What is product liability coverage?

Product liability coverage defends and pays claims that a product you manufactured, distributed, or sold injured someone or damaged property. It's often required by retailers and marketplaces before they'll carry your goods.

Our retailer wants to be an 'additional insured' — what does that mean?

Naming a retailer as additional insured extends your policy's protection to them for claims arising from your products. Large buyers require it so a defect claim on your item is covered under your policy, not just theirs.

Does workers' comp cover repetitive-strain and long-term injuries?

Yes. California workers' comp covers occupational injuries and illnesses that build up over time, such as repetitive-motion strain, not just sudden accidents. It's required as soon as you have employees.

Does my property policy cover goods while they're being shipped?

Standard property coverage usually stops at your premises. Goods in transit and off-site storage typically need inland marine or transit coverage, which follows the products as they move between locations.

Industry Expertise

Manufacturing & Distribution

For manufacturers and distributors, a defective product that injures a customer can lead to a lawsuit long after the item ships, and most retailers and big-box buyers won't stock your goods until you show product-liability coverage naming them as additional insured. In California, workers' comp is required the moment you hire, and it matters more where heavy machinery and forklifts are in daily use.

Coverage to Consider Schedule Consultation

Who this coverage is for

This fits manufacturers, fabricators, assemblers, and food or consumer-goods producers, along with wholesalers and distributors. It also suits importers and private-label sellers who put products into the supply chain.

What it can help protect

Coverage for makers and movers of goods focuses on products, property, and the workforce:

Product liability — defends and pays claims that a product you made or sold caused injury or damage.
Inventory and equipment — helps replace stock, machinery, and materials damaged by fire, theft, or other covered events.
Business interruption — helps replace lost income if a covered event shuts down production.
Injured employees — workers' comp for medical costs and lost wages, required by California law once you hire.
Goods in transit and at warehouses — covers products damaged or lost while being stored or shipped.

Key industry risk considerations

A licensed review will usually focus on facility and equipment concentration, supply-chain dependency and shipping flow, and products sold, quality control, and recalls.