.

Temporary closure

If your business is forced to close temporarily, it could result in lasting financial losses. Business interruption insurance shields your business from lost revenue and other expenses related to closure caused by a covered loss.

For example, your gas station may need to close for several weeks after a leaky fuel tank catches fire. Business interruption insurance would cover your lost profits and normal operating expenses. That way, you can still pay your employees and creditors during the interruption.

Other important policies for automotive businesses

A business owner’s policy provides general liability and property protection, but it doesn’t protect against employee injuries and other risks. Automotive business owners should also consider:

Commercial auto insurance: This policy covers costs after an accident involving a business's vehicle. Each state has its own requirements for auto liability coverage.

Workers’ compensation insurance: Workers’ comp covers medical expenses for work-related injuries and illnesses. Almost every state requires it for businesses with employees.

Cyber liability insurance: This policy helps automotive businesses recover from cyberattacks and data breaches. It's recommended for any business that stores credit card numbers or other personal information.

Commercial umbrella insurance: An umbrella policy boosts the limits on your other liability policies, such as general liability, commercial auto, and employer's liability insurance.

Garage keepers insurance: This policy provides coverage in the event that a customer’s vehicle is damaged or stolen while in your care. It's recommended for any auto business that services or stores vehicles.

Get free quotes and compare policies with Insureon

Are you ready to safeguard your small automotive business with a business owner’s policy? Complete Insureon’s easy online application today. Once you find the right policy, you can begin coverage in less than 24 hours.

Updated: December 21, 2022
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