Product Liability & Product Recall Insurance Guide
Matt McKenna
Underwriting Manager
Underwriting Manager
This is an exciting time to be part of the consumer goods market. Technology is giving rise to new distribution models leading to growth and evolution.
One of the biggest changes comes in the form of e-commerce. You can buy pretty much anything online, from groceries to mattresses, and toothbrushes to couches. Based on U.S. Census data, online sales surpassed sales in physical stores for the first time in February 2019.
E-commerce has also led to an expansion of direct-to-consumer sales. According to Deloitte’s 2019 Consumer Products Industry Outlook, direct-to-consumer sales increased by 34 percent in 2017. This has grabbed the attention of large traditional brands that want in on this successful model.
This period of change is creating opportunities for consumer goods companies. But if you want to take advantage of these opportunities, you need to be aware of the possible risks. Product recalls pose a constant threat to your company.
Not every recall garners much media attention. Nevertheless, numerous high-profile product recalls have occurred in recent years. These may be notable because they were especially dangerous, or because they impacted a large number of consumers.
Product liability insurance is an important coverage type for any company involved in consumer products. For example, you need product liability insurance if any of the following are true:
Product liability insurance will protect your company against third-party claims of bodily damage or property damage resulting from the use of your product.Coverage can oftenbe included under a general liability insurance policy. However, standalone product liability coverage is also available, and it may be better suited for companies offering unique products. Standalone coverage may also provide cost savings, so it’s worth looking into.
When it comes to claims, there are endless examples. People can sue over any perceived damage, and whether or not the lawsuit is successful, your company could face substantial defense costs as well as reputational damage.
Most product liability claims stem from one of the following areas:
Don’t make the mistake of thinking you don’t need product liability insurance simply because you produce a safe product. Many issues can lead to product liability claims, including some that are extremely difficult to foresee and may even be out of your control.
If an issue with one of your company’s products is discovered, you could face expenses from two major sources:
When a company becomes aware of a potential safety issue, the company has a duty to report this to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Failure to do so promptly can result in civil and criminal penalties. Depending on the type of product, it may be necessary to report safety incidents to other regulatory bodies. Both the company and the regulatory organization may conduct investigations.
The company may decide to issue a voluntary recall to avoid any potential injuries and resulting liability issues. The regulatory body may issue a mandatory recall. When a recall occurs, the company must communicate with consumers to remove the faulty product from the market. How exactly this is done will depend on the type of product. A contaminated food item, for example, may be disposed of, whereas a faulty vehicle may be repaired.
The costs associated with recalls can be substantial, possibly including:
Unfortunately, some companies assume that they have coverage for product recalls when, in fact, they do not. While product liability insurance provides protection against the costs associated with lawsuits, it does not cover the costs associated with recalls. To obtain this important coverage, your company must purchase product recall insurance.
While a product recall can hit any industry, some products are more likely to be recalled than others. According to the U.S. government’s site on recalls, commonly recalled products include:
The U.S. Public Interest Research Group notes that food recalls have been on the rise. Between 2013 and 2017, food recalls in the U.S. increased by 10%.
For established companies and startups alike, recalls and lawsuits can become a major expense. Don’t assume that your company is safe. Be proactive to avoid problems.
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