You didn't make it. You can still be sued for it.
Product liability, warehouse property and stock, cargo, commercial auto and workers' comp for distributors of electronics, housewares, books, luggage and other non-food goods.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
Middle of the supply chain, named in the claim
When a product hurts someone, the lawyer names everyone in the chain: maker, importer, distributor and store. A distributor that imports directly can be treated like the manufacturer, because the foreign maker may be out of reach. Retail customers also send vendor agreements asking for product liability limits and additional insured status.
I place distributors by what they move, where it comes from and how it ships, so the product liability, warehouse stock, goods in transit and fleet are written together instead of on separate policies with gaps between them.
- Product liabilityClaims from goods you import or distribute.
- Property and stockWarehouse, racking and inventory, including peak season.
- Cargo and transitGoods on your trucks or with carriers you hire.
- Commercial autoBox trucks, vans and sales vehicles.
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.
- Products: what you distribute and sample product lines.
- Sources: domestic makers or direct imports, and from which countries.
- Customers: retailers, online sellers or businesses, and any vendor agreements.
- Warehouse: address, size, racking and stock value.
- Shipping: your own trucks, carriers you hire, or both.
- Sales and payroll: annual figures, plus current policies and claims.
Distributor insurance, answered
Why am I liable for a product I didn't make?
Product claims usually name every business in the chain. If the maker is overseas or uninsured, the distributor or importer can end up carrying the claim.
What do retailers usually require?
Large retailers often require product liability at set limits, additional insured status and a certificate before they list your goods. Send me the vendor agreement and I'll match it.
Is stock on a truck covered by my property policy?
Often only in a limited way. Cargo or transit coverage is usually needed for goods on the road, whoever is driving.
Does importing change the price of coverage?
It can. Insurers look at the country of origin, whether the maker carries its own insurance and whether you have a contract that protects you.
Do you offer wholesale distributor 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
Tell me what you move. I'll shop it.
Product lines, sales and where the goods come from 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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(877) 711-4545Answered 24/7 · CA License #4348151
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