Question 1

We're a distributor, not a manufacturer — do we need product liability?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Anyone in the chain of distribution — manufacturer, importer, distributor, retailer — can be named in a products suit. Most distribution and reseller agreements push the indemnification chain back upstream, but every link still needs its own products-completed operations coverage and a vendor's endorsement from the upstream party.

Question 2

How does completed operations differ from products?

Accepted Answer

Products coverage responds to physical goods sold or supplied; completed operations responds to finished work — installations, construction, repairs, services. They share the same aggregate inside the GL form but answer different fact patterns at claim time.

Question 3

Is product recall covered under our GL?

Accepted Answer

No. The GL pays for third-party injury and damage caused by a defective product, not the cost to pull the product from the shelf. Product Recall is a standalone coverage we place when manufacturing, food, consumer-goods, or device exposure justifies it.

Question 4

How long does the long-tail exposure last?

Accepted Answer

Products and completed-operations claims can surface years after a product or project leaves the insured's hands — anchored to each state's statute of repose. We confirm the policy is on an occurrence form (not claims-made) so the policy in force when the work was done is the one that responds.

Product Liability & Completed Operations.