Product Liability Insurance: Everything You Need to Know

Product liability insurance is a type of insurance that protects businesses against lawsuits filed by customers who have been injured or suffered property damage due to a product sold by the business. This insurance coverage plays a vital role in protecting businesses from financial losses resulting from such lawsuits. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about product liability insurance, including what it is, how it works, and why you need it.

What is Product Liability Insurance?

Product liability insurance is a type of insurance that covers businesses against claims and lawsuits filed by customers who have been injured or suffered property damage due to a product sold by the business. This type of insurance policy covers a wide range of products, including but not limited to, food and beverages, household goods, electronics, toys, and medical devices.

Product liability insurance is designed to protect businesses against the financial losses that can result from such lawsuits. It can cover the costs of legal fees, settlements or judgments, and other expenses related to the lawsuit.

How Does Product Liability Insurance Work?

Product liability insurance covers businesses against lawsuits filed by customers who have suffered injuries or property damage due to a product sold by the business. When a customer files a claim or lawsuit against a business, the insurance company will investigate the claim and determine if it is covered under the policy. If the claim is covered, the insurance company will provide financial assistance to the business to pay for legal fees, settlements or judgments, and other expenses related to the lawsuit.

The cost of product liability insurance varies depending on the type of business and the products being sold. Small businesses with a low risk of product liability claims may pay as little as a few hundred dollars per year, while large businesses with a high risk of product liability claims may pay tens of thousands of dollars per year.

Why Do You Need Product Liability Insurance?

If you sell a product, you need product liability insurance. Even if you believe that your products are safe and will not cause any harm to customers, accidents can happen, and customers can get injured. Product liability lawsuits can be expensive and can easily bankrupt a small business. Product liability insurance provides protection against such lawsuits and ensures that your business can continue to operate in the event of a lawsuit.

Types of Product Liability Insurance

There are two main types of product liability insurance policies: occurrence-based policies and claims-made policies.

Occurrence-Based Policies

Occurrence-based policies cover claims that arise from an incident that occurred during the policy period, regardless of when the claim is filed. This type of policy provides coverage for claims that are filed years after the product was sold.

Claims-Made Policies

Claims-made policies cover claims that are filed during the policy period. This type of policy provides coverage for claims that are made while the policy is in effect. Once the policy expires, there is no coverage for any claims that are filed after the policy has expired.

What Does Product Liability Insurance Cover?

Product liability insurance covers a wide range of expenses related to a product liability claim or lawsuit.

Legal Fees

Product liability lawsuits can be very expensive, and legal fees can quickly add up. Product liability insurance covers the costs of hiring a lawyer and other legal fees associated with defending the lawsuit.

Judgments and Settlements

If a court decides that your business is liable for a customer’s injuries or property damage, you will be required to pay a settlement or judgment. Product liability insurance provides coverage for these costs.

Medical Expenses

If a customer is injured by your product, they may require medical treatment. Product liability insurance provides coverage for the cost of medical treatment that the customer requires due to the injury.

Product Recall Expenses

If a product is found to be defective or unsafe, a recall may be necessary. Product liability insurance can help cover the costs associated with the recall, including shipping, product storage, and disposal.

FAQ

What is the difference between product liability insurance and general liability insurance?

General liability insurance covers a business against claims related to property damage, bodily injury, and advertising injury. Product liability insurance is a specific type of liability insurance that covers a business against claims related to product defects and injuries or property damage caused by a defective product.

What products are covered by product liability insurance?

Product liability insurance covers a wide range of products, including but not limited to, food and beverages, household goods, electronics, toys, and medical devices.

Do I need product liability insurance if I am a small business owner?

If you sell a product, you need product liability insurance. Even if you believe that your products are safe and will not cause any harm to customers, accidents can happen, and customers can get injured. Product liability lawsuits can be expensive and can easily bankrupt a small business. Product liability insurance provides protection against such lawsuits and ensures that your business can continue to operate in the event of a lawsuit.

What types of lawsuits are covered by product liability insurance?

Product liability insurance covers lawsuits related to product defects and injuries or property damage caused by a defective product.

How much does product liability insurance cost?

The cost of product liability insurance varies depending on the type of business and the products being sold. Small businesses with a low risk of product liability claims may pay as little as a few hundred dollars per year, while large businesses with a high risk of product liability claims may pay tens of thousands of dollars per year.

Conclusion

Product liability insurance is a vital tool in protecting businesses against the financial losses that can result from lawsuits related to product defects and injuries or property damage caused by a defective product. If you sell a product, you need product liability insurance. Make sure to work with a reputable insurance company to ensure that you have the right coverage for your business.