Buy Motorcycle Dealers Insurance

Motorcycle Dealers Insurance Policy Information

Motorcycle Dealers Insurance. There's nothing more thrilling than getting on the back of a bike, hearing he hum of a powerful motor, and taking in the scenery that surrounds you while feeling the fresh air against you.

Riding a motorcycle is certainly exciting, and in order to share that excitement with others who also enjoy riding, you've decided to open up your own dealership.

Motorcycle dealers sell new and/or used motorcycles, motorbikes, and scooters and generally provide financing and insurance for customers. Most sell parts and accessories, provide repairs and body work, and offer rental and leasing. Some provide towing services.

Some motorcycle dealers also sell and service all-terrain vehicles, personal watercraft, recreational vehicles, or snowmobiles.

Most dealerships purchase new motorcycles directly from manufacturers, financing the purchase through arrangements with either the manufacturer or a bank. Used motorcycles are generally trade-ins from customers purchasing newer vehicles, or from auctions.

While a selection of motorcycles may be displayed in a showroom, most are stored in open lots outside the building.

From selecting the location to ordering and stocking inventory, and from hiring a staff to marketing your new business, there's a lot that goes into starting up and running a motorcycle dealership. In all of the excitement and planning, however, there's one important element that you don't want to forget: insurance.

Insurance is what protects you, your dealership, your employees, and your clients from any issues that may be associated with your motorcycle dealership.

But what kind of motorcycle dealers insurance coverage do you need to carry? Read on to find out the answer to this question and more.

Motorcycle dealers insurance protects your dealership 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 motorcycle dealership insurance questions:

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

Why Do Motorcycle Dealers Need Insurance?

Whether you have a; BMW, Beta, Ducati, Gas Gas, Harley Davidson, Honda, Husqvarna, Kawasaki, Royal Enfield, SYM Motors, Suzuki, Triumph, Vespa, Yamaha or other brand motorcycle dealership - you are exposed to a lot of risks.

Some of those risks are similar to the risks that all business owners face, while some are unique to your particular dealer operations.

Examples of some of the things that you may be at risk for include property damage, personal injury or property damage claims, employee injuries, business interruptions, and more.

In the event that anything does go wrong, as the owner and operator of a motorcycle dealership, you will be responsible for paying any related expenses; expenses that can be quite exorbitant.

If you have the right motorcycle dealers insurance coverage, instead of having to pay for the costs that you are liable for in the event that something does go wrong, your insurer will cover the expenses for you.

In other words, being properly insured is the best way to protect yourself from serious financial losses. Plus, being insured is required in order to legally operate a motorcycle dealership.

Motorcycle Dealerships' Risks & Exposures

Auto dealers liability exposure is high due to the public access to the premises. To prevent slips and falls, floor coverings inside the showroom should be in good condition with no frayed or worn spots on carpet and no cracks or holes in flooring. Steps and uneven floor surfaces should be prominently marked.

Sufficient exits must be provided and be well marked, with backup lighting systems in case of power failure. Waiting areas should be provided for customers whose motorcycles are being repaired. Customers should not be permitted access to the service area.

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 should be adequate lighting and appropriate security for the area.

There should be a disaster plan in place for unexpected emergencies. Motorcycles in open lots can pose an attractive nuisance. Chains and fences should be in place to prevent entrance to the dealership after hours.

Personal injury exposures include allegations of discrimination, false arrest or detention, unauthorized or intrusive searches, or wrongful ejection from the premises.

Repair operations and sales of used vehicles are the major products/completed operations exposures. Compliance with all manufacturers' instructions is critical. There should be a check-off procedure in place prior to the sale or release of vehicles to the customer to prevent its return with any vital functions not working properly.

Environmental impairment exposures can be significant due to the storage of fuel in underground fuel tanks and the disposal of used oils, solvents and other hazardous wastes from service and repair operations.

All tanks and pipes, underground or above, should meet state or federal regulations and be routinely tested for leakage. Spillage and leaking of pollutants into the air, ground, or water can result in high cleanup costs and fines.

Spill procedures must be in place to prevent the accidental discharge of sludge from water reclamation systems used in washing vehicles. Contracts should be in place to dispose of all environmentally dangerous chemicals. If there are underground storage tanks, a UST policy will be needed.

Workers compensation exposure is moderate from repair and maintenance operations. Employees performing maintenance or repair work on customers' vehicles should be properly trained. Employees can incur injuries from slips, falls, back sprains, strains and hernias, hearing impairment from noise, and foreign objects in the eye.

Welders may suffer burns. Repair areas should be properly ventilated. Proper safety equipment is required. Hoists need to be inspected regularly in order to prevent vehicles from falling off. The proper use of lifting techniques and of dollies should be encouraged.

Refueling should be done only in well-ventilated areas to minimize inhaling of fumes. Information regarding chemicals should be available to employees along with early warning signs of problems. Test drives, pickup, and delivery motorcycles can result in injury due to vehicular accidents.

Property exposure is high due to flammable fuels, paints, lubricants, oils, degreasers, and solvents used in the repair operations. These must be properly labeled, separated, and stored away from combustibles. Spray painting should be done in spray booths with good ventilation, UL-approved wiring and fixtures, and adequate controls.

Welding is often a part of the repair and body work operation that needs to be evaluated for proper handling of the tanks and gases. It should be done away from the other operations with either a separate room or flash/welding curtains.

Smoking should be prohibited. Poor housekeeping is a serious fire hazard. Unless stored and disposed of properly, oily rags can spontaneously combust and cause a fire. Work areas must be cleaned regularly and trash removed from the building.

