Garage Insurance

Ellerhorst Russell Insurance Agency will work with you closely to understand your needs and make sure you’re properly protected. We know the ins and outs of insurance.

What is Garage Insurance?

Garage and car-based businesses like auto repair shops, tow truck services, and dealerships constantly face more hazardous risks in comparison to most small businesses. For instance, a customer who slips due to motor oil on the floor of an auto repair shop could get injured and sue the shop. The risks associated with car service businesses may not be covered by a standard general liability insurance policy alone. This implies that you’ll also need garage insurance. Garage insurance is a type of umbrella insurance that provides coverage for the daily operations of automotive businesses. Also known as “garage liability insurance,” it helps holders pay for accidental bodily injuries and property damage arising from hazardous workplaces such as a garage or repair shop.

Who is Garage Insurance For?

  • Auto repair shops
  • Parking garages
  • Auto service stations
  • Towing or impounding lots
  • Auto dealerships
  • Body shops
  • Auto detailers
  • Auto glass installers
  • Muffler shops
  • Emissions testing centers
  • Oil change and lube shops
  • Tire and battery repair facilities
Vintage Car in Mechanic's Garage: A Glimpse into Garage Insurance Coverage In this captivating image from our garage insurance page, a classic car takes center stage in a bustling mechanic's workshop. Bathed in a warm, focused light, the vintage vehicle exudes timeless charm. Surrounding the car, meticulously organized tools and spare parts line the walls, a testament to the expertise of the garage. As daylight highlights the car's curves and details, it signifies the comprehensive protection that our garage insurance provides. This picture encapsulates the essence of safeguarding your automotive haven against unexpected challenges. The tools and parts represent the heart of your garage, and just as you care for your vehicles, we're here to care for your unique insurance needs. Explore our tailored garage insurance options today, and ensure that your passion, expertise, and valuable investments remain secure.

Garage and Other Insurance Coverage Types in Ohio

Below are the types of garage insurance and other types of insurance available in Ohio.
Expert Mechanic Conducting Suspension Inspection: Garage Liability Coverage" In this visual representation found within the Garage Liability section of our insurance website, a skilled car mechanic in a blue jumpsuit and black ball cap takes center stage. Positioned under a car elevated on a lift, the mechanic diligently inspects its suspension using a focused light. This snapshot captures the essence of our Garage Liability coverage, where expertise and meticulous attention to detail are paramount. The setting exudes the authentic atmosphere of a bustling garage, with tools artfully arranged in the background. As the mechanic tends to the car's undercarriage, our insurance coverage is a safeguard against unforeseen challenges. Just as this mechanic ensures the car's safety, our policies protect your garage and automotive pursuits with professionalism and care. Explore our tailored Garage Liability offerings today, and experience the assurance of having a partner dedicated to securing your automotive operations.

Garage Liability

As noted above, garage liability insurance is a type of umbrella policy that covers automotive industry operators. It is meant to add a layer of protection to the general liability policy of such businesses. Coverage includes bodily injury and property damage not covered under most commercial or business liability insurance. For example, say an insured mechanic on a test drive collides with another car. Garage liability insurance will pay for the damage to the other car.
Expert Mechanic Conducting Suspension Inspection: Garage Liability Coverage" In this visual representation found within the Garage Liability section of our insurance website, a skilled car mechanic in a blue jumpsuit and black ball cap takes center stage. Positioned under a car elevated on a lift, the mechanic diligently inspects its suspension using a focused light. This snapshot captures the essence of our Garage Liability coverage, where expertise and meticulous attention to detail are paramount. The setting exudes the authentic atmosphere of a bustling garage, with tools artfully arranged in the background. As the mechanic tends to the car's undercarriage, our insurance coverage is a safeguard against unforeseen challenges. Just as this mechanic ensures the car's safety, our policies protect your garage and automotive pursuits with professionalism and care. Explore our tailored Garage Liability offerings today, and experience the assurance of having a partner dedicated to securing your automotive operations.
"Innovative Auto Repair Shop with Lifts: Inland Marine Coverage Illustrated" On the Garage Insurance page, within the Inland Marine section, an engaging visual awaits. This image captures a modern auto repair shop in all its dynamic glory. The scene showcases multiple blue car lifts, one of which holds a pickup truck aloft, while another pickup truck is parked nearby, ready for attention. Amidst the modern and brightly lit environment, a plethora of tools and equipment speaks of the shop's capabilities. This snapshot embodies the essence of our Inland Marine coverage—a robust shield against risks as diverse as the tools in this bustling space. Just as the repair shop operates with precision and innovation, our insurance solutions adapt to your garage's unique needs. Experience the assurance of comprehensive protection tailored to your endeavors. Explore our Inland Marine offerings today and let us be your partner in securing the heart of your automotive operations.

