Protecting Canada’s Auto Repair Industry with Purpose-Built Insurance Solutions

By Jesse Kokorudz, Vice President & Program Director, Excess Underwriting

In today’s fast-paced automotive landscape, repair garages and body shops face increasingly complex operational risks. At Excess Underwriting, we understand that these businesses need more than just insurance, they need a partner who truly understands their industry.

That’s why we developed the Canadian Automotive Insurance Program (CAIP): a purpose-built, comprehensive insurance solution tailored specifically for automobile and truck repair garages across Canada. Designed as a complete package policy, CAIP integrates Property, Garage Automobile, and Commercial General Liability coverages, all under one policy, with unique enhancements that set it apart in the marketplace.

Garage Automobile Coverage

A cornerstone of the CAIP package, our Garage Automobile coverage includes a robust $5 million third-party liability limit, and importantly, extends to both owned and customer vehicles, including collision coverage. Whether it’s a technician test-driving a customer’s car or operating a service vehicle for business use, our coverage is designed to follow the vehicle through every stage of repair. Additionally, service plates and dealer plates owned by the garage are automatically included, providing true end-to-end protection.

Commercial General Liability

With a base limit of $5 million and access to excess umbrella coverage, CAIP ensures that auto repair businesses are protected from a wide range of liability exposures. From bodily injury and property damage to personal injury and completed operations hazards, our liability coverage is designed to protect both your business and your team. Unique enhancements, such as coverage for vehicle hoists, diagnostic equipment, and other specialized tools, further tailor this protection to the realities of modern repair operations.

Property Coverage

Our broad form property wording stands among the most comprehensive in the industry. Offered on a replacement cost basis with no co-insurance clause, this coverage extends to buildings, inventory, parts, shop equipment, tools, tires, and office contents. Even employees’ tools can be insured upon request, ensuring your entire operation is covered with minimal exclusions.

Purpose-Built for Larger, High-Volume Operations

CAIP is ideally suited for established repair garages and body shops with target premiums starting at $10,000. This reflects the program’s robust protection and value, offering peace of mind for businesses with higher turnover and more complex operations.

One Policy. Full Protection.

At Excess Underwriting, we believe that protecting a modern garage requires more than piecemeal coverage. That’s why CAIP is offered exclusively as a package policy, because reputable, full-service operations should not compromise on critical protections like Property, Garage Auto, or General Liability.

To learn more about the Canadian Automotive Insurance Program, please Contact us.