Licensed Insurance Agent — Ellie Insurance Group
Kevin A. Smith is a licensed insurance agent at Ellie Insurance Group, the parent company behind DealerLiability.com. He specializes in commercial insurance for the automotive industry — helping auto dealers, repair shops, towing companies, and garages across Florida and seven additional states find the right coverage at the right price.
Kevin works with 100+ A-rated carriers to shop the market on behalf of his clients. His focus is on making sure automotive business owners understand exactly what they're covered for — and what they're not — before a claim happens.
One of the most common mistakes automotive business owners make is choosing the minimum required coverage limits — then discovering those limits aren't enough when a major claim hits. Here's how to choose limits that actually protect your business.
From test drive accidents to hail damage on the lot, auto dealerships face a distinctive set of risks that standard commercial insurance simply doesn't address. Understanding the most common claims helps you build a smarter coverage program.
Many automotive business owners assume their general liability policy covers everything. It doesn't. Here's a clear breakdown of what garage liability covers that general liability leaves out — and why the difference matters.
If you own an auto dealership that takes custody of customer vehicles — for repair, storage, detailing, or parking — garagekeepers insurance is not optional. Here's what it covers, how it works, and why the difference between direct and legal liability matters.
Your vehicle inventory is your most valuable asset. Dealers open lot coverage protects it against the perils that can wipe out months of profit in a single event — from hailstorms to theft to fire.
Florida has specific statutory insurance requirements for tow truck operators that go beyond standard commercial auto minimums. Operating without the right coverage can result in license suspension and significant personal liability.
Dealer surety bonds are required to get your motor vehicle dealer license — but how much does it actually cost? Here's a complete breakdown of bond amounts by state, premium rates, and how to get the best price.
Getting a motor vehicle dealer license requires meeting specific insurance, bonding, and facility requirements that vary by state. Here's exactly what you need in FL, TX, GA, NC, SC, and OK to get licensed and stay compliant.
Before NextGear Capital, AFC, Dealertrack, or Ally will approve your floorplan line, they require specific insurance coverages — and they must be listed as loss payee. Here's exactly what you need.
Garage liability insurance premiums in Florida vary widely based on your business type, revenue, and coverage limits. Here are real 2026 rate ranges for dealers, repair shops, and towing companies — and the factors that move your premium up or down.
Not all insurance companies write garage liability for used car dealers — and among those that do, coverage terms, pricing, and claims service vary significantly. Here's what to look for and which carrier types consistently perform well for dealer risks.
One of the most common coverage gaps we see in auto dealer and repair shop insurance programs is the assumption that garage liability covers customer vehicles. It doesn't. Here's exactly what garagekeepers insurance covers and why you almost certainly need both.
Florida auto dealers must maintain specific insurance coverages to keep their dealer license active. Here are the exact DHSMV requirements for 2026, the minimum limits, and what coverage you actually need beyond the state minimums.
Workers' compensation requirements for auto dealers vary significantly by state — from Florida's 4-employee threshold to Texas's unique non-subscriber system. Here's a state-by-state breakdown for every state we serve, plus what happens if you're non-compliant.
Dealers open lot and garagekeepers insurance are two of the most commonly confused coverages in the automotive business insurance world. Both protect vehicles — but they protect completely different vehicles in completely different situations.
Auto repair shops face a unique combination of liability exposures — from customer vehicles in your bays to employee injuries with heavy equipment. This guide covers every coverage a repair shop needs, what it costs, and how to avoid common gaps.
Tow truck operators face some of the highest insurance costs in the automotive industry — but the right coverage program can protect your business without breaking the bank. Here's everything you need to know about tow truck insurance in 2026.
Workers' compensation is one of the most overlooked coverages for auto dealers — until an employee gets hurt. Here's what every dealer needs to know about workers' comp requirements, costs, and common claims in the automotive industry.
Commercial auto insurance and garage liability insurance sound similar — they both involve vehicles and liability. But they are fundamentally different policy forms designed for different types of businesses. Using the wrong one can leave you completely uninsured for your most likely claims.
Garage liability insurance isn't one-size-fits-all. The best policy for a used car lot is different from the best policy for a body shop or tow company. This guide breaks down the top carriers, typical costs, and what to look for — by business type.
Garage liability insurance costs vary widely based on your business type, location, revenue, and claims history. Here's what to expect and how to get the best rate.
Garagekeepers and garage liability sound similar but cover completely different things. Here's a clear breakdown of what each covers, who needs them, and why most automotive businesses need both.
Auto repair shops face higher workers' comp rates due to the physical nature of the work. Here's what you need to know about requirements, costs, and how to manage your premium.
Dealers open lot (DOL) insurance protects your vehicle inventory from physical damage — hail, theft, fire, flood, and vandalism. Here's what it covers, what it costs, and how to choose the right limits.
Getting a Florida motor vehicle dealer license requires a $25,000 surety bond, garage liability insurance, a pre-licensing course, and meeting FLHSMV facility requirements. Here's the complete step-by-step process.
When you run a Buy Here Pay Here dealership, you are not just selling cars — you are the bank. That single fact changes everything about the insurance you need. A standard garage liability policy alone will leave your loan portfolio, your collateral, and your cash flow dangerously exposed.
Garagekeepers insurance protects customer vehicles in your care — but how much does it actually cost? We break down average premiums by coverage type, business size, and state, with real pricing data from 2026.
When an accident happens at your dealership or repair shop, the claims process can feel overwhelming. Here's exactly what to do — step by step — to file a garage liability or garagekeepers claim and maximize your chances of a smooth resolution.
Every state requires auto dealers to carry a surety bond before getting licensed — but the required amount and annual cost vary dramatically. Here's what you'll pay in Florida, Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Oklahoma in 2026.
Garage liability and commercial auto are two of the most confused coverages in the automotive industry. One is designed specifically for businesses that service, sell, or store vehicles. The other is a standard business auto policy. Here's when you need each — and when you need both.
Test drive accidents can expose an auto dealer to major liability. This guide reviews whose coverage may apply, accompanied versus unaccompanied drives, negligent entrustment, and practical risk controls.
Dealer plate insurance is not a separate policy that automatically follows a tag. Learn how garage liability, covered drivers, permitted uses, state rules, and plate controls work together.
A solo test drive is not an automatic transfer of risk. Learn how dealers can check liability and false-pretense coverage, comply with dealer-plate rules, and control every vehicle and key from release to return.
Have a question about your coverage or want a second opinion on your current policy? Kevin is available by phone or through the quote portal.