Inland Marine

Despite the word “marine,” inland marine insurance does not necessarily have any connection with the sea. Rather, it covers moveable or specialized types of property (e.g., computers, art exhibitions, photographic and video equipment, jewelry, golf equipment, construction equipment, etc.) that are transported or temporarily warehoused by a third party. Cargo theft and collisions rank among the most frequent causes of inland marine losses.

There are several examples of inland marine insurance. One of them is installation floaters coverage, a policy that can protect property, usually equipment being installed by a contractor. In other words, installation floaters insurance is a unique kind of builder’s risk coverage often used by contractors.

As an example, suppose you are transporting a custom glass showcase to your client’s shop and your speeding truck bumps into a deep pothole, leading to a large crack in the showcase, meaning that it has to be replaced. If you have an inland marine policy, then you will enjoy coverage for the damaged glass case.

"Expansive Car Dealership Amidst Nature: Dealers Blanket Coverage Highlighted" Discover the Dealers Blanket section on our Garage Insurance page through this captivating aerial image. From a drone's perspective, a sprawling car dealership unfolds against a picturesque natural backdrop. The car lot is adorned with numerous vehicles, showcasing the dealership's offerings. The lush greenery of surrounding grass and the tranquil presence of a pond add a touch of serenity to the bustling dealership. This image encapsulates the essence of our Dealers Blanket coverage—a comprehensive shield that extends over your inventory like a protective blanket, ensuring peace of mind in the face of unforeseen challenges. Just as the dealership harmonizes with its natural surroundings, our insurance solutions blend seamlessly with your business needs. Explore our tailored offerings today and let us be your partner in safeguarding your dealership's prosperity within this expansive landscape."

Dealers Blanket

Dealers’ blanket insurance or dealers’ open lot insurance provides physical damage coverage for auto dealers. Broadly speaking, dealers’ open lot insurance can protect against both collision and comprehensive losses. Some policies limit comprehensive coverage.

For example, a policy may only provide “fire and theft” coverage instead of full or comprehensive coverage. There are also policies written on the basis of “Specified Perils or Specified Causes of Loss,” meaning that the provision is only made for specific exposures such as theft, fire, vandalism, flood, hail, and/or wind.

For instance, a policy that only says “fire and theft” will provide coverage for fire and theft for the concerned vehicles. In other words, the holder is excluded from coverage for things like vandalism, hail, wind, and floods.

"Expansive Car Dealership Amidst Nature: Dealers Blanket Coverage Highlighted" Discover the Dealers Blanket section on our Garage Insurance page through this captivating aerial image. From a drone's perspective, a sprawling car dealership unfolds against a picturesque natural backdrop. The car lot is adorned with numerous vehicles, showcasing the dealership's offerings. The lush greenery of surrounding grass and the tranquil presence of a pond add a touch of serenity to the bustling dealership. This image encapsulates the essence of our Dealers Blanket coverage—a comprehensive shield that extends over your inventory like a protective blanket, ensuring peace of mind in the face of unforeseen challenges. Just as the dealership harmonizes with its natural surroundings, our insurance solutions blend seamlessly with your business needs. Explore our tailored offerings today and let us be your partner in safeguarding your dealership's prosperity within this expansive landscape."
"Expert Mechanic Conducting Engine Inspection: Garagekeepers Coverage in Focus" On the Garage Insurance page, within the Garagekeepers Coverage section, an illustrative image awaits. This snapshot showcases a skilled mechanic engrossed in his task. Dressed warmly in a beanie hat, black long sleeves, and pants, the mechanic leans over an open car hood. With focused attention and a light in hand, he meticulously inspects the car's engine. This scene encapsulates the heart of our Garagekeepers Coverage—protection that understands the care and dedication put into every automotive detail. Just as the mechanic ensures the car's optimal performance, our insurance coverage safeguards your business against unforeseen challenges. Explore our tailored Garagekeepers Coverage options today, and experience the confidence that comes from having a partner dedicated to the security of your garage operations."

