Auto body and paint shops require specialty insurance products, and Colonial General Insurance Agency, Inc. offers a targeted program designed for agents who place this business. Our underwriting team works with admitted and non-admitted markets to provide flexible solutions and competitive terms for shops that handle repair, refinishing, storage and towing exposures.
Overview of the Program from Colonial General
This program is available through Colonial General as a Managing General Agency and Excess & Surplus Lines broker. We place Commercial Garage and Property coverage for auto body and paint shops across select Western states. Carriers vary by risk and territory; Colonial General will work with you to find the best combination of limits, forms and premium for each account.
Ideal Accounts and Appetite
- Independent auto body and paint shops performing collision repair, refinishing and mechanical work.
- Dealership rooftop body shops and multi-shop operators with consolidated limits.
- Shops that tow customer vehicles or provide in-transit services (towing exposures considered).
- Accounts with recognized loss control practices and either UL-approved paint booths or separated, explosion-proof painting areas.
We typically decline or limit accounts that perform large-scale custom paint work on high-value or show vehicles due to the program’s Custom Paint Exclusion. High flammability exposures, uninsured storage yards, or shops with significant prior losses may require additional underwriting and higher retentions.
Coverage Highlights and Advantages
- Commercial Garage Coverage available with limits up to $3,000,000 aggregate and Garage Liability limits up to $1,000,000 per accident.
- Medical Payments coverage (example limit: $5,000) and broadened coverage options to suit repair operations.
- Garage Keepers coverage on a primary basis with specified causes of loss available.
- Dealers Physical Damage, False Pretense, Fire Legal Liability and In-Transit coverage for towing operations.
- Property coverage options for buildings, business personal property and tools/equipment.
- Underwriting flexibility: we can consider risks without a UL-approved paint booth provided painting is done in a separate room/area with explosion-proof lighting and other accepted controls.
Underwriting Notes and Minimum Premiums
Colonial General underwriting evaluates each shop on operations, inventory values, paint booth design and loss history. Expect questions about: paint processes, booth certification, storage practices, employee training, and tow/in-transit procedures. Minimum premium and specific deductibles vary by carrier and state; Colonial General will quote required minimums once the submission is reviewed.
Territories and Admitted Status
Available in AZ, CA, CO, ID, NV, NM, UT and WY. Some coverages may be placed on admitted paper in certain states, while other accounts will be placed non-admitted/E&S depending on the carrier and the exposure — Colonial General will advise on paper availability when you submit.
Why Work with Colonial General on Auto Body & Paint Shop Business
- Program expertise: focused appetite for garage operations and paint shops backed by experienced underwriters.
- Market access: multiple carrier relationships to place admitted and non-admitted business.
- Practical underwriting: realistic consideration of paint booth variances when controls are in place.
- Efficient submission handling: clear requirements and timely quotes for agents placing garage risks.
Example Scenarios
You might have a neighborhood collision shop that wants primary Garage Keepers and in-transit coverage for its towing operations — Colonial General can assemble a combined garage package on admitted or E&S paper depending on state. Or you might place a larger dealer body shop that needs higher aggregate limits and Dealers Physical Damage — our access to multiple markets helps secure appropriate limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of auto body shops does this program prefer?
We prefer collision repair and refinishing shops with standard mechanical repair work, documented loss control, and either UL-approved booths or separate painting areas with explosion-proof lighting. High-end custom paint shops are subject to exclusions or higher underwriting scrutiny.
Is Garage Keepers coverage available on a primary basis?
Yes. Garage Keepers on a primary basis is available with specified causes of loss. Limits and form details vary by carrier; Colonial General will outline options on the quote.
What are the paint booth requirements?
UL-approved paint booths are preferred. If a shop does not have a UL-approved booth, we may still consider the risk if painting is done in a separate room or area with explosion-proof lights and acceptable controls documented.
Which states and admitted status are supported?
This program writes in AZ, CA, CO, ID, NV, NM, UT and WY. Some coverages are available admitted in select states while other placements will be non-admitted/E&S; Colonial General will advise based on the specific risk and location.
What documentation is helpful with a submission?
Provide ACORD applications, current loss runs (prefer last 3–5 years), description of operations, paint booth certification or controls, tow/in-transit procedures, and property values. Those items speed underwriting and help produce accurate quotes.
Need help placing an account? Connect with a market specialist.