Hello! New Shop In NJ

[IPC]

Hello,

 

I decided to find a forum of shop owners to learn and share information with and came across this one. There seems to be a lot of information here along with a friendly atmosphere.

 

I am opeing up a motorcycle shop in Mahwah, NJ hopefully before spring. I will be doing repairs along with performance upgrades to almost any extent on sportbikes, dirtbike, ATVs, and some other street bikes. Mostly going after the performance and race markets, but doing general repairs to fill in the rest of the time.

 

I have a few questions. I searched around a bit on this site with not so much luck (though I found and read a lot of other great information) so if any of these topics have already been discussed, please direct me to the right thread.

 

As of right now I will be the only one working in my shop... officially. I may have a few family members come and give a hand from time to time, but nothing that would be recorded on paper in any way. What sort of insurances should I be considering? General small business inurance, liabilty inurance for my products and services, etc. What do i insure, and what do I roll the dice on or not worry about too much?

 

Also what kind of disclaimers is everyone using on their invoices? Is the a collectiong of examples with different option in them around somewhere? Also for racing and high performace customers, what liabilities should I be fairly waived of for their work? When I worked in an engine machine shop they had a strict policy of no warranty on anyting race related. But that is pretty much my business so I can't deny it on everything I do.

[xrac]

WElcome to the forum. As far as insurance is concerned you will need (1)liability insurance, (2)garage keepers insurance, and (3)probably insurance on the building and contents. Get a quote from an independent agent or two. Workmens Compensation if you have employees.

[carolinahigear]

Hello and Welcome to the Group!

 

Main Street America Insurance Group has been my carrier for 3 years. Their price is over 50% less than others that have quoted me. Contact an independent agent in your area, or contact the Company for an agent in your area. The local agent can make recommendations as to coverage. The kind of coverage you want is the kind that pays if someone gets maimed or killed after the wheel or wheels come off a bike, etc. Always think "worst case" when buying insurance, because you want it for "worst case" real events.

 

I now own and operate a full service auto shop, but my primary training and initial expertise came from the automotive machine shop profession. I did a tremendous amount of performance work for drag, circle, and boats, and I guaranteed my work to meet specifications, but did not warranty it against "blowing up" or guarantee them that they would win. Any other warranties would cause the shop owner to "go broke" quickly.

 

Good luck in your venture. Please call on us for any more advice!

 

Hi-Gear

[Joe Marconi]

Welcome to ASO! You've joined the right group!

 

I want to add; please check with state and local laws concerning the questions you're asking. Every state is a little different and the requirements are different.

 

Welcome again and great first post!

[CARMandP]

Welcome to the site. Its good to have you here. Don't be afraid to ask or answer questions.