Joseph Distel & Co. Inc., through The Distel Group, offers a specialized insurance program for used auto and recreational vehicle (RV) dealerships. Built for independent agents and brokers, the program provides access to flexible coverages from top-rated carriers and dedicated underwriting support to help place complex dealership risks.
Ideal Accounts and Appetite
This program is a strong fit for independent used auto dealers and RV dealers across eligible New England states (Massachusetts is excluded). We place accounts ranging from small outdoor lots to larger dealerships with on-site service operations.
Target risks include:
- Used auto dealers holding inventory for sale
- RV dealers offering both sales and repair/service operations
- Dealers with indoor or outdoor vehicle storage lots
- Operations that include garage exposures or customer vehicle storage
Coverage Highlights and Advantages
Through access to multiple A.M. Best A-rated (or better) carriers, the program offers options designed for dealership exposures. Key features include:
- General Liability limits up to $1,000,000 per occurrence / $3,000,000 aggregate
- Dealers Physical Damage (DPD) coverage for owned inventory vehicles
- Garagekeepers Legal Liability — both legal liability and direct primary forms available
We can offer admitted and non-admitted capacity depending on the carrier selection and the risk profile, giving you flexibility when standard markets decline.
Underwriting Notes and Minimum Premium
To obtain a quote, submit a completed application and target pricing information. Minimum premiums and available options vary by state, carrier, and the coverages selected.
Submissions are evaluated by underwriters with dealership experience who review exposures such as inventory values, service operations, security/lot controls, and loss history. Clear, complete applications and documentation speed placement and improve the accuracy of pricing.
Territories and Availability
This program is currently available in the following New England states:
- Connecticut (CT)
- Maine (ME)
- New Hampshire (NH)
- Rhode Island (RI)
- Vermont (VT)
Note: Massachusetts (MA) is not eligible for this program at this time.
Why Work With Joseph Distel & Co. Inc.
As a Managing General Agency and Excess & Surplus Lines broker, Joseph Distel & Co. Inc. provides deep niche expertise and broad market access for used car and RV dealer risks. The Distel Group pairs responsive service with underwriting guidance to help you place accounts that have garage or inventory exposures, meet lender requirements, or need specialized forms.
Typical reasons agents choose this program:
- Access to multiple admitted and non-admitted markets for placement flexibility
- Underwriters experienced in dealer operations and garage exposures
- Competitive, tailored options for DPD and Garagekeepers exposures
Example scenarios you might place here: a small independent used-car lot needing DPD and liability coverage, or an RV dealer with a service department seeking garagekeepers and higher liability limits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of accounts are a good fit for this program?
Used auto dealers and RV dealerships with sales, service, or storage operations located in eligible New England states are ideal candidates.
Is Garagekeepers coverage available?
Yes. Garagekeepers Legal Liability is available with both legal liability and direct primary coverage options.
Are new vehicle dealers eligible for this program?
No. This program focuses on used vehicle dealers and RV dealerships; new vehicle franchises typically do not qualify.
What states is this program available in?
The program is available in CT, ME, NH, RI, and VT. It is not currently available in Massachusetts.
What documents are needed to get a quote?
A completed application and target pricing information are required. Additional documentation such as inventory schedules, service operation details, and loss runs may be requested.
Need help placing an account? Connect with a market specialist.