Question 1

Why does a mobile restoration franchise need more than a standard general liability policy?

Accepted Answer

General liability is foundational, but it was not designed to stand alone for a mobile restoration operation. Color Glo franchisees drive to every job — which means they need commercial auto coverage for business-use vehicles that personal auto policies typically exclude. They carry tools and supplies that can be stolen from a service vehicle, which requires Equipment / Inland Marine coverage rather than property insurance tied to a fixed location. And franchisees who work on customer vehicles face custody-based exposures that general liability's care, custody, or control exclusion may not cover — which is where Garagekeepers coverage comes in.

Question 2

Does general liability cover damage to a customer's vehicle while I'm working on it?

Accepted Answer

Not always. Most general liability policies contain a care, custody, or control exclusion that limits or eliminates coverage for damage to property in the insured's care. Garagekeepers coverage is specifically designed to cover customer vehicles in the franchisee's care — and dealerships often require it by name before allowing on-site work.

Question 3

What is Equipment / Inland Marine coverage and why does it matter for my tools and products?

Accepted Answer

Equipment / Inland Marine is the coverage designed for property that travels with the business rather than sitting in a fixed location. Color Glo technicians carry their operating kit to every job. If those tools are stolen from the service vehicle overnight or damaged in transit, property insurance at a fixed location does not respond. Inland Marine coverage follows the tools wherever the technician goes.

Question 4

Do I need Garagekeepers coverage if I work on customer vehicles?

Accepted Answer

Garagekeepers coverage is relevant for Color Glo franchisees who perform automotive interior restoration. For franchisees who work on customer-owned vehicles or serve dealerships, it addresses an exposure that general liability alone may leave uncovered. Dealerships often require Garagekeepers by name in their vendor agreements.

Question 5

What happens if my service vehicle is in an accident on the way to a job?

Accepted Answer

A personal auto policy will typically exclude business use, which means an accident while driving to a customer appointment could be entirely uncovered. Commercial auto coverage is specifically designed for business-use driving — it covers bodily injury and property damage to third parties, as well as damage to the business vehicle itself.

Question 6

When do I need Workers' Compensation as a Color Glo franchisee?

Accepted Answer

Workers' Compensation becomes a statutory requirement in most states as soon as you have employees. Workers' Comp covers medical expenses and lost wages for injured employees regardless of fault — and it is required by law in nearly every state for employers with covered employees.

Question 7

What documentation do commercial clients like dealerships or medical offices typically require?

Accepted Answer

Commercial clients routinely require a certificate of insurance before allowing a Color Glo franchisee to perform work on their premises. They may also require additional insured status on the general liability policy, specific minimum limits ($1 million per occurrence is common), and in some cases, a waiver of subrogation. Dealerships doing automotive restoration work often require Garagekeepers coverage specifically.

Common Questions About Color Glo Franchise Insurance

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