Auto detailing businesses face exposures that standard commercial policies often do not address. Colonial General Insurance Agency, Inc. offers a specialized Auto Detail Shop Insurance program through its Commercial Garage Department. The program is designed for both fixed-location and mobile detailing operations and helps agents place harder-to-insure garage risks with confidence.
Overview of the Program From Colonial General
Colonial General is a Managing General Agency and Excess & Surplus Lines broker with deep underwriting expertise in garage-related risks. This Auto Detail Shop Insurance program provides tailored coverages for businesses that perform vehicle detailing, with options for incidental towing, in-transit exposures, and limited mechanical work. Availability spans multiple Western states and includes both admitted and non-admitted markets where appropriate.
Ideal Accounts and Appetite
This program works well for a range of detailing operations, including:
- Standalone auto detailing shops with or without storefronts
- Mobile detailers who operate on scheduled routes or on-demand
- Detail shops that also perform light mechanical services
- Operations with in-transit risk or incidental towing exposure
Accounts that commonly fall outside the appetite include high-volume repair garages, full-service body shops, or businesses with major painting and collision operations. Those risks typically require alternative garage or auto repair programs.
Coverage Highlights and Advantages
Key coverages available through Colonial General’s program include:
- Garage Liability limits up to $1,000,000 per accident
- $3,000,000 Aggregate Liability limit
- Garage Keepers Coverage provided on a primary basis with specified causes of loss
- Dealers Physical Damage and coverage for False Pretense losses
- Fire Legal Liability and $5,000 Medical Payments
- Broadened Coverage Endorsements to address common garage exposures
- In-Transit Coverage tailored for towing and transport operations
- Property coverage available for eligible locations and contents
Mobile detailing is accepted, offering flexibility for agents placing non-traditional garage operations.
Underwriting Notes and Minimum Premiums
Every submission is underwritten on its own merits. Colonial General leverages multiple carrier relationships to match risk characteristics to the best available market. Some admitted options are available depending on the state and exposure profile. While minimum premium requirements vary by carrier and state, Colonial General seeks competitive pricing for qualifying accounts and will advise on structure and attachments needed for placement.
Territories and Availability
This program is available in the following states: Arizona (AZ), California (CA), Colorado (CO), Idaho (ID), Nevada (NV), New Mexico (NM), Utah (UT), and Wyoming (WY). Agents in these states can access admitted and non-admitted markets to suit client needs.
Why Work With Colonial General Insurance Agency, Inc.
Colonial General brings targeted garage-market expertise, responsive underwriting, and access to multiple carriers that specialize in garage and auto exposures. Their Commercial Garage Department understands the nuances of detailing operations—both fixed and mobile—and can tailor policy forms and limits accordingly.
Example scenarios that are a good fit:
- A single-bay detailing shop that offers ceramic coatings and occasional customer vehicle storage — you can pursue Garage Liability with Garage Keepers and property coverage.
- A mobile detailing business operating a fleet of two vans doing scheduled corporate accounts — the program can provide in-transit coverage and liability limits that reflect the fleet exposure.
For more details on placement guidelines and available markets, visit Colonial General's company profile or connect with their market specialists.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of accounts are a good fit for this program?
This program is ideal for fixed-location and mobile auto detailing businesses, including those with incidental towing or property exposures.
Are mobile auto detailers eligible for coverage?
Yes. Mobile detailing operations are acceptable and can be underwritten when you provide vehicle schedules, estimated revenue by activity, and details on in-transit handling.
Is Garage Keepers coverage included?
Yes. Garage Keepers Coverage is available on a primary basis with specified causes of loss; limits and causes of loss are determined by the underwriting review.
Which states offer this program?
The program is available in AZ, CA, CO, ID, NV, NM, UT, and WY.
Does the program include options for admitted markets?
Some admitted markets are available depending on the risk and the state. Colonial General will help identify whether an admitted or E&S placement is the best path for each submission.
Need help placing an account? Connect with a market specialist.