Why You Need Both Garagekeepers Insurance And The Garage Liability Insurance Texas Insurers Provide

Individuals who own garages, body and auto repair shops, and towing services do much more than transport cars and repair them. They are also responsible for making sure those vehicles are safe while they are on the property of the business owner. Fire, theft, injury, accidents, and other issues must be covered with the garagekeepers and the garage liability insurance Texas insurers sell.

These policies are not interchangeable. They handle completely different aspects of automobile repair businesses. Liability policies are designed to offer coverage for damage to property or some bodily injury that happens on the business premises. This coverage is especially necessary for auto repair services and dealerships.

This type policy covers a wide range of possible incidents. It protects business owners in the event their equipment somehow damages a customer's property. Owners are protected if a part used in the course of repairing a vehicle, or even a product that was sold to the customer, turns out to be defective and damages a customer's vehicle. Owners are covered if an employee or customer charges them with discrimination. The policy covers employee dishonesty.

Garagekeepers policies cover businesses when their customer's cars are damaged on company property. This is different than liability insurance. Garagekeepers covers issues such as fire, theft, extreme weather and vandalism. It will not protect owners against defective parts or shoddy workmanship.

A garagekeepers basic policy will not cover items located within the customer's vehicle like anything inside the trunk or glove compartment. It doesn't cover the stereo system. You can add on to your policy to cover personal property located within a vehicle. This extended policy really isn't necessary for your protection. It is a goodwill gesture that customers notice and appreciate. These two policies are usually sold together, but you have to check with your agent to ensure you have both.

Agents recommend that auto repair shops specifically carry this coverage, but it's a good idea for related businesses to have the protection as well. That includes emissions testing stations, service stations, shops changing oil and doing lube jobs, and auto glass installers. Paint and body shops and auto restorers should have this coverage. Even companies that do sound system installation and repair need them.

There are some things businesses can do to help prevent having to file a claim. Bright lights and surveillance video can be a great vandalism and theft deterrent for instance. Checking fire extinguishers and smoke alarms to make sure they are working properly, and installing an automatic sprinkler system will help. These measures will make you and your customers safer. They may get you some savings on your monthly premiums as well.

Figuring the cost of maintaining a policy includes a number of variables. Monthly premiums are affected by limits, deductibles, and extended coverage, just to name a few. You need to get quotes from a number of insurers before you decide which one best suits your needs and pocketbook.