Group insurance, disability coverage, and retirement programs negotiated specifically for self-employed mobile mechanics. Honest about what's negotiated, what's pending, and what mechanics can do today regardless.
Employees at dealerships and chain shops often have access to employer-sponsored health insurance, retirement plans, and disability coverage. Self-employed mobile mechanics — by definition — don't have an employer to provide any of that. Buying individual coverage on the open market is expensive and often inadequate.
The answer for other self-employed professional groups has been associations. Trade associations negotiate group rates that individuals cannot access alone. That's exactly what Mechanics Alliance is building for mobile mechanics.
Group health insurance rates are generally lower than individual market rates — a common reason associations negotiate them. Mechanics Alliance is in discussions with carriers to develop a group plan accessible to members. Actual pricing will only be quoted once a plan is in place.
A hand injury or illness can end a mobile mechanic's income overnight. Short-term and long-term disability coverage through a group plan is a priority benefit Mechanics Alliance is negotiating.
SEP-IRA, Solo 401(k), and group retirement programs give self-employed mechanics the same tax-advantaged retirement savings tools that employees take for granted.
Mechanics Alliance is actively negotiating with carriers and benefit providers. Here's what's being built.
A group health plan accessible to all Mechanics Alliance members regardless of prior health history. the Alliance's association status gives carriers a defined risk pool — the foundation for negotiating group rates that individual mobile mechanics cannot access alone.
Short-term and long-term disability coverage for members. The most underinsured risk for self-employed mechanics — an injury that prevents you from working can be financially devastating without income protection. Mechanics Alliance bundles this with the group health offering where possible.
A group retirement program with pre-negotiated management fees below retail rates. Mechanics Alliance members get access to low-cost index funds through a single group plan — the same arrangement that makes 401(k) plans valuable for employees of large companies, without needing a corporate sponsor.
Voluntary dental and vision coverage bundled as add-ons to the group health plan. Typically straightforward to add to an existing group health structure once the core plan is operational.
the Alliance's group benefits aren't live yet — but there are steps every self-employed mechanic can take today.
If you're self-employed with no employer coverage, check Healthcare.gov or your state marketplace for ACA plans. Self-employed income qualifies for subsidies based on your income level — many mechanics pay far less than the sticker price after tax credits.
A SEP-IRA lets self-employed individuals contribute up to 25% of net self-employment income (2026 cap: $70,000) in a tax-deductible account. A Solo 401(k) allows both employee and employer contributions — for 2026, that's $23,500 employee deferral plus the employer-side contribution, with a combined limit also at $70,000 ($77,500 if you're 50+). Both available today through any major brokerage; no employer required.
Self-employed individuals can deduct 100% of health insurance premiums paid (for yourself and family) directly from gross income — not just as an itemized deduction. This includes dental and vision. If you're paying for individual coverage, make sure you're taking this deduction on your taxes.
While the Alliance's group disability plan is in development, individual disability policies are available through independent insurance agents. Look for "own-occupation" disability coverage — it pays if you can't do your specific trade, not just any job. This distinction matters enormously for skilled tradespeople.
the Alliance's benefits negotiations are being shaped by what founding members actually need. The more we understand about what mobile mechanics currently have — and what they're missing — the stronger our negotiating position with carriers and benefit providers. Founding members who complete the benefits survey directly influence what Mechanics Alliance prioritizes.
Your current coverage status helps Mechanics Alliance understand the gap and what alternatives members need most.
Willingness-to-pay data is the core of any carrier negotiation. Mechanics Alliance needs real numbers to negotiate real plans.
Gap coverage, income protection, retirement — what's most important to you shapes what Mechanics Alliance builds first.
Join Mechanics Alliance as a founding member and be first in line when group benefits launch.