Brazas Sporting Arms, Inc. was accused of irresponsibly distributing firearms. It was alleged that weapons were distributed well beyond the needed customer base which resulted in an illegal market. The suit further stated that such excess weaponry resulted in significant bodily injury and property damage.

Brazas submitted this lawsuit to its insurance carrier, American Empire Surplus Lines. American Empire promptly denied coverage because of the policy's products liability exclusion.
After much wrangling, the decision came down to whether or not a products liability exclusion violated state consumer protection policies.

Click here for more details.

Many sporting goods stores sell firearms. Distributing firearms is just one of their many liability hazards. These stores frequently arrange for tours, offer training classes, and provide gear designed to protect users in extreme situation under highly stressful conditions.

Have you considered writing coverage for this class of business? You may be able to identify many potential gaps in coverage for your new client when you use the Producer’s Commercial Lines Risk Evaluation System.

Click here to get started by viewing the narrative for sporting goods.

The market for firearms dealers is alive and well. In evaluating the best market for your client it is very important to find one that will provide a solid and consistent market today and tomorrow. Brokers who specialize in this market can guide you and help you find and fill those gaps in coverage that standard markets might create: one of the most common being excluded products liability!

Click here for an IMP Cybercast about firearms distributors.

Once you know you can provide a sporting goods client with the needed coverage, it is important to locate ones that are in your area and solicit their business. Sporting goods retailers may appreciate your making the effort and taking the time to sit with them and identify gaps in their coverage. Take the amount of time needed and you may have a new client.

Click here for letters you might send to prospects to let them know you are willing and able to review their coverage needs and provide coverage suggestions and assistance.