Home / Product Liability Insurance / Product Liability Insurance For Importers

Importer Insurance

Whether you ship it, store it, or source it, we protect your business and the products you move.

What Is Importer Insurance?

Importer insurance is a type of product liability insurance designed to protect you from claims of injury or damage related to the products you bring in.

This type of insurance is intended to:

  • Cover legal fees and settlements
  • Pay for medical bills or repairs
  • Reduce or eliminate the cost of a product claim
  • Meet manufacturer and seller requirements

 

Don’t put your business at risk! Ship and sell with confidence, and let importer insurance handle the rest.

Who Needs Importer Liability Insurance?

If you import products, parts, or ingredients for retail, wholesale, or manufacturing, this coverage is crucial for protecting your company. The top importing industries we cover include:

Why Do Importers Need Product Liability Insurance?

Being part of the supply chain comes with risks. Even if you didn’t manufacture an item, U.S. law treats you as the manufacturer, which means you can be legally responsible if a product leads to accidents or recalls.

If something ever goes wrong, the right coverage can be the difference between a small hiccup and a full-blown business meltdown.

Importer compliance


Easily partner with manufacturers, retailers, and online sellers by meeting their insurance requirements with a Certificate of Liability (COI)

Injury claims


A product you import may lead to customer injuries, but your policy is made to cover medical bills, legal fees, and potential settlements

Defective goods


If a manufacturing flaw leads to damages, importer insurance can shield your business from the financial fallout

Labeling errors


If a product you import comes with incorrect or missing safety warnings, your policy helps cover the claim while protecting your brand’s reputation

How Much Does Product Liability Insurance for Importers Cost?

Product liability insurance for importers costs an average of $700 to $3,000 a year for coverage with Insurance Canopy.

Your premium depends on factors such as the type of goods, the quantity sold, and where it ultimately ends up. We’ll calculate your final costs based on:

  • Annual revenue
  • Type of imports
  • Location
  • Claims history
  • Coverage limits

No two businesses are exactly the same, which is why our team of licensed agents will tailor a policy that fits your unique business needs!

What Importer Insurance Covers

Insurance Canopy’s importer insurance includes up to $1 million per claim and $2 million per year in general and product liability coverage. It can cover you for business or product-related lawsuits, injuries, and damages.

Need extra coverage? Our team is here to help you add what you need and skip what you don’t. Whether you’re selling directly to consumers, shipping to sellers, or working with manufacturers, we’ll help you build a plan that checks every box.

Included

General Liability Insurance covers legal defense, medical expenses, and property repair costs for other people harmed by your business operations. For importers, this could mean a vendor slipping during a warehouse visit or accidentally damaging a client’s property while dropping off an order.

Product Liability Insurance covers claims related to injuries or property damage caused by imported goods, like defective parts, improper labeling, or safety failures. Courts and clients often hold importers accountable, especially if you’re listed on the shipping documents or product packaging.

Recommended Add-ons

Product Recall Insurance covers the costs if you need to pull a product off the shelves. Whether it’s a safety issue, contamination, or a mislabeling mistake, this coverage can pay for customer alerts, return shipping, disposal, and even crisis management.

Inland Marine Insurance covers inventory, tools, and equipment while they’re in transit or stored at off-site locations. If insured items are damaged in a truck accident or stolen from a warehouse, this coverage can pay for repairs or replacements.

Note: Inland marine policies typically do not refund the retail sales value, especially for items priced to sell, since retail pricing varies widely. Instead, they usually cover the cost to remake or replace the damaged or stolen goods.

Importers rely heavily on digital systems to manage orders, communicate with suppliers, and track shipments. Cyber Liability Insurance helps your business, clients, and partners recover if your systems are hacked or private data is exposed. It can cover legal costs, data recovery, crisis management, and credit monitoring efforts.

Commercial Auto Insurance covers company-owned vehicles used for business, like delivery vans or cargo trucks. In the event of an accident, it can help cover the costs of repairs, medical expenses, and legal fees. It also helps if your vehicle is stolen or vandalized.

Workers Compensation helps protect your employees if they’re handling freight, inspecting shipments, or managing inventory. It covers medical bills, lost wages, and recovery costs for work-related injuries. Most states legally require it if you have employees.

A Worldwide Coverage Endorsement extends your protection to claims that happen abroad. Importers often deal with global supply chains, which means your risk doesn’t stop at the U.S. border. This could cover claims or lawsuits filed overseas.

A Primary & Non-Contributory Endorsement ensures your policy responds first in a claim, before another party’s insurance kicks in. It’s often required in contracts with big retailers or shipping partners.