Garagekeepers

Garagekeepers insurance covers the value of your clients’ vehicles under your care, such as those being serviced, repaired, or attended to at your business premises. If such vehicles are damaged or destroyed, garagekeepers insurance can provide compensation for the loss.

For example, if lightning strikes your auto repair shop building overnight and causes a fire that damages several cars undergoing repairs in your garage. If you are insured, then garagekeepers insurance would cover the loss to your customers’ vehicles.

"Skilled Mechanic Under Car: Workers Compensation Coverage in Action" Discover the Workers Compensation Coverage section on our Garage Insurance page through this visual depiction. In the image, a proficient mechanic dressed in warm mechanics attire is seen lying beneath a car, working diligently from underneath. The car is elevated on block risers for better access. The mechanic wears protective gloves and is surrounded by essential tools, attesting to the professional nature of the environment. This snapshot captures the essence of our Workers Compensation Coverage—a shield that supports and safeguards the skilled individuals driving your garage's success. Explore our tailored Workers Compensation offerings today and experience the assurance of comprehensive protection for your automotive team."

Workers Compensation

Workers’ compensation insurance or workers’ comp is a kind of liability insurance that provides financial assistance to employees afflicted with work-related sicknesses or injuries while working for a business. Workers’ compensation insurance can offset an injured employee’s medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and part of lost wages. If an employee, unfortunately, dies from a work-related accident or injury, workers’ compensation insurance can also pay for funeral costs and death benefits for the employee’s surviving family.

In several US states, it is mandatory for businesses with employees to have a workers’ compensation insurance policy, although requirements vary according to state. In exchange for accepting the workers’ compensation benefits, the affected employee agrees that he or she will not sue the business for the injury.

Workers’ compensation insurance has a “no-fault” condition, which means that the compensation benefits will be paid no matter who is at fault for the injury – be it the employee or the employer. For example, consider a worker making deliveries for her company with her personal car. If she rear-ends another car on the street, becomes seriously injured, and is hence no longer able to work, workers’ compensation insurance will pay for her medical expenses and part of her lost wages.

"Skilled Mechanic Under Car: Workers Compensation Coverage in Action" Discover the Workers Compensation Coverage section on our Garage Insurance page through this visual depiction. In the image, a proficient mechanic dressed in warm mechanics attire is seen lying beneath a car, working diligently from underneath. The car is elevated on block risers for better access. The mechanic wears protective gloves and is surrounded by essential tools, attesting to the professional nature of the environment. This snapshot captures the essence of our Workers Compensation Coverage—a shield that supports and safeguards the skilled individuals driving your garage's success. Explore our tailored Workers Compensation offerings today and experience the assurance of comprehensive protection for your automotive team."
"Strategic Partnership in Automotive Commerce: Commercial Umbrella Coverage Visualized" Explore the Commercial Umbrella Coverage section on our Garage Insurance page through this compelling image. In the foreground, two individuals dressed in sharp suits engage in a handshake, symbolizing a collaborative business arrangement. They stand before an exquisite car, poised within a car dealership. The blurred background hints at a bustling environment, where other vehicles and people continue their activities. This snapshot captures the essence of our Commercial Umbrella Coverage—a robust shield that extends beyond basic coverage, safeguarding your automotive business with comprehensive protection. Discover tailored umbrella coverage options today and experience the confidence that comes from forging strategic partnerships backed by insurance excellence.

