If you make, private-label, import or sell a product, you can be sued if it hurts someone, even if someone else manufactured it. Retailers, distributors and online marketplaces also require proof of product liability before they’ll carry your products. We insure small manufacturers and product brands, including hard-to-place classes like cosmetics, skin care, supplements and hemp products.
Start a manufacturers & products quote or call 888-391-5981.
Common risks
- A customer is injured or has a reaction to your product
- A retailer requires $1 million to $2 million in product liability and to be named as additional insured
- A fire or equipment breakdown stops production
- Inventory is damaged or stolen
- An employee is injured on the production line
Coverage most manufacturers & products need
| Coverage | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Product liability | Bodily injury and property damage caused by products you make, label or sell. |
| General liability | Premises and operations, packaged with product liability. |
| Commercial property | Your building, machinery, inventory and lost income after a covered loss. |
| Workers compensation | Required in California as soon as you have an employee. |
| Vendor endorsements | Adds retailers and distributors as additional insureds so they’ll carry your product. |
California requirements & what to know
Many classes, including cosmetics, supplements, hemp and CBD, and imported goods, are written in the surplus lines market. We work with several specialty wholesalers so we can compare more than one option.
Why business owners work with Pierce
- We’re an independent agency with access to standard carriers and specialty (surplus lines) markets, so we can place risks many agents turn down.
- A licensed agent handles your account from quote to renewal.
- Certificates of insurance, additional insureds and policy changes are handled fast. Request a COI.
- Local offices in San Dimas and Monrovia.
Related: Welding & fabrication · Food manufacturers & distributors · Retail stores · General liability
Frequently asked questions
Do I need product liability if a factory makes my product?
Yes. If your brand is on the label, you can be named in a lawsuit. The factory’s insurance usually doesn’t protect your company.
What limits do retailers and marketplaces require?
Most ask for $1 million per occurrence, some ask for $2 million, and they usually want to be added as an additional insured. Send us the vendor agreement and we’ll match it.
Can you insure cosmetics or supplement brands?
Yes. These are specialty classes, and we place them through surplus lines carriers that write them.