What is Tire Shop (New and Repair including Wheel Alignment)?
This type of insurance is designed for businesses that sell new tires, repair tires, or provide wheel alignment services. Whether you're running a full-service tire shop or a smaller repair shop, the right coverage helps protect your business from common risks like property damage, customer injuries, or employee accidents.
Operations in this category may include mounting and balancing tires, patching or replacing damaged tires, rotating tires, and performing wheel alignments. Shops may also store customer vehicles temporarily, increasing the need for liability protection.
Who Needs It
Any business involved in selling or servicing tires can benefit from this coverage, including:
- Independent tire dealers
- Auto repair shops offering tire services
- Mobile tire repair businesses
- Shops providing wheel alignment or suspension services
If your shop handles customer vehicles or operates heavy equipment, insurance is essential to help manage risks.
What It Typically Covers
Coverage may include but is not limited to:
- General liability: Helps cover injuries to customers or damage to their property on your premises.
- Garagekeepers liability: Provides protection if a customer’s vehicle is damaged while in your care.
- Commercial property: Covers your shop building, tools, tire inventory, and equipment against events like fire or theft.
- Workers’ compensation: Required in most states if you have employees. Helps cover medical costs for job-related injuries.
- Commercial auto: If your business uses vehicles for tire delivery or mobile services.
Common Exclusions and Limitations
Like all insurance policies, tire shop coverage has exclusions. Common ones may include:
- Intentional damage or misconduct
- Wear and tear of equipment
- Faulty workmanship (unless you add specialized coverage)
- Losses outside the scope of listed covered perils
Always review your policy details and ask your provider about specific limitations or endorsements you may need.
Factors That Influence Cost
Several factors can affect your insurance premium, such as:
- Location and size of your tire shop
- Types of services offered (sales, repair, alignment)
- Years in business and claims history
- Number of employees
- Value of your equipment and inventory
Bundling multiple coverages into a business owner’s policy (BOP) may help streamline protection and cost.
Proof of Insurance & Compliance
Maintaining valid insurance is often required to operate legally, especially if you're leasing a commercial space or bidding on contracts. Some states may also require certain coverages, like workers’ compensation or commercial auto insurance. Keeping updated proof of coverage can help with inspections, licensing, and vendor relationships.
How to Get a Quote
Getting insured is easy. Start by gathering basic information about your services, shop size, and equipment. Then, get a quote to explore coverage options tailored to your tire shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need insurance if I only provide mobile tire repair?
Yes. Mobile services still carry risks such as vehicle damage, customer injuries, or road accidents. Insurance helps protect your business wherever you operate.
What’s the difference between general liability and garagekeepers liability?
General liability covers third-party injuries and property damage on your premises, while garagekeepers liability protects customer vehicles in your care, custody, or control.
Does this insurance cover customer car damage during alignment?
It may, depending on your policy. Garagekeepers or professional liability coverage may help if damage occurs during service. Check with your provider for specific coverage details.
How do I prove I have coverage to my landlord or vendors?
You can request a certificate of insurance (COI) from your provider, which lists your active policies and limits.
Can I add coverage for my tools and tire inventory?
Yes. Commercial property insurance can help protect your equipment, tools, and inventory against covered losses like fire, theft, or vandalism.
Still have questions? Talk to a local insurance expert.