Auto repair work is statistically more dangerous than the average U.S. job—no matter where your shop is located. National injury data confirms that auto repair employees experience significantly higher injury rates than most private sector workers.
While Texas reports lower overall injury rates, this is largely influenced by its non-subscription system and not reduced risk. For Texas auto repair shop owners, maintaining Workers’ Compensation coverage is not about compliance, but it is about financial protection, employee trust, and business survival.
Auto repair shops are consistently classified as higher injury risk workplaces due to heavy lifting, powered tools, vehicle lifts, chemicals, and dynamic shop environments. Federal injury data confirms this risk nationwide.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024 employer reported injury data, auto repair businesses experience materially higher injury rates than the average U.S. workplace.
| Industry | NAICS | Total Recordable Cases per 100 Workers |
| Motor Vehicle & Parts Repair | 8111 | ≈4.0 |
| Repair & Maintenance (All) | 811 | ≈3.6 |
| All Private Industry | __ | 2.3 |
And while Texas reports a lower overall injury rate nationwide across all private industry, regulators note that underreporting and non-subscription may be the cause. Texas is a state where employers can opt out of Workers’ Compensation insurance. However, opting out can have consequences.
Typical claims involve:
- Back and shoulder injuries from lifting
- Crush injuries from lifts and vehicles
- Hand and finger injuries from tools
- Chemical exposure and burns
- Slips and falls in shop environments
Texas employers face more liability without coverage. When Texas employers do not carry Workers’ Compensation:
- Injured employees may sue directly
- Standard employer defenses are lost
- Verdicts are uncapped under Texas law
The Texas Department of Insurance and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health both emphasize that Workers’ Comp significantly reduces employer litigation risk and supports faster return to work outcomes.*
So, while you don’t have to carry Workers’ Compensation in Texas, you will need to live with the risk. If an employee gets hurt in your shop tomorrow and you’re a nonsubscriber, the cost doesn’t stop at medical bills. You lose key legal protections, face unlimited liability, and risk a lawsuit that could jeopardize everything you’ve built.
Workers’ Compensation isn’t just an insurance policy—it’s a financial firewall between a routine shop injury and a catastrophic business loss.
Let’s take 10 minutes to review your current setup. We can help you understand:
- Where you’re exposed today as a nonsubscriber
- What Workers’ Comp would actually cost for your shop
- Whether coverage makes financial sense based on your payroll and operations
Schedule a no obligation Workers’ Comp review today.
At WiseCore Insurance, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all plans. As an independent agency, we match your specific shop with a plan that fits your unique risks, backed by a dedicated account manager who handles the details so you can stay under the hood.
Need help securing the right coverage?
Connect with Chuck Upshaw, WiseCore Insurance P&C Insurance Consultant. Email: chuck@wisecoreinsurance.com | (830) 217-5471