Insurance for craft fairs

[Gems1504]

Hi, Can anyone advise me on what insurance I need for selling at craft fairs and what companies provide it. I have booked up to attend my first one in October and need to get insurance sorted out.

Thanks

Jo

 

[Tigglet]

Hi Jo,

You will need public liability insurance to protect you. E.g. if your stand fell on someone and damaged their eye, they could make a claim against you so you need this insurance to cover yourself against this type of scenario.

Do a search on the web or approach your home insurer as they should be able to help you with this.

Also, you may want to ask about employers liability insurance if you have someone working for you at the craft fair. This protects you against claims for any injury caused to one of your staff as a result of working for you.


Further information can be found here at Business Link.

http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/layer?r.l1=1073858799&topicId=1074298750&r.s=tl

Hope this helps.

 

[mconridge]

I'd also recommend trying the National Market Traders Association. I think you get all the insurance you need for free when you join.

 

[.Spiralling.]

I'm a member of the market traders federation. I think it's about £75 a year, but that includes public liability, product liability and employers liability insurances. These insurances only cover you at the fairs/markets however, but if that's all you are doing, then it's great value.

 

[ladyrattles]

I'm a member of the market traders federation. I think it's about £75 a year, but that includes public liability, product liability and employers liability insurances. These insurances only cover you at the fairs/markets however, but if that's all you are doing, then it's great value.

The Market Traders Federation wouldn't take me - When I telephoned they said I had to be in an established market to be a member. They said that Craft Exhibitions didn't count.

If you type 'rts & Crafts Insurance'into a search engine it comes up with some companies. They were charging £100-400 for an Arts & Crafts Stall Public Liability. That is why I am now working from home.

Can you sell your products online only?

 

[Tigglet]

Hi,

It's worth checking with different insurers as some of them do special versions of public liability insurance etc. for small business who are mainly home-based but who also occasionally go out to craft fairs. Depending on your policy some will extend your home insurance to cover this type of thing. You don't have to spend over £100 if it is something you are doing now and then. It's worth having a conversation with your current insurer to see if they can help you out.

 

[.Spiralling.]

The Market Traders Federation wouldn't take me - When I telephoned they said I had to be in an established market to be a member. They said that Craft Exhibitions didn't count.

If you type 'rts & Crafts Insurance'into a search engine it comes up with some companies. They were charging £100-400 for an Arts & Crafts Stall Public Liability. That is why I am now working from home.

Can you sell your products online only?

That's interesting, because I don't have a pitch at an established market, I only take stands at Mind/Body/Spirit shows etc - I explained this to them and they were fine about it.

 

[Aspire]

Hi there.

There is a company called Event Insurance who can do insurance for specific events, though if you are going to do a few a year you are probably better off buying an annual policy.

A work from home policy will combine your normal house contents with a business insurance but can be quite restrictive.

However im sure an annual policy wouldnt be very much.

 

[bdarling]

Hi,
you could try Ian Wallace at www.craftinsurance.co.uk . They are underwritten by Norwich Union and will cover you for the show, public, employees and product.

I can not stress how reasonable the prices are + Ian is lovely and will answer any random questions you may have.

Good luck with the show.

 

[Page]

NMTF should take you.

But this lot might be cheaper and better. http://www.gmimberltd.com/Products.htm

 

[Christiane]

Hi,
you could try Ian Wallace at www.craftinsurance.co.uk . They are underwritten by Norwich Union and will cover you for the show, public, employees and product.

I can not stress how reasonable the prices are + Ian is lovely and will answer any random questions you may have.

Good luck with the show.

I didn't have the same experience as you. He was very condescending, talking to me like I was a teenager! I have signed up with them as this conversation happened AFTER I paid for the insurance but I won't be renewing with them next year.

Answering the post, I think NMTF will be the cheapest and best option, I agree.

 

[bdarling]

That's a shame, from personal experience I have always found Ian really helpful and friendly.

 

[Gems1504]

Thanks for all the helpful advice. I looked at several options and in the end went with the NMTF who when I rang said they do take people doing craft fairs. Must depend on who answers the phone or maybe they have changed their policy.

Thanks again for all the advice very useful

Jo
jossilvergems.co.uk

 

[Artym1ss]

Try looking for "cmtia insurance" using Google or similar...

I have heard a lot of people recommend them.

 

[kev_brett]

Thanks to everyone on this, as my wife is starting a business called Piddley Pix doing pictures for kids (google her to find the site) and she's doing various fairs etc and we've been looking for PL Ins, so thanks this has been very helpful!!

 

[Astaroth]

As you are making the products you should also look at product liability insurance in addition to public liability.... there are a couple of "craft" insurance companies that are selling bundled policies that include the different liabilities in one policy

 

[TizzyDizzy]

I was looking for insurance information and google brought me here. Saved me lots of time. Thanks for all your recommendations!