What to Prepare Before Requesting an Auto Service Insurance Quote
- Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
When auto repair shop owners begin shopping for auto service business insurance, one of the most overlooked steps is preparing the right information before requesting a quote. Insurance companies ask for detailed data about your business so they can accurately measure risk and determine the insurance cost for an auto repair business. Preparing this information upfront not only speeds up the quoting process but also helps ensure you receive accurate and competitive pricing.
Below is a breakdown of what every auto repair business owner should gather before requesting an auto service insurance quote.
1. Your Business Details
Insurance carriers start by confirming standard business information. Have these ready:
Business address and locations
Years in business
Ownership structure
Website and contact info
If your shop offers unique or specialised services, such as custom tuning, diagnostics, engine rebuilding, or transmission repair, make sure these are clearly listed, as they impact underwriting.
2. Types of Services Your Auto Shop Performs
Auto repair shops vary widely. Insurance companies need to know exactly what you do so they can determine coverage needs and assess risk levels. Common categories include:
Oil changes & basic maintenance
Engine repair
Transmission repair
Brake and suspension work
Electrical diagnostics
Tire replacement
Welding or fabrication
Performance upgrades
The broader your services, the more important it is to accurately disclose them for proper auto repair business insurance pricing.
3. Employee and Payroll Information
For policies like Workers’ Compensation, carriers require employee counts and payroll totals. Be prepared with:
Number of full‑time technicians
Number of part‑time employees
Total annual payroll
Job duties for each role
Accurate payroll reporting ensures correct premium calculations and prevents audit issues later.
4. Shop Tools, Equipment, and Property Values
Coverage such as Commercial Property Insurance and equipment protection depends on accurate values. Gather:
Tool inventory (both owned and leased)
Heavy machinery values (lifts, alignment machines, diagnostic tools, etc.)
Building value (if owned)
Office furniture, computers, and inventory
This information helps ensure your shop isn’t under-insured during a loss.
5. Number of Customer Vehicles in Your Care
For Garage Keepers Insurance, insurers need to know:
Average number of customer vehicles on‑site
Maximum number stored overnight
Whether they are kept indoors or outdoors
This directly affects the pricing of Garage Keepers coverage, one of the most important parts of auto service shop insurance.
6. Previous Insurance and Claims History
Have your past 3–5 years of insurance and claims activity available. Insurance companies use this to understand your risk profile. A clean history often leads to better pricing, while frequent claims can impact availability of certain carriers.
Work With an Agency Specialising in Auto Repair Shops
When you’re prepared with this information, the process becomes much easier, and selecting the right agent makes an even bigger difference.
Wexford Insurance works with top insurance companies that specialise in auto repair shops nationwide. We help shop owners compare policies, understand coverage requirements, and secure the most competitive premiums.
