Start with how the operation works
Auto dealerships combine retail, service, inventory, and road exposure—requiring coverage designed around the whole operation. For general liability, general liability planning starts with how customers, vendors, tenants, and the public interact with the operation.
Operating details to document
- Average and peak inventory values by location
- Dealer plates, drivers, test-drive, and key controls
- Sales, service, body shop, towing, and loaner operations
Coverage details to review
- Premises and ongoing operations liability
- Products and completed operations where applicable
- Contractual requirements and additional insured obligations
- Defense costs, occurrence limits, aggregates, and deductibles
Understand the Factors That Can Affect Cost
A useful review goes beyond selecting a policy name. It connects current information to eligibility, policy structure, and the consequences of a significant loss.
- Separate controllable operating factors from market conditions
- Test how limits, deductibles, and valuations affect the program
- Document risk controls that distinguish the account
Inventory and lot damage
Confirm how this applies to the operation, how it is represented in the application, and where the policy addresses or excludes the exposure.
Garage operations and customer vehicles
Confirm how this applies to the operation, how it is represented in the application, and where the policy addresses or excludes the exposure.
Test-drive and commercial auto liability
Confirm how this applies to the operation, how it is represented in the application, and where the policy addresses or excludes the exposure.
Premises and ongoing operations liability
Confirm how this applies to the operation, how it is represented in the application, and where the policy addresses or excludes the exposure.
Products and completed operations where applicable
Confirm how this applies to the operation, how it is represented in the application, and where the policy addresses or excludes the exposure.
Contractual requirements and additional insured obligations
Confirm how this applies to the operation, how it is represented in the application, and where the policy addresses or excludes the exposure.
Defense costs, occurrence limits, aggregates, and deductibles
Confirm how this applies to the operation, how it is represented in the application, and where the policy addresses or excludes the exposure.
Information to have ready
- Average and peak inventory values by location
- Dealer plates, drivers, test-drive, and key controls
- Sales, service, body shop, towing, and loaner operations
- Annual revenue and a clear description of operations
- Customer-facing activities and off-premises work
- Contracts, leases, and certificate requirements
- Currently valued loss history when available
Questions for the coverage review
Are all lots and off-site inventory locations scheduled?
Document the answer and compare it with the application, quote, endorsements, limits, deductibles, and contractual requirements.
How are drivers, keys, test drives, and customer vehicles controlled?
Document the answer and compare it with the application, quote, endorsements, limits, deductibles, and contractual requirements.
Which lender or floor-plan requirements apply?
Document the answer and compare it with the application, quote, endorsements, limits, deductibles, and contractual requirements.
Do all disclosed activities fit the policy classification?
Document the answer and compare it with the application, quote, endorsements, limits, deductibles, and contractual requirements.
Which contracts require special limits or endorsements?
Document the answer and compare it with the application, quote, endorsements, limits, deductibles, and contractual requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Who should use this auto dealers general liability guide?
Business owners and insurance buyers can use it to prepare for a focused review of cost and eligibility. It is educational guidance, not a quote or a substitute for policy terms.
What information should a auto dealers account gather first?
Start with average and peak inventory values by location, dealer plates, drivers, test-drive, and key controls, sales, service, body shop, towing, and loaner operations, plus currently valued loss information when available.
Coverage descriptions are general. Eligibility, availability, limits, deductibles, exclusions, and policy terms vary by risk and market. Review actual policy documents with an appropriate insurance professional.