Commercial Umbrella

Suppose one of your mechanics gets involved in an accident that results in injuries to many people, and the judgment awards cost way above the limits on your garage liability coverage. How will you offset the remaining balance? One good answer is through the excess protection offered by commercial umbrella insurance.

When your garage policy claims exceed their underlying limits, commercial umbrella insurance extends coverage to crucially take care of the remaining expenses, thus shielding your business from the potentially devastating impact of the exceeded limit on its daily operations, financial stability, and brand reputation. Additionally, commercial umbrella insurance can sit on top of other policies such as workers’ compensation, general liability, and more.

"Diverse Fleet on Expansive Car Lot: Commercial Property Coverage Highlighted" Discover the Commercial Property Coverage section on our Garage Insurance page through this striking aerial image. Captured from a straight-down perspective, the scene unfolds as a vibrant tapestry of automobiles. The full car lot showcases an array of vehicles, ranging in type and color, from vivid reds and whites to cool blues, yellows, and a multitude of dark shades. This snapshot encapsulates the essence of our Commercial Property Coverage—an all-encompassing safeguard for your automotive assets. Just as the car lot boasts a diverse fleet, our insurance solutions adapt to your property's unique needs. Explore our tailored commercial property coverage offerings today, and experience the assurance of comprehensive protection for your valuable automotive holdings."

Commercial Property

Commercial property insurance ensures that the value of your business’s physical assets remains intact. If an unforeseen event, such as a natural disaster, impacts your business negatively, having a commercial property insurance policy can help you recover from property damage. When such an incident occurs, the insurance company will pay you for the value of the lost or damaged property In exchange for the premium you pay.

Insurers often use two common property valuation methods:

Replacement cost (RC) coverage — covers the cost of repairing or replacing your property with a similar new item of the same quality without any depreciation deduction.

Actual cash value (ACV) coverage — covers the value of the property at the time of loss on an “as-is” basis which takes cognizance of depreciation and obsolescence of the property.
The premiums on ACV coverage are typically lower than the premiums on RC coverage, due to the latter’s higher potential payout.

For example, assume you purchased a piece of manufacturing equipment for $8,000 and insured it for $8,000. A couple of years later, a natural disaster ravages your plant and destroys the equipment. The market value of the two-year-old equipment is $6,000, while a new model still costs $8,000. If you have RC coverage, the insurance company will pay you $8,000, but you will be paid only $6,000 if you have ACV.

"Diverse Fleet on Expansive Car Lot: Commercial Property Coverage Highlighted" Discover the Commercial Property Coverage section on our Garage Insurance page through this striking aerial image. Captured from a straight-down perspective, the scene unfolds as a vibrant tapestry of automobiles. The full car lot showcases an array of vehicles, ranging in type and color, from vivid reds and whites to cool blues, yellows, and a multitude of dark shades. This snapshot encapsulates the essence of our Commercial Property Coverage—an all-encompassing safeguard for your automotive assets. Just as the car lot boasts a diverse fleet, our insurance solutions adapt to your property's unique needs. Explore our tailored commercial property coverage offerings today, and experience the assurance of comprehensive protection for your valuable automotive holdings."
"Luxury Car Lineup at Dealership: Exploring Commercial Auto Coverage" Embark on the Commercial Auto Coverage journey within our Garage Insurance page through this captivating image. From a side angle, the image showcases an elegant row of luxury cars, exuding opulence in shades of white, black, and red. The distinctive grills of the cars take center stage, while the dealership stands gracefully in the background. This snapshot encapsulates the essence of our Commercial Auto Coverage—an assurance that extends to safeguarding your prestigious fleet. Just as these luxury cars emanate sophistication, our insurance solutions seamlessly adapt to meet the needs of your high-end automotive assets. Discover our tailored commercial auto coverage options today, and experience the confidence that comes from entrusting the protection of your luxury vehicles to our expertise."

Commercial Auto

Commercial auto insurance offers coverage for vehicles owned or leased by your business. If an auto accident occurs, commercial auto insurance (just like personal auto insurance), provides financial compensation if the fault is your business’s or if there is property damage.

