Coverage Guide — Updated August 2026
Product Liability Insurance for Manufacturers & Retailers
Product liability insurance protects your business from claims that a product you manufactured, distributed, or sold caused bodily injury or property damage. A single defective product claim can bankrupt a small business — and platforms like Amazon require sellers to carry product liability insurance.
Backed by Munich Re. 750,000+ businesses insured. Get your certificate of insurance instantly.
Product liability insurance protects your business from claims that a product you manufactured, distributed, or sold caused bodily injury or property damage. A single defective product claim can bankrupt a small business without coverage.
What It Covers ✓
- ✓Third-party bodily injury caused by a defective product
- ✓Third-party property damage caused by a defective product
- ✓Manufacturing defects (product leaves factory in a dangerous condition)
- ✓Design defects (the product's design is inherently unsafe)
- ✓Failure to warn (inadequate instructions or safety warnings)
- ✓Defense costs for covered product liability claims
- ✓Completed operations liability (injury from a product after work is done)
What It Does NOT Cover ✗
- ✗Defects the business knew about and failed to fix
- ✗Intentional damage or fraud
- ✗Employee injuries (workers comp handles this)
- ✗Product recall costs (product recall insurance is separate)
- ✗Pollution from a product (requires pollution liability endorsement)
Who Needs Product Liability Insurance?
- →Product manufacturers of any size
- →Amazon FBA sellers and e-commerce product sellers
- →Importers and distributors of physical products
- →Retailers selling third-party products
- →Food producers and beverage companies
- →Supplement and wellness product brands
- →Any business that produces, sells, or distributes physical products
How Much Does It Cost?
Simple, low-risk consumer goods
$400–$1,500/yr
Food and beverage products
$800–$5,000/yr
Hardware, tools, mechanical products
$1,200–$5,000+/yr
High-risk (medical devices, chemicals)
$5,000–$30,000+/yr
Key Terms to Know
Products Liability
Covers claims from injury or damage caused by products after they leave your possession — the core protection for manufacturers, distributors, and retailers.
Completed Operations Liability
Covers claims arising from your work after the job is finished. Critical for contractors and installers — a product or installation that fails after completion is a completed operations claim.
Manufacturing Defect
A product that departs from its intended design during production — creating an unreasonably dangerous condition. One unit in a batch may be defective while others are not.
Design Defect
The product's fundamental design is inherently unsafe even when manufactured perfectly. Every unit carries the same defect — broader exposure than a manufacturing defect.
Failure to Warn
Inadequate safety instructions, warnings, or labels that lead to injury or damage. A product can be well-designed and well-made but still generate liability if it lacks proper warnings for foreseeable misuse or hazards.
Get Product Liability Insurance Today
Instant certificate. A+ AM Best rated. Online in 10 minutes.