ACORD 138 refers to state-specific Garage and Dealers sections. The complete identifier includes a state suffix, such as ACORD 138 CA, MN, NJ, or NY. These forms capture local coverage selections, disclosures, and application details for garage or dealer risks. They supplement the main application and do not prove that coverage was issued.
When is ACORD 138 used?
An agency system can generate the applicable ACORD 138 when a garage or dealer risk needs a state-specific section alongside the countrywide ACORD 128 Garage and Dealers Section. The 2024 forms index lists Garage and Dealers forms under many states and shows different editions for some jurisdictions.[1] Vertafore also documents data flowing to the form, including dealer or repairer plate information.[2]
What should the applicant verify?
Confirm the complete form code and edition, the risk state, named insured, policy period, and all selected coverage or limit options. Compare the state form with the core garage application and vehicle, driver, location, and loss schedules. A mismatch between the forms can delay underwriting or produce an inaccurate request.
Is ACORD 138 the garage policy?
No. It is an application section. The carrier's quote, binder, declarations, coverage forms, and endorsements establish the contract. In particular, verify covered-auto symbols, liability limits, physical-damage terms, and any garagekeepers coverage in the issued documents.
Where can you obtain the correct form?
Use the version supplied by the agency, carrier, or authorized forms system for the risk state. Eligible users can search ACORD's Forms Portal.[3] A blank form found by number alone may be the wrong state's document.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use ACORD 138 from another state?
No. State-specific forms reflect local requirements. Use the suffix and edition required for the insured location and policy transaction.
How is ACORD 138 different from ACORD 128?
ACORD 128 is the countrywide Garage and Dealers Section. ACORD 138 adds state-specific information and selections where required.
The Bottom Line
Resolve the state before completing ACORD 138. Reconcile the state section with the full garage application, then verify the carrier's issued policy for actual coverage.
This guide is educational and describes the ACORD 138 form family in original language. Menlo Insurance Services is not affiliated with ACORD Corporation. The insurer's documents control.
References
- 1.ACORD. “ACORD Forms Index, revision 5/08/2024.” Accessed September 2026. https://acords.com/pdf/ACORD_Forms_Index.pdf ↩
- 2.Vertafore. “AMS360 2017 R1 Release Notes.” Accessed September 2026. https://help.vertafore.com/AMS360/content/releasenotes/v2016r2_to_2017r1/ams360_2017r1_release_notes.htm ↩
- 3.ACORD. “Forms Portal.” Accessed September 2026. https://formsportal.acord.org/Home ↩