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Why do crafters and artisans need business insurance?
Whether you sell at craft fairs or on Etsy, every transaction comes with liability. Business insurance provides financial protection when a customer suffers an allergic reaction, or when products are stolen or damaged. It also protects against unexpected medical bills and data breaches.
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Insureon helps crafters and artisans find insurance quotes that match their unique risks.
Get free expert advice and peace of mind knowing you have the right insurance for handmade products.
What types of insurance do crafters and artisans need?
These insurance policies cover common risks of arts and crafts businesses.
Business owner's policy
A BOP is a cost-effective way for craft vendors to buy general liability insurance coverage and commercial property coverage together. It protects against basic risks, such as theft at a craft show.
BEST FOR
- Customer bodily injuries
- Product liability insurance
- Theft and property damage
General liability insurance
This insurance covers third-party risks of selling handmade arts and crafts, including harm caused by your products. Bundle it with commercial property insurance for savings in a BOP.
BEST FOR
- Slip-and-fall accidents
- Product liability coverage
- Libel and other advertising injuries
Workers’ compensation insurance
Most states require workers’ compensation for craft businesses that have employees. It also protects sole proprietors from work injury costs that health insurance might deny.
BEST FOR
- Employee medical expenses
- Disability benefits
- Lawsuits over employee injuries
Cyber insurance
This policy helps small businesses recover from data breaches. It's strongly recommended for crafters and vendors that handle credit card numbers and other sensitive data.
BEST FOR
- Customer notification costs
- Fraud monitoring services
- Investigation of a data breach
Commercial umbrella insurance
Commercial umbrella insurance boosts coverage on a crafter or artist's general liability insurance, employer’s liability insurance, or commercial auto insurance once the policy reaches its limit.
BEST FOR
- Product liability lawsuits
- Auto accident lawsuits
- Employee injury lawsuits
Commercial auto insurance
Commercial auto insurance is usually required for business-owned vehicles. This policy covers accidents involving a crafter's delivery van, pickup, or other vehicle.
BEST FOR
- Auto accidents
- Vehicle theft
- Repairs due to vandalism or weather
Looking for different coverage? See more policies.
How much does craft insurance cost?
Retail businesses, including crafters, who buy policies through Insureon pay an average of:
- General liability: $42 per month
- BOP: $95 per month
- Workers' comp: $86 per month
If you sell homemade arts and crafts through an e-commerce shop, you can expect to pay less for insurance than the owner of a brick-and-mortar gift shop.
Factors that can affect retailer insurance costs include:
- Types of handmade crafts offered
- Business equipment and property
- Business income
- Types of insurance purchased
- Policy limits, deductibles, and exclusions
- Add-ons, such as additional insureds
How do I get crafter insurance?
It's easy to get artisan and crafter insurance policies if you have your company information on hand. Our application will ask for basic facts about your business operations, such as revenue and number of employees. You can buy a policy online and get proof of insurance with Insureon in three easy steps:
- Complete a free online application.
- Compare insurance quotes and choose policies.
- Pay for your policy and download a certificate of insurance (COI).
Insureon's licensed insurance agents work with top-rated U.S. providers to find the right insurance coverage options for your crafting business or arts and crafts supply store, whether you work independently or hire employees.
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FAQs about insurance for crafters and artisans
Take a look at frequently asked questions (FAQs) about artisan and crafter insurance and more.
Should I get crafters insurance for selling products online?
If you sell your crafts online—whether through your own website, Etsy, Amazon, or social media—having the right insurance coverage is especially important.
Online sales introduce risks that go beyond traditional in-person transactions. In addition to protecting your products and business from issues like damaged goods or customer injuries, you may also face digital risks, such as cyberattacks or data breaches.
For example, if you collect customer information like names, addresses, or payment details, you could be held responsible if that data is compromised. A data breach can lead to costly notification requirements, legal fees, and damage to your reputation.
That’s why many crafters who sell online choose policies that include or can be paired with cyber insurance, which helps cover expenses related to hacking, stolen customer data, and other online threats.
In short, if your business operates online in any capacity, it’s worth making sure your insurance covers both physical risks and digital exposures, so you’re protected wherever you sell.
