Got Insurance? (For JohnHenry)

[CharlesW]

Originally Posted by JohnHenry

I'd be interested to know how many of those of us who detail for money have insurance. Obviously this is something that you might be reluctant to discuss openly, so an anonymous poll would be a good way to get a handle on this subject.

[JohnHenry]

Thanks to BigLeegr and CharlesW for the tutorial!

[Beemerboy]

This has and will remain a weekend biz, and for that I don't carry insurance. I look at it this way, if I mess something up then I will settle with the owner.

If I had a mobile or full time location then yes, I would especially if I had employees.

This should be interesting to see who carries it

[witness]

We have none at the moment but we've only been doing family cars. When we being mobile business in march we're gonna pick up liabilty. I'm going to try to find a package that will double as pressure washing and detailing coverage as we'd still like to detail. I know it may not be neccessary especially as we aren't going to be using a rotary but even so; one mishap spraying out an engine and it'd be nice to not have to pay for repairs out of pocket. Sure we always cover the neccessary parts and avoid heavy pressure washing but still the unavoidable eventuality is that if something can go wrong it will at some point. And in a world of imperfections, preparedness will no doubt help us sleep a little sounder

[cartoysautospa]

Garage Keepers Insurance is expensive no doubt. I didn't have it for the first three years I was in business. However if you get any big dealership accounts, you will need to have it to do business with them. also if you have any employees and you pick up and deliver cars, you will need it. things happen. you need to be protected. I have in the past carried as much as 1M in coverage when I was doing several high line dealerships. However since 2007 I downsized my business so reduced my coverage to 650K umbrella policy. In South Carolina Garage Liability policy's can run several thousands a year , so it pays to really shop hard. A good point is to make sure the Insurance provider does not place you in the same category as a car dealer as that will make your policy higher as well.If oyu have employees, make sure oyu check their driving record before you hire them,as you are required by law in some states to have their lic. on file with your Insurance company in the event of a problem. Protect yourself as no one else will !Another good point...if oyu do have a problem try and work it out without making a claim.as 3 claims will get you booted..and then you will see some telephone number prices for your premium. My insurance at one time was around 3500.00 per year.I have it now with a better company and with 18 years in business with no issues it's 1200.00 per year.....with a $1000.00 deductible.
Hope this helps you guys out.It's an expense , but you will be glad you have it if you have a problem.that could put you out of business.

[chrisf72]

Cartoysautospa that is some good information can you pm with with way to contact you I have question want to ask in private about sale cleaning to car lots what I would need.