https://completemarkets.com/company/citadelinsuranceservices/manufacturing-wholesaling-and-importing-insurance/
Manufacturing, Wholesaling, and Importing Insurance — Citadel Insurance Services
Citadel Insurance Services offers a specialized Excess & Surplus Lines program for manufacturers, wholesalers and importers. Our Manufacturing, Wholesaling, and Importing Insurance program is built to place hard-to-place product and distribution risks—from small domestic manufacturers to complex importers and national wholesalers. As an E&S broker with placement relationships across a selective carrier panel, Citadel helps you find capacity where admitted markets may decline or limit terms.
Overview of the Program
This program is designed for agents who need flexible E&S solutions for product-exposure businesses. Citadel leverages relationships with carriers including Great American, Markel, Lloyd’s, First Mercury, Lexington and Kinsale to offer broad liability solutions, excess/umbrella layers, and ancillary coverages appropriate to manufacturing, wholesaling and importing operations.
Ideal Accounts and Appetite
Manufacturers of consumer goods, industrial parts, electronics and plastics
Wholesalers and distributors with national or international channels
Importers and brokers handling foreign-sourced goods for U.S. distribution
Specialty product lines such as juvenile products, toys, sporting goods, marine and aviation components
We also consider higher-risk product lines (fireworks, chemicals, firearms and performance auto parts) on a case-by-case basis and typically require enhanced underwriting information for these classes.
Coverage Highlights and Advantages
Primary general liability and products/completed operations liability designed for product exposures
Excess/umbrella limits and higher-capacity placements through our E&S carrier panel
Flexible placement for importers with inland marine or shipment-related exposures
Ability to structure layered placements for mixed operations (manufacture + distribution + import)
Underwriting focused on product lifecycle risk management—manufacturing controls, testing, labeling and distribution controls
Underwriting Notes and Minimum Premiums
Typical submissions should include product descriptions, revenue by territory, distribution channels, loss history, quality control/testing procedures and any recall or regulatory history. Citadel’s E&S placement approach means underwriters expect detailed information for higher-severity exposures.
Minimum premium: $1,500. Higher minimums may apply depending on class, limits and carrier selection. We frequently request risk-control measures and documentation for imported goods (supplier audits, compliance with U.S. standards, labeling).
Appetite Limits and What May Not Fit
Good fits: manufacturers and distributors with documented quality controls, consistent product lines, and manageable recall exposure. We are willing to consider complex import/export operations and mixed manufacturing/distribution businesses.
Fits we typically decline or require heavy scrutiny: products with intentional misuse exposure without mitigation, unsupported high-severity claim history, or accounts lacking basic product safety/testing documentation. Certain high-hazard classes may be declined or limited by specific carriers.
Territories and Admitted Positioning
This program is offered as E&S placements through Citadel Insurance Services and is available in the following states and territories: AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, DC, WV, WI, WY. Because placements are non-admitted, terms and availability are subject to state E&S rules and carrier appetite.
Why Work with Citadel on These Risks
Specialized underwriting focus on product and distribution risks
Access to multiple E&S markets with tailored placement strategies
Practical submission guidance to improve placement outcomes
Experienced handling of mixed operations (manufacture + wholesale + import)
Example Accounts
Example 1: You have a regional wholesaler importing outdoor recreation products from overseas with U.S. distribution to retailers. The client has solid supplier testing records but needs product liability capacity and inland-marine coverage for shipments—this program can combine liability and shipment solutions through E&S carriers.
Example 2: You represent a small manufacturer of protective apparel selling to industrial clients and retailers nationally. Admitted markets limited terms due to previous product claims; Citadel can pursue excess capacity and structured E&S placements informed by the client’s quality controls and loss mitigation plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of accounts are a good fit for Citadel’s Manufacturing, Wholesaling, and Importing program?Accounts that manufacture, distribute or import physical products—especially those with product liability exposure or complex distribution channels. Good fits have documented quality control, sales/territory detail and manageable loss history.
Which coverages and carriers are available through this program?We place primary and excess liability solutions, products/completed operations and specialty placements tied to shipment or import exposures. Citadel works with carriers such as Great American, Markel, Lloyd’s, First Mercury, Lexington and Kinsale to secure capacity.
Is this program placed on admitted paper?This program is positioned through Excess & Surplus Lines placement and is generally non-admitted. Availability and requirements depend on carrier appetite and state E&S rules.
What information should I include in a submission?Provide product descriptions, annual revenue and sales by state/territory, distribution channels, loss history, manufacturing/testing controls, supplier documentation for imports and any prior recall history. More detail improves the chance of favorable terms.
What is the minimum premium?The program’s typical minimum premium starts at $1,500; final minimums depend on class, limits and carrier selection.
Need help placing an account? Connect with a market specialist.