Lumber wholesaler, distributor and importer insurance.

Operations to describe

• Domestic versus imported products
• Private-label, repackaging or modification
• Warehousing, cross-docking and delivery
• Product end uses and customer types
• Contracts, indemnification and vendor insurance

Coverage conversations

• Products and General Liability
• Property, stock and business income
• Cargo, transit and warehouse legal liability
• Commercial Auto
• Umbrella and possible Product Recall

Prepare for the quote

• Sales by product, supplier and territory
• Supplier quality controls and contracts
• Inventory values and seasonal peaks
• Vehicle and shipping information
• Claims and recall procedures

Eligibility, exclusions, deductibles, valuation and coverage terms vary by carrier. A complete description helps avoid classification surprises and reduces follow-up.

A distributor can inherit product allegations

Plaintiffs may name every party in the supply chain. Explain whether the business imports, private-labels, modifies, repackages, provides specifications or recommends end uses. Provide supplier locations and the percentage of foreign sourcing.

Contracts can shift more risk than the policy anticipates

Customer indemnity agreements, broad warranties, performance guarantees, vendor requirements and recall obligations deserve review. Insurance may not assume every contractual promise.

Inventory and transit should connect

Map when title transfers, who arranges freight, maximum values per conveyance, warehouse locations, seasonal peaks and whether goods are stored by third parties. Property, cargo and warehouse arrangements should avoid unintended gaps.

Read the products-liability guide.