When it comes to running an auto shop, there’s more to success than just fixing cars. It’s about adapting to industry changes, managing risks, and ensuring that your business is protected against the unexpected. We sat down with Corey Swift, owner of Swift Automotive, and Devin Swift, owner of Swift Auto Broker, to discuss the realities of the industry, the challenges of managing risk, and why having the right insurance is about more than just checking a box.
Building a Business from the Ground Up
Q: Corey, how did you get started in the auto repair business?
Corey Swift (Swift Automotive): “I was always good at taking things apart and putting them back together. I started working at a gas station that did auto repairs and began doing basic jobs there. That’s when I decided to get my associate degree in auto repair. I worked there for 12 years before opening my own shop.”
Q: What kind of work does your shop specialize in?
Corey: “We handle all foreign and domestic automotive repairs. Our focus is on providing high-quality service that keeps vehicles safe and reliable.”
Devin (Swift Auto Broker): “On the brokerage side, we focus on sourcing vehicles in the $6,000 to $20,000 price range—especially for first-time car buyers. Teaming up with Swift Automotive allows us to ensure those cars are safe and mechanically sound before they hit the road.”
The Tools and Tech That Keep Shops Running
Q: What tools or equipment could you not run your shop without?
Corey: “Diagnostic computers are essential for today’s repairs. The ability to program and flash vehicles is crucial, and we have to keep investing in new technology as vehicles evolve. Our alignment machine and lifts are also critical to our workflow.”
Q: How has technology changed the way you diagnose or repair vehicles?
Corey: “When I started, we diagnosed issues manually. Now, almost everything requires a computer to hook up and pull codes. Having access to the right software and keeping it up to date is just as important as having the right tools.”
Challenges Auto Shop Owners Face Daily
Q: What are some of the biggest challenges shop owners face today?
Corey: “Supply chain issues and declining part quality. Parts aren’t built the way they used to be, and we see more failures because of that.”
Devin: “One of the major concerns on the brokerage side is the influx of unrecorded water-damaged vehicles from hurricanes and floods. These cars can be a major risk for buyers who don’t know what to look for.”
Managing Risks and Protecting the Business
Q: What risks do you think about most when it comes to running your shop?
Corey: “Damage to customer vehicles is my biggest concern. Theft is another, which is why we’ve invested in security cameras, a gated lot, and bright lighting. You have to be proactive.”
Q: Have you ever had to file an insurance claim?
Corey: “Yes—once for an accident that occurred while one of our technicians was doing a test drive in a customer’s vehicle test drive and another time when shop cars were stolen before we had security measures in place.”
Q: What insurance coverages do you think are absolutely essential for a shop like yours?
Devin: “Lot coverage on inventory and liability for test drivers.”
Corey: “Garagekeepers liability and general liability are critical. If you don’t have the right coverage, one incident can put you out of business.”
The Importance of a Strong Insurance Relationship
Q: Do you feel like most shop owners fully understand their coverage?
Corey: “I guarantee that most don’t. Before working with The Mitchell Insurance Group, I didn’t even fully understand the difference between garagekeepers liability and general liability. Many shop owners assume one policy covers everything, but that’s not the case.”
Q: What do you look for in an insurance agent or broker?
Corey: “The relationship with your broker is vital. Many shop owners ‘buy and forget,’ not updating their coverage as they grow or as their equipment changes. Our previous agent never reviewed our policy, but The Mitchell Insurance Group reaches out every year to make sure we’re covered appropriately.”
Q: Why is it important to have a relationship with your agent versus just shopping for the cheapest rate?
Corey: “Our previous agent never reviewed our policies, and when we switched to The Mitchell Insurance Group, we realized we didn’t have the correct coverage or enough protection for how much we had grown.”
Advice for New Auto Shop Owners
Q: What tips would you give to a new shop owner just starting out?
Corey: “Borrow as little money as possible, and pay professionals to do what they do best—whether that’s an insurance agent, a tax accountant, or a legal advisor. Stick to what you do best, and let them handle the rest.”
Devin: “Don’t assume something bad will never happen. Make sure you’re covered before you find out the hard way.”
Q: How do you balance keeping costs down while still protecting your business?
Corey: “You really have to weigh your options when it comes to expenses like insurance premiums. Insurance can be costly, but it’s important to consider what risks you’re willing to take. The Mitchell Insurance Group helped us understand what each coverage actually means, so we could adjust our policies and find the right balance between protection and budget.”
Lessons Learned & Closing Thoughts
Q: What’s one lesson you’ve learned the hard way?
Corey: “When I was working at a Texaco years ago, a Volvo caught fire in the shop. The owner was so cheap, he tried to fix the fire extinguisher himself. It took three fire extinguishers to put the fire out, and I lost all the hair on my eyebrows that day.”
Q: If you could go back to Day 1, what advice would you give yourself?
Corey: “Understand your coverage from the start. I was lucky that I never had a significant claim before we got the right coverage, but looking back, it was a risk I didn’t even realize I was taking.”
During our conversation, both Devin and Corey emphasized that even now, they were surprised by how important it is to regularly review their policies. A shop’s needs change year to year, and having an agent who actively checks in makes all the difference. Running an auto shop is about more than just repairs—it’s about protecting the business you’ve built and ensuring you’re covered for whatever comes next.
