Customer vehicles create a specialized automobile exposure
Repair garages, body shops, detailers, tire shops and other automotive operations may own vehicles, drive customer vehicles, hold them overnight and perform work that affects road safety. A standard commercial general liability policy is not designed to replace the specialized garage automobile coverage used for these exposures.
FSRA publishes the Ontario Garage Automobile Policy, OAP 4. The form, endorsements and application need to be matched to the operation, drivers and vehicles. Coverage is not created merely because a vehicle is on the premises.
Map every vehicle activity
Tell the advisor whether the business:
- Repairs, paints, details, stores, tows, parks or sells vehicles
- Performs road tests, pickup and delivery, loaner or shuttle service
- Works on high-value, modified, heavy, classic or electric vehicles
- Keeps customer vehicles outside or overnight
- Owns, leases, rents or borrows vehicles
- Allows employees, contractors or customers to drive covered automobiles
Provide driver information, plate and vehicle schedules, annual receipts, maximum customer vehicles at one time and their highest individual and total values. Security, key control, fencing, lighting and after-hours procedures can affect underwriting.
Add the property and operational policies
The garage auto form does not replace coverage for buildings, tools, lifts, compressors, diagnostic equipment, parts and office contents. Review commercial property, equipment breakdown, crime, cyber and business interruption alongside automobile coverage.
Paint, solvents, oils, batteries, fuel and waste can create pollution and fire exposure. Document storage, ventilation, hot-work procedures, waste contractors, spill response and fire protection. Consider whether environmental liability is needed.
Repair documentation is part of risk control
Ontario’s auto repair guidance explains requirements for estimates, customer authorization, invoices, warranties and signage under consumer-protection rules. Maintain work orders, inspection results, parts details, authorizations and road-test records. Obtain current legal or regulatory advice for the business’s obligations.
Present one consistent operating picture
Contact Westoak with the OAP 4 application information, driver list, premises details and values. We can help coordinate available garage automobile, general liability, property and pollution terms so the same activities are disclosed across the program.