You’ve spent weeks (or months!) pouring your heart and soul into your latest creations. Your booth is prepped, your displays are Pinterest-worthy, and the local festival season is finally here. But amidst the excitement of snacks, sunshine, and sales, there is one crucial “to-do” that often gets pushed to the bottom of the list: Liability Insurance.
Whether you are a seasoned pro or a first-time hobbyist, insurance is the safety net that ensures one accident doesn’t turn your creative dream into a financial nightmare. Here is the why, how, and where of getting covered.
The WHY: Why do you actually need it?
Many makers think, “I just sell earrings or art, what could go wrong?” Unfortunately, the risks at a public event often have nothing to do with what you create.
- The “Slip and Trip”: This is the most common claim. A customer trips over your booth weighted leg or slips on packing plastic. You could be held liable for their medical bills.
- The “Flyaway Tent”: A sudden gust of wind catches your canopy, sending it tumbling into the neighbor’s booth or a bystander.
- Product Liability: What if a handmade candle causes a fire or a customer has an allergic reaction to a soap? Product liability covers you if your creation causes harm after the sale.
- Venue Requirements: Most reputable festivals and shows now require a Certificate of Insurance (COI) before you’re even allowed to set up.
The HOW: How do you choose the right policy?
When looking for insurance, you’ll generally see three timeframe options:
- Short-Term (1–3 Days): Perfect for one-off festivals. Costs typically start at $49 per event.
- Multi-Month (1–12 Months): Ideal for seasonal markets (like a summer-long Farmers Market).
- Annual Policy: For professional makers doing 4+ shows a year. Costs can be as low as $20 -$24/month.
What to look for:
- General Liability: Covers bodily injury and property damage. Look for at least $1,000,000 per occurrence.
- Instant COI: Ensure the provider offers an instant Certificate of Insurance (COI) to send to your event organizer.
- Additional Insured: Make sure you can add the “Event Organizer” to your policy, as most shows require this.
THE WHERE: Top Insurance Options for Makers
You can reach out to your insurance companies and see if they have options, or look at the list provided below. Either way, shop around.
1. Simply Business Simply Business acts as a marketplace, comparing quotes from several different providers to find you the best rate. This is an excellent starting point if you want to see a variety of price points and coverage types for your specific business size. Website: https://www.simplybusiness.com/
2. ACT Insurance (Artists, Crafters & Tradesmen) Specializes in booth, display, and inventory protection. They are a favorite for makers because they offer both short-term (starting at $49) and annual policies (starting around $24.25/month). Website: https://www.actinsurance.com/
3. Insurance Canopy Offers policies specifically tailored for mobile vendors, pop-up shops, and crafters. Their coverage is highly recognized and often specifically requested by venue managers and city organizers. Website: https://www.insurancecanopy.com/
4. ERGO NEXT Insurance Known for being 100% digital and fast. They provide instant online quotes covering general liability, products, and equipment, allowing for quick and customized coverage. Website: https://www.nextinsurance.com/
5. K&K Insurance A veteran in the event insurance space, K&K provides specialized programs for concessionaires and exhibitors with flexible options ranging from 1 to 12 months. Website: https://www.kandkinsurance.com/
A Final Note: Do Your Own Research
While the options above are great starting points, every business is unique. A jeweler has different risks than a soap maker or a woodworker using power tools.
Always do your own research. Read the fine print, check the exclusions, and make sure you pick a policy that is appropriate for you. Don’t let a “what if” ruin your festival season. Get covered, get peace of mind, and get back to creating!
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