1. Forms
2. CA
3. CA-DS-09

What the form is

The CA DS 09 Garage Declarations is an advisory document provided by Insurance Services Office (ISO). It is not a standardized, mandatory form in itself, but rather a template that insurance companies can use to create their own specific declarations pages for Garage policies. This form itemizes the key details of the insurance agreement, including the named insured, policy period, coverage parts selected, applicable limits of insurance, deductibles, covered locations, and a schedule of covered autos or auto symbols. It essentially personalizes the broader terms and conditions found in the Garage Coverage Form (e.g., CA 00 05) to the specific insured's operations.

Classes of business it applies to

This declarations form is designed for businesses involved in garage operations. These typically include:

• Franchised and non-franchised auto dealers (new and used)
• Automobile repair shops
• Service stations
• Storage garages and public parking facilities
• Businesses that otherwise have a significant exposure related to the care, custody, and control of customers' vehicles or selling/servicing autos.

For example, a local mechanic shop that services customer vehicles and also sells a few used cars would have its Garage Policy detailed on a declarations page similar to the CA DS 09. Similarly, a new car dealership with a large inventory and service department would use this to outline their extensive coverage needs.

Special considerations

• Advisory Nature: It is crucial to remember that the ISO CA DS 09 is advisory. Each insurance company typically develops its own proprietary declarations page, which may resemble the ISO version but can have variations.
• Attachment to Policy: The Garage Declarations is a critical component of the Garage Policy and works in conjunction with the Garage Coverage Form and any applicable endorsements. It does not provide coverage on its own but specifies what coverages from the policy are active and at what limits.
• Information Accuracy: The accuracy of the information on the Declarations page (e.g., named insured, locations, auto symbols, limits) is vital, as it dictates the scope of coverage provided. Errors or omissions can lead to coverage disputes.

Key information for agents and underwriters

• Risk Profile Summary: The Declarations page provides a snapshot of the insured's operations and the tailored insurance solution. Underwriters use this to confirm the nature and extent of the risk being assumed.
• Coverage Selection: Agents must carefully review the options selected on the Declarations with the insured to ensure they match the business's needs, covering exposures like auto liability, garagekeepers liability (for damage to customers' cars), and physical damage to owned autos.
• Premium Basis: Information on the Declarations, such as the number of employees, payroll, or gross sales (depending on the rating basis for specific coverages), can be used in the premium calculation.
• Endorsement Scheduling: The Declarations page often lists the endorsements attached to the policy, which modify the standard Garage Coverage Form. Agents and underwriters need to ensure all necessary endorsements are correctly identified.
• Limits and Deductibles: Clearly outlining the limits of insurance for each coverage part (e.g., Garage Operations - Other Than Covered Autos, Garage Operations - Covered Autos, Garagekeepers) and any applicable deductibles is a primary function of this form. This is critical for managing the insurer's exposure and the insured's retained risk.