I was moving a customer’s Porsche Macan from the wash bay to the drying area. My wet foot slipped off the brake and hit the gas. I lurched forward and smashed into the shop wall. Front bumper destroyed. Wall damaged. Panic.
Key Takeaways
- Garage Keepers Collision: This is the specific line item that pays for damage to the customer’s car while you are driving it. Without this, you have zero coverage for the Porsche.
- General Liability for the Wall: Your GL policy pays for the damage to the building (if you rent it) or the wall (if you own it/third party).
- Personal Auto Exclusion: Your personal car insurance will not cover this. You were driving a vehicle “available for your regular use” in a business context.
- “Valet” Endorsement: If you pick up and deliver cars (drive them on public roads), you need “Garage Liability” with “Hired/Non-Owned Auto” coverage. Garage Keepers usually only covers on-premises moving.
The “Why” (The Trap): Driving Risks
Standard business insurance covers you standing and working.
Once you get behind the wheel, you enter the world of Auto Insurance.
Since it’s not your car, your policy needs “Garage Keepers – Collision.”
Many detailers skip “Collision” to save money, keeping only “Comprehensive” (Theft/Fire). If you skip Collision, you are self-insuring every time you move a car.
The Investigation: “I Called Them”
I compared moving car accidents.
1. Garage Keepers (Comp Only)
- Scenario: Hit a wall.
- Result: Denied. Hitting a wall is a “Collision,” not a “Comprehensive” loss.
2. Garage Keepers (Collision Included)
- Scenario: Hit a wall.
- Result: Covered. Paid for the Porsche repair minus deductible.
3. Customer’s Insurance
- Scenario: Customer claims it on their policy.
- Result: Their insurer pays, then sues you (Subrogation) for the full amount plus legal fees. It destroys your relationship with the client.
Comparison Table: Moving Vehicle Accidents
| Damage Type | Policy Needed |
| Damage to Customer Car | Garage Keepers Collision |
| Damage to Shop Wall | General Liability (Property Damage) |
| Injury to Detailer | Workers Comp (if employee) |
| Injury to Bystander | Garage Liability (Auto) |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Do Not Move the Car: Take photos of the impact immediately.
- Check “Collision” on Dec Page: Look at your policy right now. Does it say “Garage Keepers – Collision”? If not, stop driving customer cars.
- Offer a Rental: While insurance sorts it out, offer to pay for a rental car for the client. It buys goodwill.
- Incident Report: Document the “wet shoe” slippage. It proves it was accidental negligence, not recklessness.
FAQ
Q: Does “Valet Mode” on the car help?
A: Yes, putting the car in Valet Mode often limits speed and torque. Always use it.
Q: What if I crash on the highway delivering the car?
A: You need “Garage Liability” with “Non-Owned Auto” coverage. On-lot coverage usually stops at the sidewalk.
[IMAGE: Diagram showing the difference between “On-Lot Coverage” (Garage Keepers) and “Road Coverage” (Garage Liability).]