Product liability insurance protects your business if your product causes harm.

If your business makes, sells, designs, or distributes a physical product, product liability insurance is a crucial coverage.

What is product liability insurance?

If your business makes, sells, designs, or distributes a physical product, there’s a chance it could cause injury, property damage, or even death—even if it was misused. And when that happens, your business could be held legally responsible. That’s where product liability insurance comes in.

This coverage helps protect your business financially if something goes wrong with one of your products. It typically includes legal defense costs and compensatory damages. But here’s the reality: without the right coverage, one lawsuit could do serious financial damage—or even put you out of business entirely.

At V.F. McNeil Insurance, we work closely with Connecticut businesses to make sure they’re not just hoping they have the right protection—they know they do.

But what if you don’t manufacture anything?

We get this question a lot—and the answer is yes, you still need product liability insurance.

If you’re part of the supply chain in any way—maybe you’re a distributor, wholesaler, retailer, or even a product designer—you can still be held liable if a product causes harm. Courts have held suppliers and sellers responsible, even when they didn’t manufacture the product themselves. That’s why this coverage is just as important for you as it is for the manufacturer.

How common are defective products?

You might be surprised. The more products you move, the higher your risk. Defects can happen during manufacturing, through poor quality control, or because of flawed design. And even one overlooked detail can result in a costly lawsuit.

That’s why product liability insurance isn’t just a good idea—it’s a business essential.

What does it cost?

The price depends on things like your industry, the size of your business, and how risky your products are. For many small businesses, policies start at just a few thousand dollars a year. If you’re in a higher-risk space or have a larger operation, your premium will likely be higher—but so is your exposure.

Something else to keep in mind: this coverage isn’t “set it and forget it.” Changes in your design, materials, production methods—or even new products—can affect your policy. That’s why it’s important to review your coverage regularly with a knowledgeable advisor.

At V.F. McNeil Insurance, that’s exactly what we’re here for. We don’t just place a policy—we help you manage it as your business evolves.

   Real-World Product Liability Claims

If you’re wondering whether these risks are real, just look at the headlines:

These situations show how fast liability can arise—and why it’s so important to have the right protection before something happens

Product Liability Insurance vs. Product Recall Insurance

It’s easy to confuse these two, but they serve different (and equally important) purposes:

Together, they form a strong defense against financial loss and reputational damage. We often recommend both to our clients, because one without the other can leave a critical gap.

Let’s work together to get you the right protection.

Product liability insurance isn’t something to put off until you need it. By then, it’s too late.

Let the experienced team at V.F. McNeil Insurance help you make sure your Connecticut business is protected—before a claim or lawsuit ever happens. We’ll walk you through your options, explain the fine print, and help you build a plan that makes sense for your risk.

Get in touch today. We’re here to help you protect what you’ve built.