At Hausmann Group, we understand the unique challenges that Wisconsin businesses face when bringing products to market. Whether you're a manufacturer, wholesaler, distributor, or retailer, the potential for product-related claims is real and it can be costly.

That's where product liability insurance may help. Our team works with businesses throughout Wisconsin to identify potential exposures and explore insurance solutions that align with their operations and risk profile.

What Is Product Liability Insurance?

Product liability insurance is designed to help cover claims alleging that a product caused injury or property damage. These claims can stem from design flaws, manufacturing defects, or even improper instructions or warnings. Coverage may extend to legal defense fees, settlements, or judgments associated with covered claims, depending on the policy.

Even if your business takes every precaution, the risk of being named in a lawsuit still exists. Product liability coverage may provide peace of mind by offering protection when unforeseen issues arise,especially in today’s litigious business environment.

Who Needs Product Liability Insurance in Wisconsin?

Many types of businesses in Wisconsin may benefit from having product liability insurance in place. These include:

• Manufacturers producing products for consumer or commercial use
• Distributors and wholesalers moving goods through the supply chain
• Retailers selling finished goods directly to customers
• Businesses that rebrand or relabel products under their own name
• E-commerce sellers offering products online

Wisconsin’s strong agricultural, manufacturing, and food production sectors often involve complex supply chains. This interconnectedness means that liability can potentially be shared among multiple parties, even if you didn’t directly manufacture a product.

If your business plays a role in getting a product to consumers, it’s worth considering how product liability insurance might fit into your overall risk management strategy.

What Risks Might Wisconsin Businesses Face Without This Coverage?

Operating without product liability insurance could expose your business to significant financial strain. Even a single claim can result in costly legal fees and reputational damage. Some common risk scenarios include:

• A manufactured item causes injury due to a defect
• A food product leads to a customer illness
• A product fails to include adequate usage instructions
• Packaging does not sufficiently warn of potential hazards

In these types of situations, your business might be held legally responsible, even if the product was sourced or altered elsewhere in the supply chain. This is especially important in Wisconsin, where many businesses rely on multi-stage manufacturing and distribution processes.

How Might Coverage Be Structured?

Product liability insurance is typically included in a general liability policy, though some businesses may require more specialized or higher-limit coverage. Policies may differ in terms of:

• Coverage limits
• Covered products or services
• Defense cost arrangements
• Exclusions based on product type or use

At Hausmann Group, we collaborate with Wisconsin businesses to understand how they operate and what types of products they handle. From there, we help identify potential exposures and discuss coverage options that reflect their specific situation. Our goal is to support your business with responsive service and thoughtful risk guidance.

Why Work With Hausmann Group for Product Liability Insurance in Wisconsin?

Hausmann Group has been serving Wisconsin businesses since 1918. We take pride in being part of the community, from Madison to Milwaukee, Green Bay to La Crosse, and everywhere in between. We’re not just focused on policies; we’re committed to building relationships with our clients and helping them navigate a constantly evolving risk landscape.

What sets us apart:

• Deep roots in the Wisconsin business community
• Experienced risk advisors with industry-specific knowledge
• Access to a broad range of insurance carriers
• Support beyond placement, including claims advocacy and risk analysis

When you work with us, you get more than a policy, you gain a team that’s committed to your long-term success.

What Types of Wisconsin Businesses Has Hausmann Group Worked With?

We’ve supported a wide range of companies across Wisconsin, including:

• Food processors and packagers
• Equipment manufacturers
• Breweries and beverage producers
• Retailers and wholesalers
• Consumer product startups

Whether your business is just launching a new product or has been operating for decades, we bring insights that help you approach liability coverage with confidence.

What Should Wisconsin Businesses Look for in a Product Liability Policy?

Every business is different, and no two policies are exactly the same. When evaluating options, it may help to consider:

• Are the products you sell clearly defined in the policy?
• Does the coverage extend to products sourced or manufactured overseas?
• How does the policy handle legal defense costs?
• Are product recalls included or excluded?
• Does the policy exclude certain types of claims, like punitive damages or advertising liability?

Our advisors help walk through these types of questions so you can make informed decisions based on your operations, risk tolerance, and goals.

How Can I Get Started with Product Liability Insurance??

If you're exploring product liability insurance for the first time or if it's time to review your current coverage, we’re here to help. Contact us and we’ll take time to understand your business, answer your questions, and help you assess whether your current coverage still aligns with your needs.

You don’t need to go it alone. At Hausmann Group, our mission is to support Wisconsin businesses by helping them navigate risk with clarity and confidence.