Newb question about liability?

REX-RACER · 02-03-09, 01:56

Hey all, I've been registered here for a few years but mostly I just come by from time-to-time to read up and get tips for detailing my own cars. This spring/summer however I think I may do a little free lance detailing on the side.

It's mostly going to be for family, friends and neighbors but I have one big question in the back of my head. How can I protect myself against liability? You'd never expect to damage someones vehicle but you never know what could happen ( or what someone might say happened ) and I don't want to end up loosing my shirt over something stupid.

I was thinking that I probably won't have any problem getting bonded ( no criminal record, excellent credit, etc. ) but I'm wondering if there is possibly some type of inexpensive insurance I could get as well? Any advice would be appreciated, especially for those in a similar situation.

Thanx!

REX-RACER · 02-03-09, 06:31

Err . . . . thanks for moving my post to the correct section.

PTRon · 02-04-09, 10:42

I don't think you need to be bonded. Liability insurance is a must (it protects you if someone trips over an extension cord, etc.), so is garage keeper's insurance (protects you from damage you or someone else may do to the car you're working on). If you go with minimum coverage (not recommended), you can get away with about $1,000.00 yearly (give or take). You might also want to look into forming a Limited Liability Company.

REX-RACER · 02-04-09, 03:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by PTRon

I don't think you need to be bonded. Liability insurance is a must (it protects you if someone trips over an extension cord, etc.), so is garage keeper's insurance (protects you from damage you or someone else may do to the car you're working on). If you go with minimum coverage (not recommended), you can get away with about $1,000.00 yearly (give or take). You might also want to look into forming a Limited Liability Company.

Thanx for giving an answer! Is there any particular insurance company you can recommend? Also, since I'll be mostly mobile, do I really need the garage keeper's insurance?

PTRon · 02-05-09, 05:32

Nah. Just go to an independent insurance agent and they'll hook you up. IMO you definitely need the garage keeper's. While you're working on the car, it's in your posession. That makes you liable for any damage incurred by you or anyone else (somebody backs into it or worse). I'm mobile and carry both liability and garage keeper's. Your insurance agent can advise you what's best for your particular situation.

REX-RACER · 02-05-09, 07:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by PTRon

Nah. Just go to an independent insurance agent and they'll hook you up. IMO you definitely need the garage keeper's. While you're working on the car, it's in your posession. That makes you liable for any damage incurred by you or anyone else (somebody backs into it or worse). I'm mobile and carry both liability and garage keeper's. Your insurance agent can advise you what's best for your particular situation.