Stacked high, covered right.
Property for yard and warehouse stock, forklifts, delivery trucks, product liability and workers' comp for lumber yards and building material dealers.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
A store, a yard and a fleet
A lumber yard or building supply dealer is several businesses at once: a counter for contractors and homeowners, yards stacked with lumber and pallets, forklifts moving loads, and boom or flatbed trucks delivering to job sites. Fire, theft from the yard and injuries during loading drive most losses.
Dealers that sell windows, doors, siding or garage doors also face product claims, and contractors often expect certificates before they open an account. I build the package around yard values, mobile equipment and the delivery fleet.
- PropertyBuildings, yard stock and racking.
- Mobile equipmentForklifts and loaders.
- Commercial autoBoom and flatbed delivery trucks.
- Product liabilityMaterials you sell.
What underwriters will ask
Having these ready means I can go to market on the first call. The quote form asks for the same things, and anything you don’t know yet can wait.
- Locations: stores, yards and warehouses, with addresses.
- Stock: peak inventory values, indoors and in the yard.
- Equipment: forklifts and loaders, and their values.
- Trucks: delivery vehicles, cranes or booms, and drivers.
- Installation: whether you install what you sell.
- Revenue, payroll and history: annual figures and loss runs.
Building supply insurance, answered
Is lumber stored outside covered?
Yard stock can be covered, but some policies limit property in the open. List outdoor values so the limit fits.
Are forklifts covered by my auto policy?
Usually not. Forklifts are mobile equipment, usually covered under inland marine for damage and general liability for injuries they cause, subject to the policy.
If we install what we sell, does that change things?
Yes. Installation brings contractor exposures, may need a contractor license, and changes how the liability is rated.
Is unloading at a job site covered?
Loading and unloading is generally handled under commercial auto, subject to the policy.
Do you offer lumber yard and building supply insurance outside California?
Yes. Clients across the country send the same quote form. Sam Alishahi is licensed in 48 states and Washington, DC and places policies there directly. In Florida and Washington, where Sam's licenses are still being issued, a partner agency in your state helps in the meantime. The shopping across carriers works the same way. Rules, minimums and markets differ by state — see insurance requirements by state.
Send your yard and fleet. I'll shop it.
Locations, stock values and trucks are enough to start.
Alishahi Insurance · Saman Alishahi, independent insurance broker, California License #4348151. General information, not a quote or a promise of coverage; coverage depends on underwriting and the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy actually issued.
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Takes about 30 seconds. Your application link comes by email right away, and you get an update at every step until your quotes are ready.
(877) 711-4545Answered 24/7 · CA License #4348151
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Tell me when your policy renews and I’ll email you about six weeks before, when it’s worth comparing. One email, no calls.