Car dealerships face a variety of liability risks involving customers, employees, test drives, vehicle inventory, property conditions, and daily operations. This guide explains how dealers can reduce liability risks by maintaining a safe dealership lot, establishing test drive procedures, securing inventory, training employees, documenting incidents, controlling access to hazardous areas, and maintaining appropriate commercial insurance coverage.

Insurance gaps can expose your dealership to lawsuits, inventory losses, regulatory penalties, and unexpected financial hardship. This comprehensive guide explains the seven most common insurance mistakes made by independent auto dealers, including inadequate liability coverage, failing to carry Dealer Open Lot Insurance, letting dealer bonds expire, ignoring cyber risks, and not updating insurance as your business grows. Learn how to protect your dealership and avoid costly