Independent dealers and auto operations
A dealership needs coverage for the shop floor, the customer cars in the bay, and the inventory on the lot. Those are three different parts of the same operation.
We review garage programs for independent used-car dealers and automotive shops from our Edina office.
Why dealers buy this program
Someone injured on the lot or in the shop is an operations claim. A customer’s car damaged while it is in for service is a different policy part. Vehicles you hold for sale sit in a third category.
Independent dealers in Minnesota also get asked for proof of coverage by auctions, lenders, and licensing. We put the garage program together so those requests have a clear source, then keep a person on the account for certificates and changes.
Coverage overview
Each part answers a different question. Mixing them up is how dealers end up with a gap when a customer car or a lot vehicle is involved.
This is the operations coverage. It addresses bodily injury and property damage that arise from running the dealership or service business. It does not take the place of coverage for customer vehicles or for your own inventory.
This is coverage for vehicles that belong to someone else while they are in your care, custody, and control. Damage, theft, or vandalism to a customer car in the bay or on the lot is the typical question this form is meant to answer.
This is inventory coverage for vehicles you hold for sale. Theft, weather, and vandalism to stock are the usual concerns. A customer’s car is not inventory, and a premises injury claim is not an open-lot claim.
Details
What does garage liability cover?
Garage liability covers bodily injury and property damage arising from dealership or auto-service operations. It is not coverage for customer vehicles in your care, and it is not coverage for vehicles you hold for sale.
What is garagekeepers coverage?
Garagekeepers covers customer vehicles in your care, custody, and control for damage, theft, or vandalism. It does not replace operations liability, and it does not insure your inventory.
What does dealer open lot insurance cover?
Dealer open lot covers vehicles you hold for sale against perils such as theft, weather damage, and vandalism, subject to the form. It does not cover customer cars and it does not cover shop liability.
A garage liability form does not automatically pick up customer cars or dealer stock. Limits, deductibles, and whether garagekeepers is written as legal liability or direct coverage change how a claim is handled. Test drives, lots away from the main location, and storage yards should be described during the review.
Dealers are routinely asked for certificates by auctions and lenders. Ask for Catherine Gordon, Account Manager. From certificates to claims, she keeps day-to-day service moving. Request that work from certificates of insurance.
Dealer license details, lot and shop locations, inventory values, how customer vehicles are handled, loss history, driver information where needed, and any auction, lender, or landlord insurance requirements.
Employee injuries are workers compensation. The building and tools may need commercial property. Management liability is a separate conversation when owners want it reviewed. Meet the team on About.
Is liability insurance required for Minnesota dealer inventory?
Minnesota dealers often need proof of liability to keep a dealer license. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety eLicense site states that liability insurance is required on all vehicles held for sale or resale in Minnesota. This page is not legal advice. Confirm current dealer-license rules with the state.
Where is the office and what is the phone number?
The office is at 5021 Vernon Ave S #161, Edina, MN 55436. Call (612) 712-6407.
My experience with Darren and BIG for my used car dealership was truly exceptional. Unlike my previous broker who had me drowning in paperwork, Darren streamlined the process. Within just a few days, I was fully insured without any hassle.
How a review works
Locations, inventory, service work, and the certificates you already get asked for.
Garage liability, garagekeepers, and open lot are checked against how the business actually runs.
You get options and next steps from someone who stays with the account.
Edina, Minnesota
Share how the lot and shop operate. We will review available markets and follow up with next steps.