Commercial auto insurance includes both liability and property components. The liability aspect protects your business if it is at fault for causing a crash that results in bodily injury or damage to another person’s car or property. The property component protects the value of your car against theft, crashes, and other incidents.

Example of Liability Component (Bodily Injury Liability)

The per person/per accident limit you’ve secured for your business is $90,000/$210,000, respectively. Say your employee crashes into another car while driving a company-owned vehicle and is found to be at fault for the accident. The three people in the other car are seriously injured and will sue your business. With these limits, the most the insurer will pay to each injured person in a crash is $90,000, and the most they will pay for all the injured persons in the crash is $210,000.

Example of Property Component (Collision Coverage)

While going to meet a client, you crash your work van. Collision coverage would pay for the cost of repairing the vehicle. If the repair cost is higher than the value of the vehicle prior to the crash, collision coverage will pay you the pre-crash value of the vehicle.
"Essential Tools of the Trade: Tools & Equipment Coverage Visualized" Explore the Tools & Equipment Coverage section on our Garage Insurance page through this illustrative image. A mechanic's toolbox takes center stage, brimming with an assortment of tools including wrenches, sockets, and various hand tools. The organized arrangement reflects the precision of the trade. In the background, the well-lit shop ceiling creates a professional and efficient atmosphere. This snapshot captures the essence of our Tools & Equipment Coverage—an encompassing shield for your vital assets. Just as these tools define your craft, our insurance solutions cater to your specific equipment needs. Discover our tailored tools & equipment coverage options today and experience the peace of mind that comes from knowing your tools are protected with the same care and precision you bring to your work."

Tools & Equipment

Contractors’ tools and equipment insurance or equipment Floater insurance is a type of inland marine insurance for small tools and equipment. It’s ideal for construction and contracting companies as well as installation professionals that work on various sites.

This type of coverage protects movable tools and equipment wherever they are taken and pays for their repair or replacement if they are lost, damaged, or stolen. For example, if an electrician’s toolbox vanishes overnight at a construction site, contractors’ tools and equipment insurance will cover the cost of buying a new electrical toolbox and replacing the missing tools.

"Essential Tools of the Trade: Tools & Equipment Coverage Visualized" Explore the Tools & Equipment Coverage section on our Garage Insurance page through this illustrative image. A mechanic's toolbox takes center stage, brimming with an assortment of tools including wrenches, sockets, and various hand tools. The organized arrangement reflects the precision of the trade. In the background, the well-lit shop ceiling creates a professional and efficient atmosphere. This snapshot captures the essence of our Tools & Equipment Coverage—an encompassing shield for your vital assets. Just as these tools define your craft, our insurance solutions cater to your specific equipment needs. Discover our tailored tools & equipment coverage options today and experience the peace of mind that comes from knowing your tools are protected with the same care and precision you bring to your work."

Additional Coverages for Garage Insurance

Some other coverages for garage insurance in Ohio may include:

Mechanics E&O

A mechanics E&O (errors and omissions) policy covers damages arising from installations by a mechanic or related garage worker for human errors and omissions committed while working on a vehicle before and after releasing the vehicle to the owner. For instance, a body shop technician mistakenly sands through a rear quarter panel such that it becomes unsalvageable and hence needs to be replaced. A mechanics E&O policy can cover the replacement cost.

Drive Other Cars Coverage

Drive other car insurance (DOC) offers protection to the executive of a partnership or corporation or their spouse when driving a non-owned car. For instance, a DOC endorsement will help cover your company’s CEO while he’s driving a vehicle, such as a rental car or corporate van, to work.

In a nutshell, if you need to test drive, borrow, lease, or rent a vehicle, other car insurance will extend the coverages you’ve bought for your commercial auto insurance policy (such as physical damage, liability, medical payments, and uninsured motorist insurance) to a non-owned car scenario.

Protections and Indemnity for Boat Repair

Protections and indemnity insurance, often referred to as “P&I,” provides cover to ship owners, operators, and charterers for third-party liabilities that may arise from the commercial operation of entered boats, ships, and yachts, among others. “Third parties” are any individuals other than the ship owner themselves who may have a contractual or legal claim against the ship. P&I insurance is usually facilitated by entering the ship into a mutual insurance association, usually known as a “club.” Shipowners are usually members of these clubs.

