Test results you can stand behind.
Professional liability for test errors, equipment breakdown, pollution, client samples in your care and workers' comp for testing and research labs.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
Certificates, chemicals and client samples
When a lab certifies that a material, product or water sample passes, clients build on that result. If the result is wrong, the claim is for their losses, not just your fee. That makes professional liability the center of a lab's program.
Labs also store chemicals, run fume hoods and hold client samples that can't be replaced. I add pollution liability, equipment breakdown and property of others, and match the program to what you test.
- Professional liabilityClaims a test result or report was wrong.
- Pollution liabilityChemical spills and releases.
- Equipment breakdownInstruments, hoods and climate control.
- Property of othersClient samples and materials in your care.
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.
- Lab: what you test and for which industries.
- Chemicals: types and quantities on site.
- Equipment: major instruments and their values.
- Field work: sampling at client sites.
- Revenue and payroll: annual figures.
- History: current policies and any past claims.
Testing lab insurance, answered
Does general liability cover a wrong test result?
Usually not. Financial losses from a bad result are a professional liability exposure.
Is a chemical spill covered?
Most general liability policies exclude pollution. Pollution liability is built for it.
Are client samples covered if a freezer fails?
That takes property of others and equipment breakdown working together. I check both.
Do contracts require specific limits?
Often. Government and construction clients set limits and additional insured terms; send me the contract.
Do you offer testing laboratory 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 lab details. I'll shop it.
What you test, equipment values 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.
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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.