Running a petrol service station is no easy task. In addition to managing staff, stock, fuel pricing, and compliance, operators must also contend with risks specific to the industry. One of the most frustrating—and increasingly common—issues is when a car is stolen from a service station.
Whether it occurs while the car is being refueled, parked near the pumps, or in a customer parking area, thefts like these often raise complex questions about insurance rights, liability, and indemnity coverage. As a service station owner or operator, understanding where you stand legally and financially is critical to protecting both your business and your reputation.At Global Insurance Solutions, we arrange specialised service station business insurance for operators across Australia. In this blog, we’ll explore the risks of car theft at petrol stations, outline the insurance cover you need, and explain how to safeguard your business with the right strategies.
The Risk Landscape for Service Stations
Petrol stations are high-traffic, high-risk environments. Cars, people, and fuel create a unique combination of exposures that other businesses rarely face.
Some of the most common risks include:
- Car theft from forecourts or parking areas
- Accidents on-site, such as slips, trips, or collisions
- Fuel spills or leaks, which carry environmental liabilities
- Armed robberies or vandalism targeting staff and property
- Third-party claims alleging negligence
Each of these risks can lead to insurance claims that, if not managed correctly, may cost your business thousands—or even threaten its survival. That’s why having petrol service station risk insurance tailored to your operations is essential.
Car Theft at Service Stations: Who’s Responsible?
When a car is stolen from your service station, one of the first questions is: Who’s liable?
In many cases, the car owner’s comprehensive motor insurance may respond to the claim. However, disputes can arise if it’s alleged that the service station’s security measures were inadequate—for example:
- Poor lighting in the forecourt
- Broken or non-existent CCTV systems
- Lack of signage warning about theft risks
- Staff negligence, such as leaving keys unattended
If a customer claims your negligence contributed to the theft, your business could face a public liability claim. This is where petrol service station public liability insurance plays a critical role, covering legal defence costs and compensation if you are found liable.
Insurance Covers Every Service Station Must Have
To protect your business from theft-related claims and other exposures, you should consider a comprehensive insurance program. Key policies include:
Public Liability Insurance
Protects against claims from third parties alleging injury, property damage, or negligence—for example, if a stolen car leads to an accident and your station is held partly responsible.
Business Interruption Insurance
Covers lost income if an incident, such as theft, fire, or fuel contamination, forces you to close temporarily.
Petrol Service Station Indemnity Insurance
Provides tailored indemnity protection for industry-specific risks, such as environmental damage, theft claims, or contractual obligations.
Property and Theft Insurance
Covers your station’s physical assets—including equipment, stock, and cash—against theft or damage.
Servo Insurance
For complete cover, we recommend operators explore a tailored Servo Insurance package. This combines public liability, indemnity, property, and environmental liability into one streamlined solution, designed specifically for service station businesses.
Challenges in Insurance Claims for Car Theft
Filing an insurance claim after a theft can be stressful, especially when liability is disputed. Common challenges include:
- Blame-shifting between the car owner’s insurer and the station’s insurer
- Evidence disputes about whether security was adequate
- Delays in claims processing while investigations are ongoing
- Unclear policy wording that leaves you wondering what’s covered
At Global Insurance Solutions, we work directly with insurers on your behalf, helping to minimise disputes, speed up claims, and ensure your rights are protected.
Practical Steps to Minimise Car Theft Risks
Insurance is vital, but prevention is even better. Service station operators should:
- Install and maintain high-quality CCTV covering all forecourt and parking areas
- Provide adequate lighting, especially during night trading
- Place warning signage reminding customers to lock their cars and remove valuables
- Train staff to be alert and act quickly if suspicious behaviour is observed
- Develop an incident response plan to handle thefts or accidents efficiently
These measures not only reduce theft risks but can also strengthen your position if a liability claim arises.
Learning from Other Service Station Risks
Car theft isn’t the only threat; issues like underground storage tank leaks, fires, or rural crime also pose significant risks. To dive deeper, explore our detailed guides:
Together with theft protection, these resources provide a holistic approach to service station risk management.
Why Choose Global Insurance Solutions?
As a multi-award-winning brokerage, we bring years of experience supporting fuel retailers across Australia. Our tailored insurance solutions help operators like you stay compliant, reduce risks, and protect profits. With access to over 150 insurers through Australia’s leading network, we arrange the right coverage at competitive premiums, so you can focus on running your station with confidence.
Final Thoughts
A car stolen from your service station doesn’t just impact the vehicle’s owner—it can also expose your business to legal and financial risk. That’s why every operator should have strong service station business insurance, backed by expert advice and proactive risk management.
At Global Insurance Solutions, we make sure you’re covered for the unexpected, from theft claims to environmental risks. With the right petrol service station indemnity insurance and public liability cover, you can safeguard your business against costly disputes and keep operations running smoothly.
FAQs on Service Station Risks
Q1. What happens if a customer’s car is stolen at my petrol station?
In most cases, the customer’s own motor insurance responds. However, if negligence is alleged against the station, your public liability insurance may be triggered.
Q2. Do I need petrol service station indemnity insurance?
Yes—indemnity insurance protects against complex risks like theft claims, contractual liabilities, and environmental damage, which general policies often exclude.
Q3. Will public liability insurance cover theft at my station?
It won’t cover the stolen vehicle itself but will protect you if someone claims your negligence contributed to the theft.
Q4. What’s the difference between business insurance and Servo Insurance?
Business insurance provides general cover, while Servo Insurance is tailored specifically to fuel retailers, bundling essential protections like public liability, property, theft, and environmental liability.
Q5. How can I reduce the risk of theft at my service station?
Invest in CCTV, adequate lighting, warning signage, and staff training. These steps reduce risks and can strengthen your defence if a claim arises.
Important notice
This article is of a general nature only and does not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation or needs. It is also not financial advice, nor complete, so please discuss the full details with your insurance broker as to whether these types of insurance are appropriate for you. Deductibles, exclusions and limits apply. You should consider any relevant Target Market Determination and Product Disclosure Statement in deciding whether to buy or renew these types of insurance. Various insurers issue these types of insurance and cover can differ between insurers.
This article provides information rather than financial product or other advice. The content of this article, including any information contained in it, has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider the appropriateness of the information, taking these matters into account, before you act on any information. In particular, you should review the product disclosure statement for any product that the information relates to it before acquiring the product.
Information is current as at the date the article is written as specified within it but is subject to change. Global Insurance Solutions Pty Ltd make no representation as to the accuracy or completeness of the information. Various third parties have contributed to the production of this content. All information is subject to copyright and may not be reproduced without the prior written consent of Global Insurance Solutions Pty Ltd.
Risk Advisor, Insurance Broker & Director
With around 15 years in insurance, Yuvi Singh is a passionate Risk Advisor, Director, and Insurance Broker at Global Insurance Solutions. Backed by a Commerce degree and ANZIIF diploma, Yuvi leads a team servicing SMEs across industries like manufacturing, logistics, fuel, IT, and more. At GIS, clients benefit from tailored, transparent advice, access to 150+ insurers, and end-to-end risk solutions. Recognised as a 2022 Insurance Magazine Rising Star and 2024 Top Insurance Broker by Insurance Business Australia, Yuvi delivers flexible, effective outcomes with integrity and innovation.