A Waiver of Subrogation stops your insurance from trying to recover costs from a partner after paying a claim. It’s a common contract requirement that helps keep things friendly amongst other companies you do business with, even if someone else was partly at fault.

A 30-Day Cancellation Notice ensures your partners are notified if your insurance is about to be canceled, usually 30 days in advance. It’s a small detail that can keep big relationships running smoothly.

135,000+ Businesses Trust Insurance Canopy

Keep your business sailing forward stress-free with custom product liability insurance for importers.

  • Thank you so much

    Steve Monreal Avatar Steve Monreal
    July 11, 2025

    I needed a portable policy as a yoga instructor. I found this company in an online search. Called and got details from them, was quite surprised at how affordable... Read More

    Jamie Calaway Avatar Jamie Calaway
    July 4, 2025

    Very easy & quick experience. We got insurance in no time with no hassle. Thank you!

    Robert Earnest Avatar Robert Earnest
    July 4, 2025
  • I am glad I went with them. I needed a last minute policy to cover an event I was doing and they had exactly what I needed at a... Read More

    Deloris Pacheco Avatar Deloris Pacheco
    June 27, 2025

    Very easy to renew policy

    Elyce Nissinoff Avatar Elyce Nissinoff
    June 18, 2025

    Representative Sarah was very helpful. Walked me through every step and not to mention the price even matched the service! Would recommend to any and everyone.

    queenkiam Avatar queenkiam
    June 18, 2025
  • Would have 5 starts, but not right now. This is the first time I have ever had to pay for an additional insured ever in 20 year's. They either have... Read More

    Anthony Burgess Avatar Anthony Burgess
    June 18, 2025

    Very user friendly platform. Multiple options. Very good pricing. Needed liability insurance in order to secure a very good paying event for my solo tribute show. Was set up within... Read More

    Michael Riley Avatar Michael Riley
    June 18, 2025

    Needed DJ insurance for Memorial Day weekend & was squared away within an hour for 2 events! Highly recommend

    Jay Solis Avatar Jay Solis
    June 18, 2025
  • What a lovely experience I had with Insurance Canopy! Easy and fast sign up, great policy, matches my needs as a self-employed business owner. Highly recommend!

    Masha Rusanov Avatar Masha Rusanov
    June 18, 2025

    great little company, with fair pricing, for entertainers who need occasional coverage.however, they have long hold times to speak to an agent, and their customer service left a little something... Read More

    Gretje Angell Avatar Gretje Angell
    June 18, 2025

    Provides event insurance at a very reasonable price compared to other companies. Easy to purchase and provide proof of insurance.

    David Fox Avatar David Fox
    May 18, 2025
  • They can help.you with the right Insurance you need, and the lowest price

    Alvaro Baltazar Avatar Alvaro Baltazar
    May 18, 2025

    everything is excellent

    Radames Martinez Avatar Radames Martinez
    May 18, 2025

    Extremely affordable event insurance and an easy to work with system and team that will advise you every step of the way!

    Ishan Arvin Avatar Ishan Arvin
    May 18, 2025
  • Affordable for dance & yoga folk. Thumbs up!

    Maia Claire Avatar Maia Claire
    May 18, 2025

    Affordable. Thank you.

    Ana Young Avatar Ana Young
    April 18, 2025

    For me, this application process was super efficient and easy to navigate on line. That goes a long way!

    Holly Mulder Avatar Holly Mulder
    April 18, 2025
  • I'm a new customer/policy holder. Super easy online application and policy setup. Very competitive rates. Certificate of insurance generated and received (PDF) immediately once method of payment established. Great service... Read More

    Matthew Terry Avatar Matthew Terry
    April 18, 2025

    Canopy insurance has covered my DJ business for several years and I am totally satisfied with their services.Thank you DjVic🎧

    DjVic Universal Sounds Avatar DjVic Universal Sounds
    March 18, 2025

    I have not had any issues over the years with Insurance Canopy, with canceling and renewing, I have found the cost of coverage in line or better then some. I have... Read More

    John Corkins Avatar John Corkins
    March 18, 2025
  • I was feeling overwhelmed with the specifications needed for my insurance coverage. I was offered friendly, quick and clear assistance. Through Canopy and Rey's help I was able to obtain... Read More

    ESPIE QUINTERO Avatar ESPIE QUINTERO
    February 18, 2025

    Great for Event Insurance - most affordable

    Gaby Nobrega Avatar Gaby Nobrega
    February 18, 2025

    I have them for 3 years this year seems price went up . I have never had to use them for a claim so really couldn’t tell you about that!

    Denice Lapointe Avatar Denice Lapointe
    February 18, 2025
  • TLJ's Mobile Mixology, LLC had been insured with Insurance Canopy since it's inception and we have no complaints.

