What is Rubber and Plastics Footwear?
Rubber and plastics footwear insurance covers manufacturers, assemblers, and sometimes wholesalers or retailers that make or handle rubber-soled shoes, boots, and related plastic footwear products. The coverage is designed to address liability and property risks that arise from production, storage, transportation, and sale of footwear made from rubber and miscellaneous plastics.
Who needs it
Typical buyers include small manufacturers, footwear contractors, component suppliers, and retailers that stock rubber or plastic footwear. Companies with on-site production, finishing operations, or custom molding often combine general liability with product liability and workers' compensation. For producers with manufacturing exposures you may find useful information at Workers' Compensation Insurance in the Footwear Industry, while broader product programs are explained on the Rubber Products Insurance page.
What it typically covers
Policies vary, but coverages commonly include:
- Commercial general liability for bodily injury and property damage, including customer or visitor incidents
- Product liability for finished footwear and components
- Property coverage for buildings, inventory, and manufacturing equipment
- Business interruption for production downtime after a covered loss
- Optional coverages such as commercial auto for deliveries and pollution liability for certain manufacturing processes
Manufacturers with potential off-site exposures may also add endorsements for product recall or expanded equipment coverage to protect molds and presses.
Common exclusions or limitations
Policies usually exclude intentional acts, wear-and-tear, and certain pollution events unless specific pollution liability is purchased. Damage from design defects or gradual deterioration may be limited, and certain professional or contractual liabilities might not be covered without an endorsement. Suppliers handling solvents or adhesives should review exclusions related to transportation risks and environmental contamination; additional coverage may be needed for those perils.
Factors that influence cost
Underwriters consider several factors when pricing a policy:
- Annual payroll and whether workers perform high-risk tasks (underwriting factors)
- Production processes and use of chemicals (operational hazards)
- Sales volume, product distribution channels, and history of product claims
- Property values, fire protection, and site security
- Claims history and risk management practices such as safety programs
Transportation risks, such as frequent shipments to retailers or distributors, and the geographic scope of sales (local vs. national) can also affect premiums and limits.
Proof of insurance & compliance
Many buyers and contractors require Certificates of Insurance that list specific limits and additional insured endorsements. Retailers or distributors may request proof of product liability coverage before stocking or selling items. If your operations involve solvents or emissions, carriers may require documentation of environmental controls or separate pollution liability. For manufacturers with complex supply chains, consider the Rubber and Miscellaneous Plastic Products Insurance resources to understand program options.
How to get a quote
To get an accurate quote, prepare basic business information (operations description, payroll, annual sales, production methods) and details about past claims. A straightforward way to begin is to Get a quote with carrier partners who specialize in rubber and plastics manufacturing programs. If your operation involves chemical processes, you may also want to review product pollution options like those described on the Rubber Products Pollution Liability Insurance page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need separate product liability for finished footwear?
Product liability is commonly included or available as an endorsement, and it's recommended if you sell finished goods to the public or other businesses.
Will my general liability cover factory equipment?
General liability typically does not cover owned equipment; equipment coverage or a property policy is required to protect presses, molds, and machinery.
How can I lower my premium?
Improve safety programs, maintain clean claims records, invest in loss-control measures, and limit high-risk operations where possible; underwriters favor documented risk management.
Still have questions? Talk to a local insurance expert.