The P&I cover complements hull and machinery insurance and related covers and may, among others, include liability for collisions, for example, when a member’s ship collides with another ship or when an entered ship is negatively impacted by a fixed (or floating) object, e.g., a dock, quay, or buoy.

Cyber Insurance

Cyber insurance, or cybersecurity insurance, enables businesses to mitigate the risks of cybercrime, including data breaches. It protects organizations from the cost of internet-based threats affecting IT infrastructure, information policy, and information governance, which are often not covered by commercial liability policies and other forms of conventional insurance.

Though cyber insurance policies tend to vary significantly, most policies offer coverage that includes:

  • First-party coverage — the insurance provider pays the organization the expenses it directly incurred due to the cybercrime.
  • Third-party coverage — covers damages or settlements the organization is mandated to pay as a result of lawsuits or claims for injuries arising from the organization’s actions or failure to act.

For example, say attackers steal customer data from a company and illegally share it online. First-party coverage will apply to the expenses the business incurred directly due to the security breach, e.g., costs of forensic investigation and recovery, while third-party coverage will apply to lawsuits against the business by customers due to their shared data.

Business Owners Policy

A business owner’s policy (BOP) is a combination of general liability insurance and commercial property insurance, usually provided at a lower rate than purchasing each of these policies separately. A BOP can provide wide coverage against common automotive industry risks, including injuries to customers and damage to business property.

For example, if a fire incident leads to the burning down of your auto body shop, your company owner’s policy can cover the cost of reconstructing it as well as the expenses involved in repairing damaged or destroyed commercial equipment such as compressors, power tools, vehicle lifts, and others.

False Pretense

False pretense coverage is a type of insurance that provides protection to businesses from financial loss as a result of fraudulent misrepresentation, e.g., take the case of a car you or your workers decide to part ways with as a result of a trick, scheme, or pretense.

Garagekeepers Actual Loss Sustained

Garagekeepers’ actual loss sustained provides unlimited coverage for customers’ vehicles as long as they are damaged while in your possession for repair. In insurance, “actual loss sustained” means the total loss incurred from a covered case. Suppose your mechanic causes damage to your car while it’s in his custody, and you can’t use it for a month. The actual loss sustained may include the cost of repairs plus your additional public transportation expenses while those repairs are in progress.

How Much is Garage Insurance?

On average, a small auto repair shop in the US pays between $39 and $89 monthly for insurance. However, costs may vary depending on several factors, including the type of coverage, insurance rates, total assets insured, history of claims, and potential risk exposure for employees.

How Do I Get A Quote?

Ellerhorst Russell Insurance Agency will work with you closely to understand your needs and make sure you’re properly protected.

Do You Have the Right Garage Insurance Coverages?

Finding the right garage insurance coverage in Ohio will turn out to be a shrewd investment in the long run. This is why you need the professional expertise and experience of Ellerhorst Russell Insurance Agency LLC in today’s highly competitive business landscape. Our agents and professional staff live and work in Ohio, where they also support our schools and participate in community events. We are available day and night, ready to offer you more than a century of insurance experience.

Top Ohio Garage Insurance Agency

If you operate an auto repair shop or any other auto-related shop in Ohio, then you surely need the garage insurance services offered by Ellerhorst Russell Insurance Agency LLC, Ohio’s top garage insurance agency. Since 1915, Ellerhorst has been providing insurance services to various Ohio areas, including Garrettsville, Hiram, Windham, Mantua, and Portage County.

As an independent agency with access to a large number of insurance industry operators, Ellerhorst Russell has an edge when it comes to offering our customers the highest possible value available in the insurance industry today. Best of all, you can easily interact with the same person who sold you your garage insurance policy if you have any questions or concerns.

How Do I Get A Quote?

Ellerhorst Russell Insurance Agency will work with you closely to understand your needs and make sure you’re properly protected.

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