Gear for the game, cover for the store.
Inventory and theft, product liability for the gear you sell, demo days and fittings, repair services and workers' comp for sporting goods retailers.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
Products people play hard with
Sporting goods are built to take hits, which means a product claim can follow a broken helmet, a snapped rod or a bike part that fails. Imported or private-label gear can leave you as the target if the maker can't be reached.
Stores also do more than sell: racquet stringing, club fitting, demo days in the parking lot, team orders. I build a retail package and add product liability and any service work so nothing falls between policies.
- Product liabilityInjury claims tied to gear you sell or repair.
- Business personal propertyInventory, fixtures and repair tools.
- CrimeTheft of high-value items and cash.
- General liabilityCustomers hurt in the store or at demo events.
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.
- Store: address, size and lease.
- Products: main categories and any private-label or imported gear.
- Services: repairs, fittings, rentals or lessons.
- Firearms or ammunition: whether you sell them.
- Revenue and payroll: annual figures.
- History: current policies and any past claims.
Sporting goods insurance, answered
Am I liable for a product I didn't make?
Sellers can be named in product claims. Product liability often responds, and vendor agreements with makers can help.
Are rentals covered?
Renting gear like bikes, kayaks or skis is a separate exposure. Tell me what you rent so it's written in.
What if I sell firearms or ammunition?
That changes the market a lot and needs federal, state and local licensing, including California DOJ dealer or ammunition vendor requirements. Many store policies exclude it.
Are demo days covered?
Events off your premises may need to be listed. Ask before the event.
Do you offer sporting goods store 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 store details. I'll shop it.
Products, services 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.
Tell me how to reach you. I’ll take it from there.
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.