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Snowmobile Dealers Insurance Policy Information

Snowmobile Dealers Insurance. Snowmobiles can be used for an exhilarating hobby, a competitive sport, or they can be used professionally to provide emergency services or to perform certain tasks, such as tending to parklands or farmlands in the winter.

Whether they're used recreationally or professionally, snowmobilers a dealership where they can purchase the gear and equipment they need.

As the owner and operator of a snowmobile dealership, you are delighted to provide your clients with the products and assistance that they need. However, while your business may be fun and exciting, there can also be a lot of risks associated with operating a snowmobile dealership.

Snowmobile dealers sell new and/or used snowmobiles and generally provide financing and insurance for purchasers. Most sell parts and accessories, and provide repair and body work for snowmobiles and other recreational vehicles, and offer renting and leasing.

Some snowmobile dealers also sell and service other types of motorized recreational vehicles, such as all-terrain vehicles. Most dealerships purchase new snowmobiles directly from manufacturers, financing the purchase through arrangements with either the manufacturer or a bank.

Used snowmobiles are generally trade-ins from customers purchasing newer models, or from auctions. While a selection of snowmobiles may be displayed in a showroom, most are stored in open lots outside the building.

In order to protect yourself from unexpected - and costly - risks, investing in the right type of snowmobile dealership insurance coverage is an absolute must. In this guide, you'll find out more about the importance of snowmobile dealers insurance as well as what type of policies you'll need to carry.

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

Why Do Snowmobile Dealers Need Insurance?

Just like other business owners, as a snowmobile dealership, you are exposed to a lot of risks. Some of those risks are similar to the risks that business owners in all types of industries face, while some are unique to your particular industry. Also just like any other business owner, you are liable for any incidents that may arise.

If a third-party were to suffer an injury on your property, a client were to claim that you damaged their snowmobile, there was a data breach in your computer system, or your dealership and inventory were damaged in a fire, you'd be responsible for all of the related expenses.

Those are just of examples of the things that could go wrong, and the costs that are associated with any issue that you are liable for can be exorbitant.

If you are properly insured, instead of having to pay unexpected and hefty expenses out of your own pocket, your insurer would cover them those expenses for you. In other words, by having the right type of snowmobile dealers insurance coverage in place, you can avoid substantial financial losses.

Not to mention the fact that dealers of all types of motorsport equipment - including snowmobiles - are legally required to carry certain types of insurance.

Snowmobile 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 snowmobiles 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. Snowmobiles in open lots can pose an attractive nuisance. Chains and fences should be in place to prevent entrance to the dealership after hours.

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 regularly inspected to prevent vehicles from falling off. The proper use of lifting techniques 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 of customers or vehicles can result in injury due to vehicular accidents or running on rough terrain.

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 the return of the vehicle with any vital functions not working properly.

Commercial auto exposure is high due if employees are allowed to drive demonstrator models or if customers are permitted to test drive snowmobiles off the premises. All employee drivers should have valid licenses with their MVRs regularly checked.

All vehicles must be regularly maintained with records retained. There should be written procedures for personal and permissive use of vehicles 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 snowmobiles or other recreational vehicles, they should keep a copy of the renter's 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 vehicle.

It should also include a hold-harmless agreement in which renters agree to assume responsibility for the operation of the snowmobile 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 snowmobile is returned with damages.

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

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 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. Snowmobiles 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, 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 customers', vendors', and manufacturers' information.

Backup copies of all records, including computer records, should be made and stored off premises. Vehicles 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.

Most models should be kept inside. 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.

What Does Snowmobile Dealers Insurance Cover & Pay For?

Snowmobile dealers can be sued for various reasons, such as:

Accidents: If a customer or a third party is injured in an accident involving a snowmobile purchased from a dealer, the dealer may be held liable for damages. For example, if a customer crashes the snowmobile and sustains injuries, they may sue the dealer for negligence in selling them a faulty or defective snowmobile.
Insurance protection: A snowmobile dealer can protect themselves from liability claims by purchasing a General Liability Insurance policy. This policy covers bodily injury and property damage claims arising out of the dealer's business operations. The insurance company will cover the costs of defending the lawsuit, including legal fees and court costs, as well as any damages awarded to the plaintiff, up to the policy limits.

Breach of contract: If a snowmobile dealer fails to fulfill their obligations under a sales contract, the buyer may sue for breach of contract. For example, if a dealer fails to deliver a snowmobile as promised, the buyer may seek damages for the dealer's failure to fulfill the contract.
Insurance protection: A snowmobile dealer can purchase a Business Owners Policy (BOP) that includes a Commercial General Liability insurance policy. This policy covers claims arising out of contractual obligations, such as breach of contract. The insurance company will pay for legal costs and any damages awarded to the plaintiff, up to the policy limits.

Fraudulent Misrepresentation: A customer may sue a snowmobile dealer if the dealer misrepresented the snowmobile's condition, mileage, or other important details during the sales process.
Insurance protection: A snowmobile dealer can purchase an Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance policy that covers claims arising out of professional negligence, such as fraudulent misrepresentation. This policy will cover legal defense costs and any damages awarded to the plaintiff, up to the policy limits.

Product Liability: A customer or a third party may sue a snowmobile dealer for injuries or damages caused by a defect in the snowmobile or a part sold by the dealer.
Insurance protection: A snowmobile dealer can purchase a Product Liability Insurance policy that covers claims arising out of defective products sold by the dealer. This policy will cover legal defense costs and any damages awarded to the plaintiff, up to the policy limits.

In conclusion, snowmobile dealers face various risks and potential lawsuits. By purchasing the appropriate insurance policies, snowmobile dealers can protect themselves from the financial burden of legal defense costs and damages awarded to plaintiffs. It is important for snowmobile dealers to work with an experienced insurance agent to determine the appropriate coverage for their specific needs.

Commercial Insurance And Business Industry Classification

• SIC CODE: 5599 Automotive Dealers, Not Elsewhere Classified
• NAICS CODE: 441228 Motorcycle, ATV, and All Other Motor Vehicle Dealers
• Suggested ISO General Liability Code(s):
• Suggested Workers Compensation Code(s): 8748 Automobile - Salespersons, 8380 Automobile - Service or Repair Center & Drivers

Description for 5599: Automotive Dealers, Not Elsewhere Classified

Division G: Retail Trade | Major Group 55: Automotive Dealers And Gasoline Service Stations | Industry Group 559: Automotive Dealers, Not Elsewhere Classified

5599: Automotive Dealers, Not Elsewhere Classified: Establishments primarily engaged in the retail sale of new and used automotive vehicles, utility trailers, and automotive equipment and supplies, not elsewhere classified, such as snowmobiles, dunebuggies, and gocarts. Also included in this industry are establishments primarily engaged in the retail sale of aircraft.

• Aircraft dealers-retail
• Dunebuggies-retail
• Gocarts-retail
• Snowmobiles-retail
• Trailers, utility-retail
• Utility trailers-retail

Snowmobile Dealers Insurance - The Bottom Line

To learn more about what kinds snowmobile dealers insurance policies you'll need, what limits your dealership needs - speak with an experienced insurance broker who understands snowmobile 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.