Gas, blades and customers' gear.
Property, customers' equipment, general and products-completed operations liability, and workers' comp for small engine, lawnmower and outdoor power equipment repair shops.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
Fuel, repairs and the yard out back
A small engine shop stores gasoline, oil and dozens of customers' mowers, trimmers, chainsaws and generators, often outside. Fire and theft are the property risks; a mower that throws a blade after your repair is the liability risk.
I quote shop property and tools, bailee coverage for equipment you're holding, and liability that includes your completed repairs and any parts or used equipment you sell. California's rules on new small off-road engines are moving more battery-powered tools into shops, so I ask whether you repair and store lithium batteries too.
- PropertyShop, tools, parts and inventory.
- Customers' equipmentMowers and machines in your care.
- Completed operationsClaims after a repair leaves your shop.
- Workers' compCuts, burns and lifting injuries.
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.
- Shop: address, square footage and outdoor storage.
- Work: repair only, or sales and rentals too.
- Customers' equipment: typical value on hand.
- Fuel and batteries: how you store gas and lithium packs.
- Revenue and payroll: annual figures.
- History: current policy and any claims.
Small engine repair insurance, answered
Are customers' mowers covered if my shop burns?
Only with bailee or customers' goods coverage. A basic property policy covers your property, not what customers left with you.
What if a mower I fixed injures someone?
That's a completed operations claim under general liability, subject to the policy terms. It's one reason good work orders and sign-offs matter.
I sell used mowers. Does that change things?
Yes. Selling used equipment adds product liability. Tell me roughly how much you sell.
Do I need garage liability like an auto shop?
Usually not, unless you work on cars or road vehicles. A general liability policy with completed operations fits most small engine shops.
Do you offer small engine repair 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 repair shop.
Tell me what you repair and how much customer equipment you hold, and I'll compare markets for small engine shops.
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.
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(877) 711-4545Answered 24/7 · CA License #4348151
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Tell me when your policy renews and I’ll email you about six weeks before, when it’s worth comparing. One email, no calls.