Auto Repair Shop Insurance in New Hampshire

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What is auto repair shop insurance?

Running an auto repair shop requires significant investment—and comes with real risk. From customer vehicles in your care to specialized tools and equipment, a single accident or claim can result in substantial financial loss. Auto repair shop insurance helps New Hampshire mechanics protect their business from these risks by combining essential liability and property coverages into a tailored solution.

Which types of NH businesses should consider auto shop insurance?

Most New Hampshire businesses working on vehicles should have some form of car repair coverage. Since coverages are customizable, these policies can be helpful to a variety of businesses. For example, any of the following might want a policy:

  • Dealership service departments
  • Independent garages and mechanics
  • Transmission service specialists
  • Auto paint and body specialists
  • Glass replacement and repair specialists
  • Heavy-duty repair shops
  • Motorcycle repair shops
  • Quick oil change locations

What insurance coverages are available for auto repair shops? 

Auto repair shop insurance policies are typically customizable and can include a combination of liability and property coverages designed to protect both your operations and assets.

Common liability coverages may include:

  • General Liability: Normally covers third-party (e.g., customer) injuries caused by common accidents occurring on a repair shop’s premises. 

  • Mechanics Professional Liability (Errors & Omissions): Can protect against 
    claims that a customer might allege are due to negligent repair work or a professional mistake.

  • Garage Keepers Legal Liability: Often includes coverage for damage to a customer's vehicles while in your care, custody, and control- including test drives.

  • Pollution Liability: Helps cover cleanup costs, remediation, and legal expenses related to hazardous materials in a covered claim.

  • Cyber Liability:  Assists with costs associated with data breaches, cyberattacks, and ransomware incidents.

  • Employer’s Liability (Workers Compensation): Takes care of your most valuable asset, your employees, in the event they are injured on the job. Can cover their medical expenses and lost wages.
  • Commercial Umbrella:  Designed for large lawsuits that surpass the limits of other liability coverage.
  • Hired and Non-Owned Auto Liability: Provides excess liability coverage when employees use personal or rented vehicles for business purposes, such as running errands or picking up parts.

Common Property Coverages Available:

  • Commercial Property Coverage: Helps cover your building, parts inventory, equipment, and other business property (excluding vehicles) against covered causes of loss.

  • Mechanic Tools and Equipment: Coverage for scheduled tools used in business.

  • Commercial Auto: A policy that can cover a repair shop's loaner vehicles, tow trucks, or other business-owned cars or trucks (and usually provides liability protection).

  • Equipment Breakdown: May help cover repair or replacement costs when essential equipment breaks down unexpectedly.
  • Business Income Coverage: Helps replace lost income if your repair shop must temporarily close due to a covered loss, allowing you to continue meeting financial obligations while repairs are made.

There are still more coverages that could be advisable. An insurance agent specializing in auto repair shop policies can help evaluate these and other protections.

Does auto body shop insurance cover customers’ vehicles?

Almost all auto body shop insurance policies include garage keepers' legal liability, which generally helps protect customers’ vehicles against damage while in your shop's care. Coverage may apply when vehicles are at your shop and when driven for testing purposes.

Do auto body shop policies cover items in customers’ vehicles?

Most auto body shop policies won’t cover items that are in customers’ vehicles. It’s common for shops to post disclaimers that they aren’t responsible for items left in vehicles.

How much do auto repair shop policies cost?

The cost of auto repair shop insurance can vary widely based on several factors. A shop’s location, the services offered, the equipment used, and the type and size of vehicles repaired all play a role in determining insurance premiums. Coverage needs and pricing are unique to each business, which is why there’s no one‑size‑fits‑all coverage or cost.

To get an accurate price, auto repair shops can work with an independent insurance agency—such as HPM Insurance—to compare customized quotes from multiple insurance carriers and find coverage that fits their risks and budget.

Where can New Hampshire mechanics get auto repair shop insurance?

New Hampshire mechanics can work with the independent insurance agents at HPM Insurance to secure coverage tailored to their specific operations. By comparing policies from multiple carriers, HPM Insurance helps repair shops find coverage that fits their risks, compliance needs, and budget—now and as the business grows. 🚘