BY ZACH MATERNE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

For more than two decades , I ' ve lived and breathed the exhilarating world of the powersports industry , from the vibrant showroom floor to the dynamic intricacies of commercial insurance . As the co-founder of my family business TTRNO , a premier European motorcycle dealership in New Orleans , I reveled in my daily interaction selling the dream , and working with enthusiasts . After the sale of our dealership in 2019 , I began a new chapter – working in commercial insurance , specifically

addressing the unique needs of powersports dealers . My mission is clear : to be an advocate , not just for individual clients but for the Powersports Industry as a whole .

ZACH MATERNE

In all my years in 20−Clubs , and engaging peers at dealer events , if a Commercial Insurance topic

arose , there seemed to be very few places to turn for advice or expertise . When I was given the opportunity to evolve my career to commercial insurance , I knew that I could help solve this problem . It was a profound shift from the adrenaline-fueled world of motorcycle sales to the nuanced realm of risk management . However , the core motivation remained constant : a dedication to ensuring the prosperity of an industry that had been my home for almost two decades . Now , as an advocate for powersports professionals , I want to shed light on the critical issues that dealers grapple with when building

their risk management strategy .

Here are the top five issues that I see in the market :

1 . BEYOND COMMODITY : ELEVATING INSURANCE TO A RISK MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

One of the prevailing challenges in the powersports industry is the tendency to view insurance as a mere commodity – a necessary but cursory expense . The reality is that insurance should be seen as a strategic pillar of risk management . Too often , dealers may opt for the easiest path without considering the unique risks they face . I encourage my colleagues to transcend this perspective , recognizing insurance not as a checkbox on a to-do list , but as a proactive investment in the long-term resilience of their business . This industry puts so much emphasis on training F & I staff to protect their customers ’ assets , but dealers themselves are less likely to protect their own assets with the same enthusiasm .

2 . ANNUAL REVIEWS : A CRUCIAL LENS ON PROPERTY COVERAGE

The powersports industry is dynamic , with inventory values , building values and business landscapes in constant flux . Yet , it ' s surprising how often dealers neglect the annual review of policy limits , especially in property coverage . This oversight can lead to underinsurance , leaving dealers vulnerable to unforeseen events . An in-depth annual review ensures that policies align with the current value of assets and provide adequate coverage against potential risks , safeguarding dealerships from financial setbacks in the event of a claim .

3 . YOUR BROKER : THE UNSUNG ADVOCATE IN THE MARKET

Your insurance broker is more than just a middleman facilitating transactions . They are your advocate in the market , working tirelessly on the front lines to secure the best possible coverage for your specific needs . The effort you invest in selecting the right broker pays off in better results . By cultivating a strong partnership with a broker who understands the powersports industry intricately , you ensure that your interests are represented in negotiations . This proactive approach can lead to more tailored and comprehensive coverage , providing a safety net for your dealership .

4 . FALSE PRETENSE COVERAGE AND CYBER EXPOSURE : EMERGING THREATS IN THE DIGITAL AGE

As our businesses move increasingly into the digital realm , two emerging challenges demand attention — False Pretense Coverage and Cyber Exposure . False Pretense Coverage protects against losses resulting from a person posing as a customer with the intent to deceive the dealership . In the age of digital transactions and interactions , this coverage is crucial . Similarly , the powersports industry is not immune to cyber threats . Cyber Exposure coverage is essential to protect against potential losses arising from data breaches , hacking , or other cyber-related incidents . Acknowledging and addressing these modern threats is key to a comprehensive insurance strategy .

5 . NAVIGATING THE WATERS OF EMPLOYEE PRACTICES LIABILITY

Employee practices liability is a facet often See Top 5 Issues , Page 9