Other people's goods, under your roof.
Coverage for public warehouses, third-party logistics (3PL) providers, fulfillment centers, cold storage and distribution.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
Your property policy doesn't cover their goods
When you store customers' goods, you can be held responsible if they're damaged or lost through your negligence. Warehouse legal liability covers that responsibility, which your own property policy doesn't. Your warehouse receipts and customer contracts define how much you're liable for.
Forklifts, loading docks and physical work make workers' comp significant, and the building, racking and equipment need property coverage. I place warehouse coverage with markets that write logistics operations near the ports and across California.
- Warehouse legal liabilityCustomers' goods damaged through your negligence.
- PropertyBuilding or improvements, racking and equipment.
- General liabilityVisitors, drivers and your operations.
- Workers' compWarehouse staff and forklift operators.
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.
- Operations: storage, fulfillment, cross-dock, cold storage.
- Goods: commodities and maximum values stored.
- Contracts: warehouse receipts and liability limits.
- Building: square footage, sprinklers, alarms and security.
- Payroll: warehouse staff and forklift operators.
- History: current policies and claims.
Warehouse insurance, answered
Does my property policy cover customers' goods?
Usually not. Customers' goods in your care need warehouse legal liability, which covers your legal responsibility for them.
How do warehouse receipts affect coverage?
Receipts and contracts can limit your liability per pound or per item. Coverage should match what your contracts say.
Is cold storage different?
Yes. Spoilage from equipment breakdown needs specific coverage.
What do underwriters rate on?
Goods stored, values, building protection, contracts, payroll and claims history.
Do you offer warehouse insurance outside California?
Yes. Clients across the country send the same quote form. California policies are placed directly; outside California the request is handled together with a partner agency in your state, and the shopping across carriers works the same way. Rules, minimums and markets differ by state — see insurance requirements by state.
Tell me about your warehouse. I'll shop it.
Your operations, goods stored and square footage 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).
Tell me how to reach you. I’ll take it from there.
Takes about 30 seconds. I review every request personally and call you back, usually the same day.
(424) 552-4545Answered 24/7 · CA License #4348151
Get a reminder before your renewal.
Tell me when your policy renews and I’ll email you about six weeks before, when it’s worth comparing. One email, no calls.