Colonial General Insurance Agency, Inc. provides a focused Auto Dealers Insurance program designed for agents and brokers placing coverage for a broad range of dealer operations. Backed by experienced underwriters and flexible admitted and non-admitted markets, this program helps you protect clients that sell, service, tow, or consign vehicles — including operations with online sales and electric vehicle inventories.
Ideal Accounts and Appetite
This program targets new and used auto dealerships of varying sizes, including those expanding into online sales channels and electric vehicle retail. We will consider dealerships that offer consignment sales where a favorable consignment agreement is in place.
Examples of accounts that fit well:
- A used-car retailer adding an e-commerce platform and seeking garage coverage that accounts for cyber exposure and customer test drives.
- A single-location dealer with limited towing operations that needs in-transit protection and primary Garage Keepers coverage for customer vehicles left for service.
We review unique or evolving business models on a case-by-case basis and can accommodate specialty exposures when supported by complete submissions and acceptable operational controls.
Coverage Highlights and Advantages
Commercial Garage coverages available for dealers:
- Garage Liability — limits up to $1,000,000 per accident
- Liability Aggregate up to $3,000,000
- $5,000 Medical Payments
- Dealers Physical Damage to cover on- and off-lot inventory
- Broadened Coverage endorsements to fit dealer exposures
- False Pretense coverage for certain theft scenarios
- Fire Legal Liability for leased or rented premises
- Garage Keepers Coverage available on a primary basis (specified causes of loss)
- In-Transit Coverage for towing and delivery operations
- Broad Form Products and Property coverage options
These coverages address common dealer exposures: inventory damage, customer vehicle custody while servicing, liabilities from test drives, and exposures created by towing or delivery operations.
Underwriting Notes and Minimum Premiums
We place accounts on admitted or non-admitted paper depending on the state and risk profile. Underwriters evaluate operational controls, loss history, vehicle inventory mix (including EVs), consignment agreements, and any towing or in-transit exposures. Complete applications, current loss runs, and clear descriptions of operations help speed placement and secure better terms.
If a client operates under consignment, include the consignment agreement with the submission. For accounts with towing or delivery services, provide details on driver qualifications, limits of operations, and frequency of tows or deliveries.
Territories and Availability
This program is available in: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. Appetite and admitted/non-admitted availability vary by state — submit the full account details so we can identify the best market placement.
Why Work With Colonial General Insurance Agency, Inc.?
As a Managing General Agency and Excess & Surplus Lines Broker, Colonial General combines underwriting expertise with broad market access. Our team understands the operational nuances of dealerships and can tailor solutions across admitted and non-admitted markets to match risk profiles. We focus on pragmatic underwriting and responsive service so you can close deals efficiently.
You might have a client who needs Garage Keepers primary coverage for customer vehicles after a service visit, or a small dealer launching online sales that needs combined liability, physical damage, and in-transit protections — Colonial General can help place both.
Explore our company profile at https://completemarkets.com/company/colonialgeneral or view this Auto Dealers Insurance program at https://completemarkets.com/company/colonialgeneral/Auto-Dealers-Insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of accounts are a good fit for this Auto Dealers Insurance program?
We are a good fit for new and used auto dealerships, including those with online sales, electric vehicle inventories, and consignment arrangements that include a favorable consignment agreement.
Is Garage Keepers coverage included in the program?
Yes. Garage Keepers coverage is available on a primary basis with specified causes of loss to protect vehicles left in the dealer’s care.
Which states is this program available in?
This program is available in AZ, CA, CO, ID, NV, NM, UT, and WY. Availability and admitted vs. non-admitted placement depend on the state and the specific risk.
Can you consider dealerships with towing operations?
Yes. We offer In-Transit Coverage for towing and delivery operations; provide details on scope, frequency, and driver qualifications with your submission.
Is this program offered on an admitted or non-admitted basis?
We work with both admitted and non-admitted markets. The best placement depends on the account’s operations, loss history, and state requirements.
Need help placing an account? Connect with a market specialist.