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Auto Dismantlers Insurance Policy Information

Auto Dismantlers Insurance. Auto dismantling is one of the fastest growing industries in the United States, as it generates an impressive $5 billion each year. It's estimated that the scrap metals that are produced by auto dismantling yards supply around 80% of the metals that are used in the construction of new vehicles.

Add to that all of the parts from wrecked, junk, or discarded vehicles that are sold, refurbished, and recycled and it's no wonder why the auto dismantling industry is booming.

Automobile and truck dismantlers salvage fluids, tires and other parts from unusable vehicles, such as those that have been abandoned, involved in accidents, or simply worn out ("end of life" vehicles). These recycled fluids, tires and other parts are sold directly to consumers, retailers or wholesalers.

Some dismantlers permit customers to remove the parts from vehicles. Some have metal crushing devices to compact the vehicle after usable parts have been removed to sell any remaining metal as scrap. The dismantler must obtain and record the proper titles and transfers of the vehicles being dismantled to assure that all legalities are met and no fraud or theft is involved.

Dismantlers often pick up and tow the vehicle to be dismantled. They may also offer towing services to other repair operations, auto clubs, or government entities.

If you're thinking about taking advantage of the opportunity that this industry presents, you need to make sure that you are properly prepared, and there's a component of your preparations that you don't want to overlook: auto dismantlers insurance.

Auto dismantlers insurance protects your salvage and dismantling business from lawsuits with rates as low as $67/mo. Get a fast quote and your certificate of insurance now.

Below are some answers to commonly asked auto dismantling insurance questions:

• What Is Auto Dismantlers Insurance?
• How Much Does Auto Dismantlers Insurance Cost?
• Why Do Auto Dismantlers Need Insurance?
• What Type Of Insurance Do Auto Dismantlers Need??
• What Does Auto Dismantlers Insurance Cover & Pay For?

Why Do Auto Dismantlers Need Insurance?

Just like a business in any other field, as the owner and operator of an auto dismantling operation, you face a number of risks. Some of those risks are similar to what other businesses face; for example, a third-party or an employee could sustain an injury at your salvage yard, the office you run your operations out of could be damaged in a storm, or your yard could be vandalized or robbed, for example. Auto dismantlers also face certain risks that are unique to their industry. For instance, a client could claim that you cheated them out of money, or the vehicles that you dismantle could leak fluids and impact the drinking water supply.

As the owner and operator of your business, you are liable for all risks, whatever they may be. That means that you could end up having to pay out a lot of money in repairs, medical expenses, environmental cleanup fees, and legal fees. Needless to say those types of expenses can be astronomical. Imagine if you had to pay for them out of your own pocket?

Chances are that you would end up in a serious financial crisis and you could possibly even lose your business.

That's why having the right type of auto dismantlers insurance coverage is so important. If you're properly insured, if any issues do arise, instead of paying the related expenses yourself, your carrier will cover them for you. In other words, insurance can help you avoid crippling losses.

Add to that the fact that auto dismantling operations are legally required to carry certain types of insurance. If you aren't insured, you could end up in serious legal trouble and possibly even lose your business.

Auto Dismantlers' Risks & Exposures

Automobile exposures can be high if the dismantler transports hazardous waste to recycling or waste disposal facilities as the transporting vehicle may be bulky. All employee drivers should have appropriate driver's licenses and their MVRs regularly checked. All vehicles must be regularly maintained with records kept.

Towing of vehicles not meant for dismantling can result in damage to those vehicles. Tow truck drivers must be well trained in the proper way to secure the vehicles and must be able to use the most appropriate method of transport. Towing vehicles must be regularly checked, particularly the hoists and tow bars.

Garagekeepers exposure comes from damage that can occur to customers' vehicles being towed for purposes other than dismantling.

Premises liability exposures is high due to the number of visitors to the premises. Customers who remove parts from autos may be injured by cuts, burns, equipment, or falling objects. They may trip or fall over other vehicles or parts, particularly during inclement weather. Smoke, dust, odors, or noise present a nuisance exposure for adjacent properties.

Accumulation of water in tires stored outside can provide breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Parking lots and sidewalks need to be in good repair with snow and ice removed, and generally level and free of exposure to slips and falls. If the premises is open after dark, there must be adequate lighting and appropriate security for the area.

Salvage yards present an attractive nuisance hazard. Fences and chains should be in place to prevent entrance after hours.

Products liability exposure is generally low as the vehicles being salvaged are no longer usable. If the dismantler repairs or installs used parts for customers, the exposure increases to that of a manufacturer.

