Auto Service
- Common Questions
- Glossary
- Worries and Solutions
- Quick Facts
- Insurance Shopping List
Protecting Your Auto Service Shop
Here are some common concerns most auto service shops have, along with some ways we can help and some tools you can use to help yourself. When you’re ready to speak to an agent, find one near you using our Professional Locator.
(Please note all coverage may not be available in all states.)
| Your worries | The solutions | |
|---|---|---|
| What you think about | How you can help yourself | How Nationwide can help |
| Mistakes happen, such as forgetting to add oil or tighten the lug nuts, both of which could cause damage to my customer’s vehicle. |
Regular employee training "Certified Shop" designations (AAA, ASE or I-CAR) Quality Control for Oil Change Operations Safety Bulletin |
Garage Liability Coverage Broadened Garage Coverage Umbrella Insurance |
| A customer's vehicle could be damaged while in my care. | Check
out our loss control resources Auto Service Lift Safety Bulletin Auto Service Safety Bulletin |
Garagekeepers Coverage Auto Service Plus endorsement |
| If the shop needs to temporarily close due to fire or storm damage, how do I continue to pay my employees and my bills? | Auto Service Safety
Bulletin Business Disaster Planning Book | Business Income Coverage |
| Something could happen to a car while we're towing it to the shop. | Auto Towing and Service Safety Bulletin |
Garage/Auto Coverage Discuss this exposure with your Nationwide agent to determine the best protection for your business |
| With all the oil and chemicals in the shop, fire is a big concern. | Housekeeping Tips
to Prevent Auto Garage Fires Safety Bulletin Waste Oil Furnace Safety Bulletin | Property Coverage |
| What if one my employees gets hurt or sick on the job? | Auto Service Lift Safety
Bulletin Online Safety Courses |
Workers Compensation Stop Gap Coverage |
| What if a customer gets hurt in my shop? | Slips, Trips and Falls Safety Bulletin |
General Liability Medical Payments Coverage Umbrella Coverage |
| I have a lot of expensive tools and equipment in my shop. What if they are damaged or stolen? What about tools that my employees own and bring to work? |
Lock the tools up at night or when not in use, especially if they are
stored in a vehicle. Label all your tools for proper identification. |
Property Coverage Portable Tools Coverage Auto Service Plus endorsement |
| It is very expensive to clean up gas, oil, paint and chemical spills. Can insurance cover this? |
Storing and Dispensing Fuel From a Portable Container Safety
Bulletin EPA Spill Prevention Tips |
Property Coverage Talk to your agent about Pollution Liability Coverage |
| What if something happens to my outdoor signs? |
Have a regular maintenance program in place for your outdoor
property Make sure you purchase a sign that can withstand the elements in your area. |
Property Coverage Sign Coverage |
| What if someone steals money or property from the shop? | Crime Safety Bulletin |
Money and Securities Crime Coverage Property Coverage Employee Dishonesty Coverage |
| I have an on-site carwash. What if something happens to a customer or his car? |
Have a regular maintenance program in place Post signs to remind customers to fold their mirrors in and put the car's antenna down. Do not allow car washing in freezing temperatures Review your employees driving records before allowing them to handle a customer's car. |
General Liability Coverage Car Wash Damage to Customers' Autos Coverage Medical Payments Coverage |
| My shop also sells retail products. What if I am sued because I sold it to someone and it is found to be defective? |
General Liability Coverage Additional Insured Coverage for your suppliers |
|
| What if my equipment breaks? |
Use surge protectors in your power outlets wherever possible Follow a regular maintenance schedule for all equipment. Nationwide offers free boiler inspections to our customers courtesy of Hartford Steam Boiler | Equipment Breakdown Coverage |
| My shop could be damaged from a sewer or drain backup. |
Install a sump pump with a battery backup or generator Have regular inspections of plumbing and sump pump | Water or Sewer Backup Coverage |
| What if something disrupts my water supply, phones or electricity? | Utility Services Coverage | |
| I have a number of employees and want to steer clear of any issues with discrimination, harassment or wrongful termination. | New Employee Orientation Checklist | Employment Practices Liability Insurance |
| A flood could damage my shop. | Visit the FEMA website for more information | Contact your agent for details on the National Flood Insurance Program, a government- insurance program. |
| I live in an area that could have an earthquake. | Open for Business Disaster Planning Toolkit | Earthquake protection |
