Product Liability Insurance

[smilingcalico]

I'm trying to get my ducks in a row for starting up a cheese business this year.  I'm gathering the required documents and filings.  Those fees here and there aren't too outlandish (or are they!), but now I'm getting nervous about the cost of product liability insurance.  Does anyone care to share a rough estimate of their cost?  If not in this area of the forum, PM me, please.  Luckily, I'll be renting a space, so I won't have to insure any equipment (let alone the cost of purchasing it!). 
Thanks

[susanky]

Luckily, I'll be renting a space, so I won't have to insure any equipment (let alone the cost of purchasing it!). 
Thanks

I don't know the answer to your question but I'm sure those in the know will chime in.  But I wonder about this comment.  Why would you not insure equipment while renting (unless you just felt it didn't need to be insured)?  Generally the owners insurance covers the building, but not contents.  The good news is renter's insurance (an least residential) is relatively inexpensive.
Susan

[linuxboy]

Is this for retail or production? This is one are where you will need to do your legwork because many insurers will not cover your most costly risk - liability due to health damages due to adulterated product. Remember that in negligence law, the damaged party may file suit against everyone involved. Recovering from basic unforseen events like fire, theft, etc, that's pretty standard. But there's very often a specific exclusion for any damages arising from anything related to agriculture or food. On the retail side, you can mitigate this by including hold harmless and indemnification clauses with your suppliers, and requiring them to carry insurance, but even that's tough because you can be left holding the bag.

[glasman]

for me it was just an additional ryder on my biz policy. i pay ~ $1800 a year for my studio, glass and cheese insurance. get as much as you can afford. equipment has always been the most exspencive part for me to insure. vic

[Sailor Con Queso]

WOW that seems really high to me. I pay about $750 a year for complete business coverage. Just $175 of that is for $2 million in product liability. Many major retailers, like Whole Foods, require that level. Even our local Farmer's Market now requires $2 million. Some insurance companies will only go to $1 million so shop around.

[smilingcalico]

I was saying I wouldn't cover equipment because it's the owners equipment. Would I have to?

This would be manufacturing.

[JMB]

WOW I just got a quote and about fell on the floor.  I am an LLC, contract ageing cheese for a co-op.  Just the $1 million liability quoted at $1800 per year.    Shopping around for better.  Not happening on this checkbook--still shopping. 
J 

[Sailor Con Queso]

FYI - I have Auto-Owners Insurance Company that I purchased thru a local mulyi-line insurance broker. That's a misnomer because they do all kinds of home & business insurance.

[steffb503]

WE are having that problem. Our Ins Co will not cover fluid milk or anything not pasteurized.
We sell raw milk and want to sell raw cheese.