Motorcycles and their parts are target items for thieves. Appropriate security controls must be taken including physical barriers such as chains, fences, or gates, lighting to deter access to the premises after hours, and an alarm system that reports directly to a central station or the police department.

Business income and extra expense exposures are high as replacement facilities may not be readily available.

Inland marine exposures are from accounts receivable if the dealership offers credit, computers used to monitor inventory and provide diagnostics, floor plan coverage for vehicles furnished by manufacturers and held for sale, goods in transit, signs, and valuable papers and records for manufacturers', vendors', and customers' information.

Backup copies of all records, including computer records, should be made and stored off premises. Motorcycles stored in open lots are particularly susceptible to damage by hail, wind, flood, vandalism, and theft. Lots should be well lighted with chains, fences or gates to prevent access and transport.

The more expensive models should be moved inside to the showroom. An alarm system that reports directly to a central station or the police department should be used. Security guards may be appropriate in some areas.

Crime exposures are from employee dishonesty, forgery or alteration, theft of money and securities, computer fraud, money orders, and counterfeit paper currency. Background checks, including criminal history, should be performed on all employees handling money.

Dealers' operations involve a number of transactions and accounts that can be manipulated. There must be a separation of duties between persons handling deposits, billing, ordering, disbursements, and reconciling bank statements.

Physical audits should be conducted at least annually. Theft of money and securities prevention requires controls of monies kept in the cash drawers and regular bank drops.

Commercial auto exposure is high if employees are provided with demonstrator model and the test driving of the motorcycles. All employee drivers should have valid licenses with their MVRs regularly checked. All motorcycles must be regularly maintained with records retained.

There should be written procedures for personal and permissive use of motorcycles furnished to employees. For test drives, there must be set procedures, such as salespersons accompanying the customers. In order to prevent the conversion of the vehicles, driver's licenses and other forms of identification should be verified in advance of the customer removing the vehicle from the premises.

If the dealership rents motorcycles, they should keep a copy of the renters' driver's license and proof of insurance. The rental contract should identify all drivers and state that unlisted, unlicensed, or minor drivers are not permitted to operate the motorcycle.

It should also include a hold-harmless agreement in which renters agree to assume responsibility for the operation of the motorcycle to limit the business's exposure to vicarious liability only. If a collision damage waiver is offered, the customer's signature is needed to document whether this was purchased or declined.

The customer should also be required to sign a pre-inspection form to minimize disputes when the motorcycle is returned with damages.

Garagekeepers exposure is from damage that can occur to customers' motorcycles left with the dealership for servicing or repairs. Keys to customers' motorcycles should be kept in a locked box to prevent unauthorized access. Proper identification should be required to prevent handing a customer's motorcycle to the wrong owner.

What Does Motorcycle Dealers Insurance Cover & Pay For?

Motorcycle dealers may be sued for a variety of reasons, such as:

Product Liability: If a motorcycle sold by a dealer has a manufacturing defect or design flaw that causes an accident or injury, the dealer could be held liable. Motorcycle dealers can purchase product liability insurance to protect against lawsuits related to defective or dangerous products. If a dealer is sued for a product liability claim, their insurance policy may cover the costs of defending against the lawsuit and paying any damages awarded.

Negligence: If a dealer fails to properly inspect, maintain, or repair a motorcycle, and as a result, the motorcycle malfunctions and causes an accident, the dealer could be sued for negligence. Motorcycle dealers can purchase general liability insurance to protect against lawsuits related to negligence. If a dealer is sued for negligence, their insurance policy may cover the costs of defending against the lawsuit and paying any damages awarded.

Misrepresentation: If a dealer provides false or misleading information about a motorcycle, such as its condition or history, and the buyer suffers harm as a result, the dealer could be sued for misrepresentation. Motorcycle dealers can purchase errors and omissions insurance to protect against lawsuits related to misrepresentation or other types of professional negligence. If a dealer is sued for misrepresentation, their insurance policy may cover the costs of defending against the lawsuit and paying any damages awarded.

Breach of Warranty: If a dealer fails to honor a warranty or fails to disclose limitations or exclusions of a warranty, the dealer could be sued for breach of warranty. Motorcycle dealers can purchase warranty liability insurance to protect against lawsuits related to breach of warranty. If a dealer is sued for breach of warranty, their insurance policy may cover the costs of defending against the lawsuit and paying any damages awarded.

Overall, insurance can be a valuable tool for motorcycle dealers to protect themselves against the financial costs of lawsuits, and to ensure that they can continue to operate their businesses without fear of being bankrupted by legal fees or damages.

Commercial Insurance And Business Industry Classification

• SIC CODE: 5571 Motorcycle Dealers
• NAICS CODE: 441228 Motorcycle, ATV, and All Other Motor Vehicle Dealers
• Suggested ISO General Liability Code(s):
• Suggested Workers Compensation Code(s): 8380 Automobile - Service or Repair Center & Drivers, 8748 Automobile - Salespersons

Description for 5571: Motorcycle Dealers

Division G: Retail Trade | Major Group 55: Automotive Dealers And Gasoline Service Stations | Industry Group 557: Motorcycle Dealers

5571 Motorcycle Dealers: Establishments primarily engaged in the retail sale of new and used motorcycles, including motor scooters and mopeds, and all-terrain vehicles.

• All-terrain vehicles-retail
• Bicycles, motorized-retail
• Mopeds-retail
• Motor scooters-retail
• Motorcycle dealers-retail
• Motorcycle parts-retail

Motorcycle Dealers Insurance - The Bottom Line

To learn more about the exact types of motorcycle dealers insurance policies you'll need, how much coverage your dealership needs - speak with an experienced insurance broker who understands the unique risks of motorcycle dealers.

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.