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Industries · Manufacturing and wholesale

Insurance for importers.

Products liability that answers as if you made the goods, ocean and air cargo coverage, customs bonds, and the vendor endorsements retailers ask for, for importers of finished goods.

A few quick questions, then we send you your price. Many trades get it in minutes.

What importers usually carry

  • Products liability, $1M / $2M
  • Ocean and air cargo
  • Customs bond
  • Product recall
  • Property and inventory
  • Umbrella

Watch for these in an importer’s policy

  • The foreign makerWhen the manufacturer is overseas and out of reach, a plaintiff sues the importer instead. Many carriers price your products coverage as if you made the goods.
  • Your supplier’s certificateA certificate from an overseas factory often does little in a US suit. Their policy may not cover US claims, and collecting from them is hard.
  • Carrier liability capsAn ocean carrier’s liability is often capped at $500 per package. Without cargo insurance, a lost container is mostly your loss.
  • General averageWhen a ship declares general average, every cargo owner shares the cost, and your goods can be held until you post security. Cargo insurance usually posts it for you.

What retailers and marketplaces ask importers for

  • Vendor endorsementRetailers want to be named as a vendor on your products coverage, even though you did not make the goods.
  • Marketplace minimumsOnline marketplaces often require products liability naming them once your sales pass a set level.
  • A US insurerMany retailers require a US insurer with a minimum financial strength rating.
  • Recall coverageSome retailers now ask importers to show it.

Questions importers ask

Straight answers.

The questions we hear most, answered plainly.

Why am I treated as the manufacturer when I only import?

Plaintiffs go after the company they can reach. When the maker is overseas, that is usually you, so your policy has to answer as if you made the product.

Do I need cargo insurance if my supplier ships the goods?

It depends on your terms. On CIF terms the seller buys cargo coverage, often at a minimum level. On FOB or EXW, the risk in transit is yours.

What is a customs bond?

A bond that promises customs your duties, taxes, and fees will be paid. Most commercial imports need one, for a single entry or continuous for a year.

How fast can I get a certificate?

Once your policy is bound, you request certificates from your client login, with the wording your contract asks for.

Can I pay monthly?

Yes. Most policies can be paid in full or monthly.

Manufacturing and wholesale

Don’t see yours? See every industry, or tell us what you do and we’ll quote it.

Cosmetics makers

Products liability, $1M / $2M, Product recall, Property and inventory

Manufacturers

General liability with products, $1M / $2M, Product recall, Property and inventory

Machine shops

General liability with products, $1M / $2M, Property and machinery, Equipment breakdown

Metal fabricators

General liability with completed operations, Workers’ comp, Property and steel inventory

Food manufacturers

General liability with products, $1M / $2M, Product contamination and recall, Spoilage

Printing companies

General liability, $1M / $2M, Printers errors and omissions, Property and presses

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