
🛍️ Retail & E-Commerce: Product Liability and U.S. Exposures 🇨🇦➡️🇺🇸
Running a retail or e-commerce business in Canada involves more than sales and customer service—it also requires a clear understanding of product liability risks. If you sell across the border into the United States, those risks can increase significantly.
⚡ Product Liability in Canada
- If a product you sell causes injury or property damage, your business could face lawsuits.
- Liability may apply whether you manufacture, distribute, or simply resell the item.
- Even if you had no role in production, Canadian law can hold you accountable as part of the supply chain.
🇺🇸 Why U.S. Exposures Are Greater
- The U.S. legal system is more litigious, with larger settlements and higher defence costs than in Canada.
- American customers can bring claims in U.S. courts, exposing Canadian businesses to unfamiliar procedures and costly judgments.
- Many U.S. contracts or online marketplaces (such as Amazon) require higher liability limits or proof of coverage.
✅ The Insurance Solution
- Commercial General Liability (CGL) covers third-party injury and property damage claims.
- Product Liability Insurance is essential for both Canadian and cross-border sales.
- For U.S. exposures, ensure your policy specifically includes coverage for products sold there—this may require endorsements or separate policies.
📌 The Takeaway
If your retail or e-commerce business ships south of the border, don’t assume your Canadian policy automatically protects you. The right liability coverage ensures your growth isn’t derailed by unexpected legal battles.
👉 Are your cross-border exposures properly covered?
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