Auto Repair Shops Insurance

Coverage recommendations, carrier options, and cost estimates for insuring auto repair shops businesses. Built for independent agents quoting this class.

NAICS: 811111·Also known as: auto mechanic, auto body shop, car repair shop

Recommended Coverages

GL

essential

Third-party bodily injury, property damage, personal and advertising injury arising from business operations. For Auto Repair Shops businesses, key exposures include customer vehicle damage while in custody. Common claims include damage to customer vehicle while in shop.

Typical Limits

$1M per occurrence / $2M aggregate

Premium Range

$400 - $3,000/year for small businesses; $3,000 - $15,000+ for contractors and higher-risk classes

Garage Keepers Liability

essential

Garage Keepers Liability provides specialized coverage tailored to the risks Auto Repair Shops businesses face.

Typical Limits

Varies by carrier and state

Premium Range

Varies by business size and risk profile

Commercial Property

recommended

Physical damage to buildings, business personal property, equipment, inventory, and tenant improvements from covered perils (fire, wind, theft, vandalism). For Auto Repair Shops businesses, key exposures include fire risk from flammable materials. Common claims include damage to customer vehicle while in shop.

Typical Limits

Based on replacement cost of building and contents. Business income limits typically 12 months of projected revenue.

Premium Range

$750 - $5,000/year for small businesses; varies widely based on property values, construction type, and location

Workers Comp

recommended

Medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and death benefits for employees injured on the job. For Auto Repair Shops businesses, key exposures include employee injury from heavy equipment. Common claims include employee injury from lift or tools.

Typical Limits

Statutory limits per state law; Employers Liability typically $500K/$500K/$500K

Premium Range

Based on payroll × class code rate × experience mod. Ranges from $0.50 to $30+ per $100 of payroll depending on classification

Commercial Auto

situational

Liability, physical damage, medical payments, and uninsured motorist coverage for vehicles used in business operations. For Auto Repair Shops businesses, key exposures include customer vehicle damage while in custody. Common claims include damage to customer vehicle while in shop. Agent note: Standard BOP does NOT cover auto repair operations — need garage-specific policy

Typical Limits

$1M combined single limit is standard; $500K minimum for most commercial operations

Premium Range

$1,200 - $5,000/year per vehicle for light commercial; $5,000 - $15,000+ per vehicle for heavy trucks

Risk Profile

Physical Risk

high

Liability Risk

moderate

Professional Risk

low

Property Risk

moderate

Top Risks

  • Customer vehicle damage while in custody
  • Environmental contamination from fluids
  • Fire risk from flammable materials
  • Employee injury from heavy equipment
  • Completed operations (post-repair failure)

Carriers That Write Auto Repair Shops

One of the largest small commercial writers in the U.S. with broad class appetite. Competitive BOP pricing and a streamlined agent portal with fast online quoting.

GLWC

Broad appetite across most commercial classes with competitive package pricing. Strong multi-line capabilities — agents can bundle GL, property, auto, and umbrella under one carrier.

GLWCCommercial Auto

Known for competitive commercial auto rates and fast online quoting. Strong appetite for businesses with vehicle fleets and a growing BOP book.

GLCommercial AutoWC

Berkshire Hathaway-backed (AM Best A++) with competitive pricing for standard small business classes. Fully online quoting and binding process.

GLWCCommercial Auto

Cost Estimate

$5,000 - $25,000+ for businesses with $500K - $3M revenue

Key Pricing Factors

  • Annual revenue ($500K - $3M is typical for this class)
  • Employee count (5-20 is typical)
  • Number of bays
  • Services offered (body work, painting, mechanical)
  • Customer vehicles on premises at peak
  • Environmental compliance

See the Per-Coverage Cost Breakdown

For median GL, BOP, WC, and auto premiums sourced from Insureon, plus a worked quote example and the underwriting questions to expect, see our auto repair shops insurance cost page.

Get Quotes from a Local Independent Agent

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QuoteSweep is not an insurance broker and does not sell insurance. We connect small businesses with licensed independent agents in our network at no cost to you. Agents may pay QuoteSweep a referral fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Auto Repair Shops insurance cost?
Insurance costs for Auto Repair Shops businesses vary based on revenue ($500K - $3M), employee count (5-20), location, claims history, and coverage types needed. Key coverages include GL, Garage Keepers Liability, Commercial Property. Get quotes from multiple carriers to find competitive pricing — premiums can vary 20-40% between carriers for the same account.
What insurance does an Auto Repair Shops business need?
Most Auto Repair Shops businesses need GL, Garage Keepers Liability, Commercial Property at minimum. Garage keepers liability is essential — covers customer vehicles while in your care, custody, and control The right coverage package depends on your revenue, employee count, and specific risk exposures.
What are the biggest insurance risks for Auto Repair Shops businesses?
The primary risks for Auto Repair Shops businesses include: Customer vehicle damage while in custody; Environmental contamination from fluids; Fire risk from flammable materials; Employee injury from heavy equipment. Common claims include Damage to customer vehicle while in shop, Post-repair failure causing accident, Employee injury from lift or tools. Understanding these risks helps agents recommend appropriate coverage limits and endorsements.
What do carriers look at when underwriting Auto Repair Shops businesses?
Key underwriting factors for Auto Repair Shops include: Annual revenue, Number of bays, Services offered (body work, painting, mechanical), Customer vehicles on premises at peak, Environmental compliance. Carriers use these factors to determine pricing and eligibility. Businesses with clean loss history and strong risk management practices typically qualify for better rates.
What should agents know when quoting Auto Repair Shops insurance?
Garage keepers liability is essential — covers customer vehicles while in your care, custody, and control. Standard BOP does NOT cover auto repair operations — need garage-specific policy. Body shops with paint booths face higher fire risk and premium. Using a comparative rater to quote multiple carriers simultaneously helps agents find the best combination of coverage and pricing for each Auto Repair Shops account.

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