Auto Repair & Body Shops Workers' Comp · Texas
Auto Repair & Body Shops Workers' Comp Insurance in Texas
Requirements, class codes, and costs for auto repair & body shops businesses in Texas — shopped across multiple carriers by a licensed agency.
Is workers' comp required for auto repair & body shops in Texas?
Texas is the only state where workers' comp is elective for most private employers — you can legally operate as a "non-subscriber."
Non-subscribers give up key legal defenses and can be sued directly by injured employees, where damages often dwarf a premium. Government contractors and some employers are still required to carry it.
Most Texas businesses still buy coverage, because a single non-subscriber lawsuit can cost far more than years of premium.
Auto Repair & Body Shops class codes
The right class code sets your rate. Texas classifies payroll under NCCI class codes, with rates regulated by the Texas Department of Insurance.
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 8389 | Auto or Truck Repair Shops or Garages — No Retail |
| 8393 | Automobile Body Repair |
| 8397 | Automobile Garage or Repair Shop |
| 8044 | Automobile Service Centers |
| 3303 | Automobile Bumper — Straightening & Repair |
| 3821 | Automobile Dismantling |
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What auto repair & body shops workers' comp costs in Texas
Texas rates are moderate and have trended downward in recent NCCI filings.
The biggest drivers of your auto repair & body shops premium:
- · Type of shop — general repair vs. body shop vs. specialty
- · Total payroll for all employees
- · Number of lifts and type of equipment used
- · Claims history and safety practices
Try our cost calculator for a rough estimate, or request a quote for an exact rate.
Common auto repair & body shops claims
- ⚠ Back and muscle injuries from lifting heavy parts and equipment
- ⚠ Burns from exhaust systems, welding, and hot surfaces
- ⚠ Chemical exposure and skin reactions from automotive fluids
- ⚠ Eye injuries from grinding, welding, and flying debris
- ⚠ Hand and finger injuries from tools and moving parts
Frequently asked questions
Is workers' compensation required for auto repair & body shops in Texas? +
Texas is the only state where workers' comp is elective for most private employers — you can legally operate as a "non-subscriber." Non-subscribers give up key legal defenses and can be sued directly by injured employees, where damages often dwarf a premium. Government contractors and some employers are still required to carry it.
How much does auto repair & body shops workers' comp cost in Texas? +
Texas rates are moderate and have trended downward in recent NCCI filings. Your auto repair & body shops premium ultimately depends on your class code, payroll, claims history, and experience modification rate — request a quote for an exact, carrier-underwritten rate.
How much does workers' comp cost for an auto repair shop? +
Auto repair workers' comp typically costs $3-$8 per $100 of payroll. Body shops may be slightly higher due to paint and chemical exposure risks. A 5-person shop with $250,000 in payroll might pay $7,500-$20,000 annually.
Does workers' comp cover my mechanics if they test drive a customer car? +
Workers' comp covers injuries sustained during the course of employment, which includes test drives. However, damage to the customer's vehicle would be covered by your garage keepers liability policy, not workers' comp.
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