Safe on the line, covered off it.
Range and instructor liability, lead exposure, pro shop sales, property and workers' comp for indoor and outdoor ranges and firearms training schools.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
A hard market that needs a plan
Few insurers write gun ranges, so most programs come from specialty surplus lines markets. They look closely at range safety officers, baffles and backstops, waiver use, and how you check new shooters before they reach the line.
Lead is the other big issue: airborne lead in indoor ranges and lead in soil at outdoor ranges. Selling firearms or ammunition in California also takes federal and state licensing, and sales go through Department of Justice background checks. I put range liability, property, workers' comp and pro shop coverage together with markets that know ranges.
- Range liabilityInjuries to shooters and guests.
- Instructor liabilityClasses, permits and private training.
- Pollution liabilityLead in air, soil and water.
- Workers' compLead exposure, noise and injuries to staff.
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.
- Range: indoor or outdoor, lanes and distances.
- Safety: range officers, rules and waivers.
- Lead: ventilation, cleanup and testing.
- Retail: firearms and ammunition sales, and licenses.
- Revenue and payroll: range, classes and shop split.
- History: current policies and any past claims.
Gun range insurance, answered
Why are ranges hard to insure?
Few insurers write them, and the ones that do want detailed safety and lead controls. I go to specialty markets that know ranges.
Are waivers enough?
Waivers help but don't stop every claim. Insurers want them, along with supervision and safety briefings.
Does general liability cover lead exposure?
Usually not. Pollution liability and workers' comp handle most lead exposures.
Are my instructors covered?
Employees can be on your policy. Independent instructors often need their own.
Do you offer gun range 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.
Official sources
Send your range details. I'll shop it.
Range type, safety setup and revenue 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. Some policies may be placed with nonadmitted (surplus lines) insurers, which are not members of the California Insurance Guarantee Association (CIGA).
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(877) 711-4545Answered 24/7 · CA License #4348151
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