Environmental impairment exposure is very high due to the presence of gasoline, mercury, lead, fuel oil, battery acid, solvents, and other hazardous wastes. The crushed vehicles can leak fluids which must be caught and not allowed to soak into the soil or pollute water sources. Storage tanks must be leak-proof and regularly maintained.

Spillage and leaking of pollutants into the air, ground, or water can result in high cleanup costs and fines. Adequate spill procedures should be in place and must be followed to prevent any leakage or contamination. Contracts should be in place to dispose of all environmentally dangerous chemicals.

If the dismantler hauls fluids or other contaminants to recycling or waste treatment facilities, a collision or overturn can result in pollution to air, soil, or water.

Workers compensation exposures can be very high. Trips and falls over salvaged vehicles or vehicle parts are common. Lifting of a vehicle by hoists, jacks, and other mechanical means can result in injury should the equipment malfunction. Hoists must be well maintained and procedures in place to prevent vehicles from falling. Safety measures must be in place while the crusher is in operation to prevent an employee from falling or being pulled into the machine.

Lifting by nonmechanical means can result in back injuries, hernias, sprains and strains. Leakage of battery acids, burning of waste materials, and welding operations can result in burns. Cuts are common from cutting vehicles apart. Foreign objects in the eye and hearing impairment from noise can result from dismantling operations.

Handling of toxic materials can result in respiratory injuries, eye injuries, or contact dermatitis. Employees should be provided with safety equipment, trained on proper handling techniques, and have conveying devices available to assist with heavy lifting.

Property exposures are high due to flammables such as lubricants, oils, degreasers and solvents used to clean parts, fluids remaining in the vehicles to be salvaged, and from welding operations. Proper drainage of all fluids from the vehicle prior to crushing is important to prevent explosions. Each type of fluid must be stored in explosion-proof containers.

Gasoline drained from the vehicles being dismantled is often kept on premises to service and refuel owned vehicles. Flammables, including tanks and gases used for welding, must be properly labeled, stored and separated. Furnaces used to dispose of waste materials may overheat.

Electrical wiring must meet current codes and be adequate for the occupancy. Ongoing maintenance of equipment is critical as even a small fire can result in substantial damage. There should be automatic shutoffs to prevent furnaces from overheating. Smoking should be prohibited.

Tires removed from vehicles to be dismantled do not catch on fire quickly; however, when they do burn, the fire is difficult to put out and an oily smoke permeates the entire area.

Equipment breakdown exposure is high as the business is dependent on its machinery for conducting operations. Replacement parts may be difficult to obtain on a timely basis.

Inland marine exposures are from accounts receivable if the dismantler offers credit, computers to monitor inventory, contractors' equipment for machinery used to crush and dismantle the vehicles, goods in transit if parts are delivered to customers, and valuable papers and records for salvaged vehicle titles and other information. Backup copies of all records, including computer records, should be made and stored off premises.

Crime exposures come from employee dishonesty and theft of money and securities. Background checks should be conducted on all employees. All ordering, billing, and disbursements must be handled as separate duties. Regular audits should be conducted.

Receipts should be provided for any cash transaction. Money should be regularly stripped from the cash drawers and placed in a safe away from the front door. Irregular drops should be made to the bank to prevent a substantial accumulation of cash on the premises.

What Does Auto Dismantlers Insurance Cover & Pay For?

Auto dismantlers may be sued for a variety of reasons, including:

Injury to employees: Auto dismantling can be a hazardous occupation, and workers can be injured on the job. If an employee is injured on the job, they may sue the auto dismantler for compensation. Insurance can help pay for the cost of the lawsuit and any damages awarded to the injured employee.

Environmental damage: Auto dismantlers are required to follow strict environmental regulations, and failure to do so can result in fines and lawsuits. For example, if an auto dismantler is found to be improperly disposing of hazardous materials, they may be sued for environmental damage. Insurance can help pay for the cost of the lawsuit and any fines or damages awarded.

Product liability: If an auto dismantler sells a faulty or defective part that causes injury or damage to a customer's vehicle, they may be sued for product liability. Insurance can help pay for the cost of the lawsuit and any damages awarded to the injured party.

Property damage: If an auto dismantler's operations cause damage to neighboring properties, such as through noise or pollution, they may be sued for property damage. Insurance can help pay for the cost of the lawsuit and any damages awarded to the affected property owners.

