Common Questions About Working With Nationwide

You probably have questions about the best ways to protect your auto service operation. Here are a few of the most commonly asked questions related to business insurance for auto service shops. Contact a Nationwide^® agent to help answer additional questions.

Q: What specific protection do auto service businesses need?

A: Here are some of the coverages you should consider:

• Garage Liability Coverage, including products and completed operations
• Garagekeepers Coverage on a direct primary basis
• Broadened Garage Coverage
• Property Coverage
• Auto Coverage, including non-owned and hired auto coverage
• Portable Tools and Equipment Coverage
• Equipment Breakdown Coverage
• Business Interruption/Loss of Income Coverage
• Crime Coverage
• Workers Compensation Coverage

 Nationwide offers all these auto service coverages and more.

Q: What can you expect from Nationwide?

We understand your insurance needs:            

• You have plenty of things to think about without adding insurance to the list. We can help handle your business insurance so you can put more energy into your business.
• Quality is an important aspect of your business, so you need the best coverage for the best price. After all, the bottom line is important to you. By thoroughly understanding your business, we make sure you receive all qualifying discounts.
• Our agents and customer service professionals will make working with Nationwide a convenient, friendly experience.

Nationwide offers coverages and other services just for the auto service industry, including:

• Policies tailored to your unique needs, from a company with 80 years of insurance experience
• Free onsite loss control services
• Plus, loss control resources you can use on your own.
• Our business Care Review program makes sure your insurance is keeping pace with your business.
• Friendly, accessible Nationwide agents and claims professionals
• Flexible, convenient ways to pay your bill 

Q: If you have several locations, do you need to have several policies?

A: No, Nationwide covers all of your locations in one policy, saving you money and paperwork. Better yet, your liability limits apply separately at each of your locations.

Q: Does Nationwide cover used car sales?

A: Incidental used cars sales would need to be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Discuss your situation with a Nationwide agent.

Q: Does Nationwide cover auto service businesses that offer towing services?

A: Yes, incidental towing, such as towing a customer’s vehicle to your shop for repair, is typically covered. Review your towing operations with a Nationwide agent. 

Q: Is driving a customer’s vehicle off premises covered?

A: Yes, Garagekeepers Insurance covers damage occurring to vehicles while off the premises, such as a drive to test the repairs you’ve made.

Q: Does Nationwide cover spray-painting facilities?

A: Yes, shops that perform spray painting are covered as long as the work is performed in an approved spray booth. Contact a Nationwide agent for additional information.

Q: Are loaner vehicles covered?

A: Reviewing your loaner vehicle procedures with a Nationwide agent can ensure you are adequately covered for this service.

Q: How much coverage do I need for customer vehicles?

A: We recommend you discuss the highest value of vehicles that may be in your care at any one time. Work with your agent to determine the appropriate insurance limits.

Q: Can Nationwide meet both my insurance and financial needs?

A: Yes, not only can we protect your auto service shop, but we also offer a full range of personal insurance products, as well as financial services and mortgage and banking expertise. So we can cover your home, cars, mortgage, investments, business property, business vehicles, as well as special issues like workers compensation, life insurance and umbrella coverage.

Q: What type of coverage is often overlooked in my industry?

A: Debris Removal – Hauling away steel and concrete after a disaster can add up quickly. Most property insurance policies include a limited amount of debris removal coverage. Higher limits are available through Debris Removal Coverage.

Flood Insurance – Nationwide does not offer flood insurance, but your agent can connect you to the National Flood Insurance Program, government-sponsored insurance that offers up to $500,000 in coverage.

Ordinance or Law – This insurance can protect you if your building is ordered to be torn down and rebuilt to code after a loss. Many times, extra expenses are involved that cannot be accounted for when your building is valued. For example, code may now require that your building be built only of steel. This coverage can pay for the undamaged portion of the building that is to be torn down, the demolition costs, the removal of the debris and the increased costs associated with building to code.

Q: What is umbrella insurance?

A: It’s a way to add higher limits to your existing insurance. For example, if your current liability policy covers a $1 million lawsuit and you are successfully sued for $2 million, umbrella insurance can cover the difference. Best of all, we can provide this excess liability coverage over your business vehicles as well as your business liability.

Q: How do I pay my premiums?

A: Various options are available, including monthly and quarterly. Contact an agent to work out the best plan for your business.

Q: Who do I call if I have a claim?

A: You can:

• Call us 24/7 at 1-800-421-3535
• Visit our claims center 
• Call your agent 

Q: How is Nationwide rated, and what does the rating mean?

A: Nationwide is rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best, an independent insurance benchmarking group. Only companies that have a superior ability to meet their ongoing obligations to policyholders earn this high rating.

Q: How can Nationwide help me as my business changes?

A: We offer free periodic insurance reviews, called Nationwide Care Reviews^SM, to make sure your insurance is keeping up with your business. Plus, we stay in tune with new trends affecting your industry, so we can adapt our coverages to provide the best protection for your business.

Q: Can I get insurance to cover my company’s signs?

A: Since your signs are such an important part of your visibility, we can cover them – from damaged caused by vandalism, theft, lightning, car accidents and more – so you have one less thing to worry about.

Q: How can I find a Nationwide agent?

A: By using whatever method works best for you:

•  Use our Agent Locator
•  Look us up in the yellow pages
•  Ask a friend or business associate for a recommendation