    Tenisha J. Avatar Tenisha J.
    February 4, 2025

    Knowledgeable, kind, attentive and professional. She helped me to feel comfortable, well taken good care of and get the service possible.

    Ed Levitt Avatar Ed Levitt
    February 3, 2025

    As a Massage Therapist, I was not aware until a few years ago that I did not have to be part of an Organization to get my liability insurance! I... Read More

    Kristie Williams Avatar Kristie Williams
    January 30, 2025
  • This insurance has helped me secure events with my corporate and local government clients. They have great customer service and are always willing to help.

    Tony Felix Avatar Tony Felix
    January 23, 2025

    Representative was clear & concise in explaining specifics of the policy. Cost of policy very reasonable.

    John B Avatar John B
    January 16, 2025

    Was waiting for two other insurance companies to get back to me for over 2 1/2 weeks and losing money every day. Sitting here, frustrated I asked ChatGPT what... Read More

    Chad Laibly Avatar Chad Laibly
    January 6, 2025
  • Thank you so much

    Steve Monreal Avatar Steve Monreal
    July 11, 2025
  • I needed a portable policy as a yoga instructor. I found this company in an online search. Called and got details from them, was quite surprised at how affordable... Read More

    Jamie Calaway Avatar Jamie Calaway
    July 4, 2025
  • Very easy & quick experience. We got insurance in no time with no hassle. Thank you!

    Robert Earnest Avatar Robert Earnest
    July 4, 2025
  • I am glad I went with them. I needed a last minute policy to cover an event I was doing and they had exactly what I needed at a... Read More

    Deloris Pacheco Avatar Deloris Pacheco
    June 27, 2025
  • Very easy to renew policy

    Elyce Nissinoff Avatar Elyce Nissinoff
    June 18, 2025
  • Representative Sarah was very helpful. Walked me through every step and not to mention the price even matched the service! Would recommend to any and everyone.

    queenkiam Avatar queenkiam
    June 18, 2025
  • Would have 5 starts, but not right now. This is the first time I have ever had to pay for an additional insured ever in 20 year's. They either have... Read More

    Anthony Burgess Avatar Anthony Burgess
    June 18, 2025
  • Very user friendly platform. Multiple options. Very good pricing. Needed liability insurance in order to secure a very good paying event for my solo tribute show. Was set up within... Read More

    Michael Riley Avatar Michael Riley
    June 18, 2025
  • Needed DJ insurance for Memorial Day weekend & was squared away within an hour for 2 events! Highly recommend

    Jay Solis Avatar Jay Solis
    June 18, 2025
  • What a lovely experience I had with Insurance Canopy! Easy and fast sign up, great policy, matches my needs as a self-employed business owner. Highly recommend!

    Masha Rusanov Avatar Masha Rusanov
    June 18, 2025

Questions About Importer Insurance

Do Importers Need Product Liability Insurance?

Yes, importers do need product liability insurance. Even if you didn’t make the product, U.S. law treats you like you did. If something goes wrong, the blame (and the bills) land on your desk. Product liability insurance helps cover those risks so one faulty shipment doesn’t become a business-ending lawsuit.

Have more questions? Our product liability FAQs cover the essentials to help you protect your business.

Importers are considered liable for product defects because U.S. law requires someone to be responsible for product safety.

If there’s no domestic manufacturer, the importer is held accountable. That means you’re expected to ensure the products you bring in are safe, properly labeled, and compliant, even if the issue started overseas.

Product liability insurance is not required by law, but platforms often require it.

Marketplaces like Amazon and Walmart typically demand proof of coverage before you can sell. Without it, you may lose access to those platforms or face delays in getting products to retail partners.

Yes, you can be sued even if you didn’t make the product. If your name is on the label, if you’re listed as the importer, or if your product causes harm, you can be sued.

Courts, customers, and companies will come to you first, not your overseas supplier. Product insurance is designed to cover the costs of lawsuits, medical bills, or settlements.

If you import goods without having product liability insurance, you take on major financial risk. One injury, recall, or platform dispute could wipe out your business.

Without coverage, you’re stuck paying legal and medical costs out of pocket, and you could lose access to key marketplaces like Amazon. With insurance, you stay protected, compliant, and ready for anything!

Related Articles

What kind of products do you make or sell?

Search and select the closest match

    What kind of work do you do?

    Search and select the closest match

      Our licensed, U.S.-based agents are here for you from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern, Monday through Friday, so they can enjoy evenings and weekends with the people who matter most.

      Our licensed, U.S.-based agents are here for you from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern, Monday through Friday, so they can enjoy evenings and weekends with the people who matter most.