Alishahi InsuranceIndependent Insurance Broker
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Who insures it · 3 named markets · read 2026-10-28

Who insures firearms dealers and gunsmiths?

Firearms dealers and gunsmiths is a risk most standard carriers decline on sight. The markets below say in their own published appetite or program pages that they write it; each line links to that page with the date it was read.

3 markets publicly write firearms dealers and gunsmiths: Joseph Chiarello & Co., Inc. - Gunsmith / Firearms Business Insurance, Lockton Affinity Outdoor - Firearm Business Insurance, XINSURANCE (DBA of Evolution Insurance Brokers, LC). 2 program administrators, 1 wholesaler. 2 through surplus lines.

By Sam Alishahi, independent insurance broker

The markets

Who says they write it

From each market's own appetite, product or program page (or a trade article quoting it), read on the date shown. Appetites change: the linked page controls. A market listed here isn't necessarily one this agency is appointed with; a licensed broker reaches most of them directly or through a wholesaler.

MarketWhat they say they writeWherePaperSource
Joseph Chiarello & Co., Inc. - Gunsmith / Firearms Business Insurance
Program administrator		Gunsmiths (liability including completed work after the customer takes possession); homepage also lists gun shops, firearms retailers, wholesalers & distributors, manufacturers & importers, accessory and ammunition manufacturers
“Protect your craft, your livelihood, and your peace of mind by securing comprehensive gunsmith liability insurance today.”		not statednot statedguninsurance.com · read 2026-10-28
Lockton Affinity Outdoor - Firearm Business Insurance
Program administrator		Gun stores, gunsmiths, FFL-licensed businesses, retail, pawn, antique and collectible firearm dealers, ammo reloading and manufacturing, commercial ranges and training centers. Page: coverage may be provided by an excess/surplus lines insurer
“Available options include gun store insurance, gun range insurance, gunsmith insurance and more.”		not stated (page: 'Not available in all states')Surplus lineslocktonaffinityoutdoor.com · read 2026-10-28
XINSURANCE (DBA of Evolution Insurance Brokers, LC)
Wholesaler		Gun shop insurance for gun stores, gun & ammo manufacturers and suppliers, gunsmiths, gun show vendors, online firearm sellers, ammunition dealers and pawn shops: liability (incl. gunsmithing errors and transfer-procedure allegations), property for firearm inventory, inland marine for inventory in transit and at gun shows; 'Firearms Liability' and commercial auto available in most states
“XINSURANCE is here to help gun shop owners with customized insurance solutions that best fit their needs”		not stated (page: Firearms Liability 'Available in most states')Surplus linesxinsurance.com · read 2026-10-28

Three markets verified. XINSURANCE/Prime publish no firearms-dealer page; Colonial General could not be verified on its own site; the web-search budget was exhausted before a fourth FFL program could be checked.

How firearms dealers and gunsmiths gets placed

Standard markets first where any will look at it; when they won't, the placement goes through surplus lines, where a licensed surplus lines broker places it with an eligible non-admitted insurer and files the state's surplus lines tax and stamping forms. In California, risks on the Department of Insurance export list can go to surplus lines without the usual diligent search of admitted carriers. Surplus lines policies aren't backed by a state guaranty fund, so the insurer's financial rating matters more.

What an underwriter will want before quoting: a full description of the operation, years in business and the owners' experience, revenue or payroll, loss runs (five years where available, currently valued), the contracts or venue requirements that set the limits, and photos or safety plans where the hazard is physical.

I'm licensed in 49 states and Washington, DC and your request stays with my agency, not passed to another agent. In Florida, where my licenses are still being issued, a partner agency in your state helps in the meantime.

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