Every part on the shelf.
Inventory and property, product liability for the parts you sell, premises liability, delivery vehicles to repair shops, and workers' comp for counter and warehouse staff.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
Parts, oil and deliveries
An auto parts store carries dense, valuable inventory, from batteries and brake parts to catalytic converters that attract theft. Many stores also take back used oil and batteries, test alternators in the parking lot, and run trucks that deliver to repair shops all day.
I insure the building or your tenant improvements, the stock, the delivery fleet and the liability that comes with selling parts other people install. If you only sell, and don't install, I make sure the policy is rated that way.
- Property and inventoryStock, racks and the counter system.
- Product liabilityClaims tied to parts you sell, subject to the policy.
- Commercial autoDelivery trucks to shops and fleets.
- CrimeEmployee theft and high-value parts.
What underwriters will ask
Having these ready means I can go to market on the first call. The quote form asks for the same things, and anything you don’t know yet can wait.
- Store: address, square footage and building details.
- Inventory: average stock value and high-theft items.
- Services: installs, testing and used oil or battery collection.
- Deliveries: vehicles and drivers.
- Revenue and payroll: annual figures.
- History: current policies and claims.
Auto parts store insurance, answered
If a part I sold fails and causes a crash, am I liable?
Sellers can be named in product claims. Product liability often responds, subject to the policy, and many claims also pass up to the manufacturer.
Does it matter if my staff install batteries or wipers?
Yes. Installing turns some of your work into service, and the policy should be rated for it. Tell me what your counter does.
We take back used oil. Do I need pollution coverage?
Many stores are certified used oil collection centers. A spill can fall outside a standard policy, so I look at pollution coverage for stores that collect oil.
Are my delivery drivers' personal cars covered?
If staff use their own cars, hired and non-owned auto can cover your business's liability. Store-owned trucks need a commercial auto policy.
Do you offer auto parts store insurance outside California?
Yes. Clients across the country send the same quote form. Sam Alishahi is licensed in 48 states and Washington, DC and places policies there directly. In Florida and Washington, where Sam's licenses are still being issued, a partner agency in your state helps in the meantime. The shopping across carriers works the same way. Rules, minimums and markets differ by state — see insurance requirements by state.
Official sources
Insure your parts store
Tell me about your inventory, services and delivery trucks. I'll shop the markets that write auto parts retailers and lay out the options.
Alishahi Insurance · Saman Alishahi, independent insurance broker, California License #4348151. General information, not a quote or a promise of coverage; coverage depends on underwriting and the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy actually issued.
Tell me how to reach you. I’ll take it from there.
Takes about 30 seconds. Your application link comes by email right away, and you get an update at every step until your quotes are ready.
(877) 711-4545Answered 24/7 · CA License #4348151
Get a reminder before your renewal.
Tell me when your policy renews and I’ll email you about six weeks before, when it’s worth comparing. One email, no calls.