Where can I find business insurance.....

[Eco Steam]

Nothing wrong with RLI, but the vehicle you're working on is NOT COVERED!

I had RLI with a $1 million policy and a few other coverages, but it's just liability. The property (land) that you're on is protected, and any vehicles around you are covered, that's it!

If you're working on an expensive windshield, and don't either inform or give literature to the customer that if the windshield cracks out during the repair process, you're not responsible....you will be held responsible. Some windshields can run you upwards of 700 to 800 bucks+, and that will come out of your pocket, that of course is if you don't have the proper coverages.

As others have said....DO YOUR RESEARCH!

ATX

[paulrsf]

-Talked with my insurance agent regarding what is and what isn't covered with RLI. Here's what I found out: Liability insurance from RLI covers bodily injury and damage to property OTHER than the car you are working on. Vehicles in your care are not covered unless you have either "garage keepers liability" or a commercial auto policy that specifically includes all non-owned vehicles.
Weighing the options I chose basic liability because it was all I could afford at the time. Instead I chose to have each customer sign a work order specifically stating that in the event of a crack out or some other unsuccessful repair, they would not hold me responsible for such damage. I would of course, waive the cost of the repair as well. I've had two occasions where any of this could have come in to play and in one case, I was really relieved to have the signed waiver. Doing research is great but the reality of what you can and can not afford will eventually play a large part in choosing the best coverage for your individual business.

[SGT]

Paul,

Good for you. Sounds like you did the homework, got the answers and made the best choice for you. I know that getting full coverage is more money but it certainly should be considered when you can afford it. Sure I have a waiver to handle any windshield issues but fellow techs lets not forget about all the other potential damage that can happen while you are working on and have care custody and control of someone elses vehicle. Let your imaginations run wild here as it could be quite signifigant. The potential cost from one incident could have bought you the full coverage policy paid in full for years and you would have been covered. That one inccident may bankrupt some without the proper coverage. So wheigh it out guys. I am not trying to sell insurance here just looking out for fellow techs.

[Brent Deines]

The only insurance claim I ever had to file was for a paint job on a customer's car. It was one drop of pit resin that my wife dropped on the cowl just below the windshield. She did not notice it until after it dried and we could not get it off for anything. It was a clear spot about 3/16" in diameter on an older vehicle that would never have been noticed had we not pointed it out to the customer, and at first he was not concerned, but I felt obligated to have the cowl painted. That is when human nature and greed kicked in and the customer decided that the entire vehicle needed to be painted. I was flat broke at the time so I could not afford the paint job or to hire an attorney to fight it out in court, so I just turned it over to the insurance company. What should have been a $100 mistake quickly became a $3000 mistake. Had it been a custom paint job it could easily have cost $10,000 or more which at the time would have put me out of business.

Personally I will not allow anyone to work on my car unless they have insurance to cover it should something happen while they are in possession of it, and would not consider running a business without insurance to cover my customer's vehicles.