Liability insurance for a craft show?

[claudine]

I was starting to fill out an application for a craft show and it requires artisans to have liability insurance for "any injuries, accidents, or losses which may be sustained as a result of your vending operations". Is this a common thing? Any idea how much a policy would cost?

[prettybymindy]

It may not be super common, but I have seen it before. Call your renters/homeowners and get a quote on a rider. I have looked into it for three different shows through the last 10 years or so (One was a rave, one was a show in a fancy schmany gallery, and one was a big expo type thing). My first homeowners company freaked out and I ended up not doing the show, the second show my new homeowners company was just fine and wrote me a rider that cost me under $50. Now that I have business insurance these riders are included. I specifically looked for a business policy that would cover my contents during travel and show riders if I need them.

[claudine]

I am wondering if I should pursue the whole business policy instead. What types of things does yours cover?

[LBlackbournJewelry]

I bought this: https://www.insuremyhomebiz.com/index.asp

[prettybymindy]

My business policy covers everything. I just opened a store front, so it covers all the ins and outs of having a brick and mortar business, but I had this insurance when I just had a studio, a website and traveled to shows.
All my inventory is covered, in transit, in storage and in my shop. My sewing machines, my computer and all my other personal business property. I have liability coverage as well as some coverage on the shop space I lease.... and all that junk. Because I traveled so much with my inventory, I have always had a full retail package. My insurance actually did not change when I opened my store.
I have insurance through a local branch of Eerie insurance. I got quotes from other companies but alot of them could not wrap their brains around the fact that I travel so much. Some would only cover me in certain states, blah blah blah.

[claudine]

Thanks for the info and congrats on the shop!

[Former_Member]

Yes, especially of it the show is associated with a government agency (Fairfax Recreation and Parks). Some of the better shows will ask the vendor to carrier insurance.

[Former_Member]

Re: insurance ... is this something that shows usually tell you about when you apply or not until you get in?

If I am still operating as a "hobby," (because I don't make enough yet) do I still one?

[trilobiteglassworks]

Yes, shows will tell you if its required -- ususally somewhere in the "fine print" of the applications. I don't think its all that common. I have yet to run into a show I wanted to apply to that required it.