Garage Keepers Liability Insurance in Florida

Garage Keepers Liability is an important insurance coverage for businesses that offer vehicle storage and repair services in Florida.

On this page, we will cover the basics of Garage Keeper's Liability policies to help you decide if purchasing this type of additional coverage is right for you. Read on to find out more!

Garage Keepers Liability insurance is a form of property damage coverage that provides protection for businesses that store and service vehicles. It provides coverage for a variety of potential risks that may occur while a customer’s vehicle is in the care of your business, such as:

1. Theft: If a customer’s vehicle is stolen from your property, such as in the case of burglary or vandalism, Garage Keepers Liability will cover the replacement cost of the vehicle.
2. Fire damage: This coverage will cover any property damage caused by a fire on your premises while the customer's vehicle is in your care.
3. Damage caused by repairs: If you or your employees cause damage to a customer’s vehicle while performing repairs, Garage Keepers Liability will cover the cost of the repair or replacement of the vehicle.
4. Mechanical breakdowns: A breakdown in a customer’s vehicle due to faulty repairs or parts installed by your business may be covered under Garage Keepers Liability.
5. Vandalism: If a customer’s vehicle is damaged by vandalism while in your care and control, Garage Keepers Liability will cover the cost of repairs.
6. Third-party claims: Some Garage Keepers Liability policies may provide coverage for third-party claims, such as when a customer’s vehicle causes an accident while in your care.
7. Customer’s personal items: Garage Keepers Liability may cover the cost of replacing any personal items that were left in the customer’s vehicle while in your care.
8. Environmental damage: If a customer’s vehicle leaks oil, gas, or other hazardous materials on your property, Garage Keepers Liability can provide coverage for the necessary cleanup costs.

In addition to these coverages, Garage Keepers Liability may also provide coverage for legal fees resulting from a lawsuit or claim brought against your business.

Garage Keepers Liability policies typically exclude certain types of damage, such as:

1. Damage due to normal wear and tear
2. Damage resulting from abuse or neglect of the vehicle by your employees
3. Damage caused by intentional acts, such as vandalism
4. Damage caused by natural disasters, such as floods and earthquakes
5. Damage due to faulty repairs or maintenance performed by someone other than your business
6. Damage caused by the customer’s negligence or misuse of the vehicle

Some Garage Keepers Liability policies may also exclude coverage for certain types of vehicles, such as antique cars or recreational vehicles. Be sure to check the terms and conditions of your policy for more information about what is excluded.

Garage Keepers Liability insurance is essential for any business that stores, services, or repairs vehicles. This includes:

• Auto repair shops
• Body shops
• Car dealerships
• Oil change facilities
• Towing companies
• Valet parking services
• Car washes
• Vehicle rental services
• Parking lots and garages
• Storage facilities
• Salvage yards
• Car rental agencies
• Auto auctions
• Interior detailers
• Service stations
• Windshield and window installers
• Valet services
• Auto parts stores

If your business offers any of these services, Garage Keepers Liability is an important insurance policy to consider.

Garage Keepers Liability is different from Commercial Auto Insurance. Garage Keepers Liability covers claims made against your business for damage to a customer’s vehicle while it is in your care, custody, and control. Commercial Auto Insurance provides coverage for the business’s owned or rented vehicles. It covers damages caused to other people and property as a result of an accident involving one of the business’s vehicles, as well as any repairs needed for the business’s vehicle. Garage Keepers Liability does not cover a business’s owned or rented vehicles.

Garage Keepers Liability is also different from Garage Liability. Garage liability covers claims made against the business due to bodily injury or property damage caused by the business’s operations. This includes premises liability and product liability claims. Garage Keepers Liability does not cover these types of claims.

The best way to make sure that you are getting the most out of Garage Keepers Liability insurance is to optimize your policy. Here are 8 tips for doing so:

1. Choose the right level of coverage – Make sure that you choose a policy with the appropriate amount and type of coverage for your business.
2. Consider higher limits – Higher limits of coverage will provide you with more protection against potential losses.
3. Consult with an experienced insurance agent – An experienced agent can help you understand the different types of coverage available and guide you in selecting the right policy for your needs.
4. Ask about discounts – Common discounts may include those for having multiple policies and for having a clean driving record.
5. Review your policy regularly – Make sure to review your policy at least once a year to make sure it is still meeting your needs.
6. Invest in safety measures – Implementing safety measures, such as installing security cameras, can help reduce the risk of theft and vandalism.
7. Provide proper training – Make sure that your employees are properly trained on how to handle customers’ vehicles.
8. Monitor your employees – Conduct background checks, drug tests, and perform random inspections to help ensure that your employees are following safety protocols.

Remember that Garage Keepers Liability insurance should be viewed as an investment in the protection of your business. By taking the time to research and compare different policies and taking advantage of discounts and safety measures, you can make sure that your Florida business has the coverage it needs at a price that fits your budget.

The complex nature of Garage Keepers Liability insurance means that having the assistance of an experienced agent can be invaluable. Here are 8 ways a Florida Garage Keepers Liability insurance agent can help:

1. Explain the different coverage options – From coverage limits to types of coverage, an agent can help you understand the different options available and how they fit into your business’s needs.
2. Connect you to the right insurance carrier – An agent can help you compare and contrast different insurers so that you find the best deal on coverage.
3. Help you understand the policy’s terms and conditions – Some policies can be difficult to understand, but an agent can help simplify them and answer any questions you may have.
4. Offer advice on safety measures – Agents can provide advice on the best safety measures to implement in order to reduce the risk of theft and vandalism.
5. Explain available discounts – Agents can help you understand the different discounts available and how to qualify for them.
6. Help with renewals and policy changes – Agents can provide assistance with the renewal of your policy as well as help you make changes to your existing coverage.
7. Handle claims processing – From filing the initial claim to providing assistance in negotiating a settlement, agents can provide guidance throughout the claims process.
8. Help with compliance – Make sure that your policy is compliant with all relevant laws and regulations. An agent can help you make sure you’re meeting these requirements.

An agent can also provide assistance in creating a comprehensive plan tailored to the specific needs of your Florida business.

Have Questions? Compare Florida Garage Keepers Liability Insurance Quotes Today

Bellken Insurance Group can help you compare Florida Garage Keepers Liability insurance quotes from multiple carriers so that you find the coverage your business needs at a price that fits your budget. We make the process of comparing quotes and finding the right coverage simple and hassle-free. Contact us today to get started.