In each of these cases, auto dismantlers can protect themselves with insurance. Workers' compensation insurance can cover the cost of injuries to employees, while commercial general liability insurance can protect against property damage and personal injury lawsuits. Environmental liability insurance can help cover the costs of environmental damage claims, and product liability insurance can help cover claims related to faulty or defective parts.

In general, having the appropriate insurance coverage can help auto dismantlers mitigate the financial risks associated with lawsuits and other legal claims.

Commercial Insurance And Business Industry Classification

• SIC CODE: 5093 Scrap and Waste Materials
• NAICS CODE: 423140 Motor Vehicle Parts (Used) Merchant Wholesalers
• Suggested Workers Compensation Code(s): 3821 Automobile - Recycling & Drivers

Description For SIC Code 5093: Scrap and Waste Materials

Division F: Wholesale Trade | Major Group 50: Wholesale Trade-durable Goods | Industry Group 509: Miscellaneous Durable Goods

5093 Scrap and Waste Materials: Establishments primarily engaged in assembling, breaking up, sorting, and wholesale distribution of scrap and waste materials. This industry includes auto wreckers engaged in dismantling automobiles for scrap. However, those engaged in dismantling cars for the purpose of selling secondhand parts are classified in Industry 5015.

• Automotive wrecking for scrap-wholesale Bag
• Bottles, waste-wholesale
• Boxes, waste-wholesale
• Fur cuttings and scraps-wholesale
• Iron and steel scrap-wholesale
• Junk and scrap, general line-wholesale
• Metal waste and scrap-wholesale
• Nonferrous metals scrap-wholesale
• Oil, waste-wholesale
• Plastics scrap-wholesale
• Rags-wholesale
• Rubber scrap-wholesale
• Scavengering-wholesale
• Scrap and waste materials-wholesale
• Textile waste-wholesale
• Wastepaper, including paper recycling-wholesale
• Wiping rags, including washing and reconditioning-wholesale

Auto Dismantlers Insurance - The Bottom Line

For more information on auto dismantlers insurance, speak with an experienced agent who specializes in commercial insurance and understands the many unique exposures and risks that auto dismantlers face.

Additional Resources For Auto Service & Repair Insurance

Read useful small business auto service and repair insurance policy information. In an aotu related business, you need to have the right type of commercial insurance coverage so that your garage, employees, and customers vehices & other property is protected.

• Auto Dealers
• Auto Detailing & Mobile Car Wash
• Auto Dismantlers
• Auto Garage
• Auto Glass Repair Shops
• Auto Paint Shops
• Auto Service Repair
• Auto Supply Parts Store
• Car Rental
• Car Wash
• Gas Station
• Motorcycle Dealers
• Parking Lot
• RV Dealers
• Snowmobile Dealers
• Truck Rental
• Used Car Dealer

The auto service and repair industry is an essential part of the transportation sector, responsible for maintaining and repairing vehicles to keep them running smoothly and safely. However, this industry also comes with inherent risks and liabilities, which is why commercial insurance is necessary to protect both the business and its employees.

First and foremost, the auto service and repair industry deals with hazardous materials and equipment on a daily basis. There is a risk of accidents and injuries occurring in the workshop, and insurance can provide financial protection in the event of a workplace accident or injury.

Additionally, the auto service and repair industry is subject to the risk of property damage. There is a potential for damage to vehicles in the workshop, as well as damage to the business' own property, such as tools and equipment. Business insurance can cover the costs of repair or replacement in the event of such damage.

Furthermore, the auto service and repair industry is vulnerable to liability claims from customers. If a customer's vehicle is not repaired properly, it can result in further damage or accidents on the road, leading to liability claims against the business. Insurance can provide coverage for these types of claims, protecting the business from financial loss.

In conclusion, the auto service and repair industry needs commercial insurance to protect against the risks and liabilities inherent in this line of work. Without insurance, businesses in this industry would be vulnerable to financial loss and legal action, which could ultimately lead to their failure.

Minimum recommended small business insurance coverage: Building, Business Personal Property, Business Income, Equipment Breakdown, Employee Dishonesty, Money and Securities, Accounts Receivable, Computers, Signs, Valuable Papers and Records, General Liability, Employee Benefits, Environmental Impairment, Underground Storage Tank Liability, Umbrella, Hired and Non-owned Auto & Workers Compensation.

Other commercial insurance policies to consider: Earthquake, Flood, Computer Fraud, Forgery, Goods in Transit, Cyber Liability, Employment-related Practices, Business Automobile Liability and Physical Damage, Garagekeepers and Stop Gap Liability.