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Today’s risk trends for auto dealerships include added litigation concerns

AutomotiveArticleOctober 15, 2026

Front-end risk mitigation and transparent consultation with insurance and risk specialists can help shield dealerships from evolving exposures.
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Arguably, today’s auto dealerships face a more challenging risk landscape than at any time in the industry’s history, with fast-evolving technology adding significantly to potential liability. Many of the exposures prevalent today also create an added threat of legal action as trends of social inflation, nuclear verdicts and third-party litigation funding have turned questionable lawsuits into a highly profitable business.

The state of risk and potential legal repercussions for dealerships were discussed on a recent episode of Car Dealership Guy’s “Daily Dealer Live” podcast. Zurich’s Peter Franco (Head of P&C Strategic Acquisition for Direct Markets) and Mahima Raghav (AVP in Claims Judicial and Legislative Affairs) brought their insights to the conversation. Chris Kennedy, Dealer Principal at Kennedy Auto Group, provided the dealership perspective in this episode hosted by Sam D’Arc.

The program highlights the need for dealerships to work with a provider that doesn’t merely offer insurance as a commodity but collaborates with them to most effectively manage their risks. The panel discusses the importance of transparent communication, access to the right data and risk expertise in helping reduce the frequency and impact of loss events.

This episode was originally presented live on Car Dealership Guy on October 7, 2026.

 

ZURICH PANELISTS

Peter FrancoPeter Franco is Head of P&C Strategic Acquisition for Direct Markets. A 23-year Zurich veteran, Franco served as an Account Executive and National Account Manager before assuming his current responsibilities. In his role, Franco leads a team dedicated to securing new business while also providing solutions and strategies to some of the largest auto dealerships in the nation.

 

Mahima RaghavMahima Raghav is AVP in Claims Judicial and Legislative Affairs, which functions as a social inflation task force. She brings past experience as a litigator in Workers' Compensation and as a Regional Litigation Manager to her work for Zurich, as well as an extensive knowledge of claims-handling issues. Mahima works to build a coalition among customers, brokers and carriers to address lawsuit abuse and related pressing issues.

 

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