Can I get craft vendor insurance for a one-time event?
You can get craft vendor insurance for a one-time event, such as a festival, fair, or market.
Many insurers offer special event insurance or short-term general liability coverage designed specifically for temporary vendors. These policies can provide protection for things like third-party injuries or property damage that occur during the event, something that’s often required by event organizers.
However, if you plan to sell at multiple events throughout the year, a year-round policy is usually the smarter investment. Annual coverage is often more cost-effective than purchasing multiple short-term policies, and it ensures you’re continuously protected—whether you’re at an event, working from home, or selling online.
In the long run, having consistent coverage can save you money and help you avoid gaps in protection as your craft business grows.
Is product liability insurance for crafters and artisans required?
Product liability insurance typically isn’t legally required for crafters and artisans, but that doesn’t mean you should go without it.
Any time you sell a physical product, there’s a risk it could cause harm. For example, a skincare product could trigger an allergic reaction, a handmade toy could break and cause injury, or a candle could pose a fire hazard. If a customer claims your product caused bodily injury or property damage, you could face a costly lawsuit.
That’s where product liability insurance comes in. It helps cover legal fees, settlements, and medical expenses if your product is found responsible for causing harm. This coverage is often included in a general liability insurance policy, making it an accessible and affordable way to protect your business.
Even if it’s not required, product liability insurance is a smart safeguard for any crafter or artisan selling products to the public.
What factors influence crafters insurance costs?
The cost of crafters insurance can vary widely depending on several key factors related to your business and the level of coverage you choose. Some of the most common factors that affect your premium include:
- Location: Where you operate your business can impact your risk level. For example, areas with higher crime rates or greater exposure to natural disasters may lead to higher premiums.
- Annual revenue: Businesses with higher sales typically face more risk exposure, which can increase insurance costs.
- Types of products sold: Certain products—like candles, cosmetics, or food items—carry a higher risk of injury or damage, which can raise your premium.
- Number of employees: The more employees you have, the greater the potential for workplace injuries or liability claims.
- Policy limits and deductibles: Higher coverage limits generally cost more, while choosing a higher deductible can help lower your premium.
- Claims history: If you’ve filed claims in the past, insurers may view your business as higher risk, which can increase your rates.
Understanding these factors can help you make informed decisions about your coverage and find a policy that fits both your needs and budget.
Do home-based crafter and artisan businesses need insurance?
Yes, even if you run your craft business from home, having insurance is still important.
Many crafters assume their homeowners or renters insurance will cover business-related risks—but that’s often not the case. Personal insurance policies typically exclude coverage for business activities, which means you may not be protected if something goes wrong.
For example, if your inventory or equipment is damaged or stolen, or if a customer is injured by one of your products, your personal policy may deny the claim. That could leave you paying out of pocket for repairs, replacements, or legal expenses.
Crafters insurance covers these gaps by providing coverage specifically designed for business risks, even when you operate from home. It ensures you’re protected against both property losses and liability issues tied to your craft business.
What other types of insurance do crafters need?
In addition to general liability and product liability insurance, crafters may need several other types of coverage to fully protect their business, tools, and income, such as:
- Commercial property insurance covers your business property at a fixed location, such as a studio, workshop, or storefront. For home-based crafters, business personal property (BPP) insurance can often be added as an endorsement to a general liability policy to help protect equipment, inventory, and materials stored at home from risks like fire or theft.
- Business income coverage, also called business interruption insurance, helps replace lost income if your business has to temporarily shut down due to a covered event, such as a flood or severe storm.
- Inland marine insurance protects your tools, supplies, and products while they’re in transit. It often includes tools and equipment coverage for business property used at an off-site location, such as at craft fairs or markets.
- Equipment breakdown coverage covers the cost to repair or replace essential equipment that breaks down due to mechanical or electrical issues.
- Hired and non-owned auto (HNOA) insurance provides liability coverage if you or your employees use a personal or rented vehicle for business purposes, such as delivering products or picking up supplies.
Together, these coverages help ensure your craft business is protected not just from liability risks, but also from property loss, interruptions, and day-to-day operational exposures.