Etsy Seller Insurance

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Why do Etsy sellers need insurance?

Etsy doesn't require you to carry insurance—the online marketplace also won't help you if you're sued. Business insurance covers legal costs when your product injures someone or damages their property. You can get coverage for fires, theft, data breaches, and other risks as well.

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Get same-day insurance

With Insureon, Etsy sellers can get insurance coverage the same day they apply for quotes.

Fill out our easy online application to compare quotes from top-rated providers.

What types of business insurance do Etsy sellers need?

Etsy shop owners often buy the following insurance products.

Business owner’s policy icon

Business owner's policy

A business owner's policy, or BOP, is a cost-effective way for Etsy sellers to buy general liability insurance and commercial property insurance together.

BEST FOR
  • Product liability lawsuits
  • Damaged or stolen inventory
  • Business interruption coverage
General liability insurance icon

General liability insurance

This policy covers common third-party lawsuits, such as slip-and-fall accidents. It typically includes product liability insurance for financial protection against harm caused by your products.

BEST FOR
  • Customer injuries
  • Product liability claims
  • Copyright infringement
Workers’ compensation insurance icon

Workers’ compensation insurance

Most states require workers' comp for Etsy shops and other online businesses that have employees. It also protects sole proprietors from work-related injury costs that health insurance might deny.

BEST FOR
  • Employee medical expenses
  • Disability benefits
  • Legal fees from worker injuries
Cyber insurance icon

Cyber insurance

This policy helps small business owners recover from data breaches and cyberattacks. It's recommended for Etsy shops that handle email addresses and other personal information.

BEST FOR
  • Customer notification expenses
  • Fraud monitoring services
  • Cyber extortion demands
Umbrella / excess liability insurance icon

Commercial umbrella insurance

Umbrella insurance boosts coverage on an Etsy seller's general liability, employer’s liability, or commercial auto insurance policy once the limit is reached on a claim.

BEST FOR
  • Customer injury lawsuits
  • Property damage lawsuits
  • Auto accident lawsuits
Commercial auto insurance icon

Commercial auto insurance

Most states require commercial auto insurance for business-owned vehicles. This policy covers accidents involving an Etsy seller's delivery van or other vehicle.

BEST FOR
  • Injuries caused to another person
  • Property damage caused by your vehicle
  • Vehicle theft and vandalism
Looking for different coverage? See more policies.

How much does Etsy seller insurance cost?

A retailer applying for insurance quotes on a laptop.

Etsy sellers who work independently can expect to pay less for insurance than an Etsy shop with several employees.

Factors that affect the cost of insurance include:

  • Products sold, such as jewelry, candles, or other crafts
  • Other locations where you operate, such as craft fairs
  • Business equipment and property
  • Number of employees
  • Types of insurance purchased
  • Deductibles and other insurance options
  • Claims history
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What are Etsy seller insurance requirements?

Unlike Amazon sellers, Etsy sellers are not required to carry insurance. However, that doesn't mean you don't need it. If you're sued by a customer, Etsy won't protect you. That could leave you on the hook for financially devastating legal bills.

Though Etsy doesn't have insurance requirements, it does have "House Rules" for sellers. For example, every item listed on the marketplace must be handmade, vintage, or a craft supply.

The Etsy Purchase Protection Program for sellers covers refunds on orders totaling up to $250. This program applies when items arrive after the estimated delivery date, or when there is a dispute about the accuracy of a listing description.

How do I get Etsy seller insurance?

It's easy to get Etsy seller insurance and e-commerce insurance if you have your business information on hand. Our application will ask for basic facts about your small business, such as revenue and number of employees. You can buy a policy online and get a certificate of insurance with Insureon in three easy steps:

  1. Complete a free online application.
  2. Compare insurance quotes and choose policies.
  3. Pay for your policy and download a certificate.

Insureon's licensed agents work with top-rated U.S. insurance companies to find the right Etsy shop policies for your business, whether you're a sole proprietor or hire employees. Get insured today and find peace of mind knowing your business can survive the unexpected.

FAQs about Etsy seller insurance

Review answers to common questions about insurance for Etsy shops.

Do Etsy sellers need product liability insurance?

All Etsy sellers should carry product liability insurance, which provides financial protection against customer lawsuits related to your products. Every retailer, manufacturer, and distributor should carry this coverage, as anyone in the supply chain could be held liable for harm caused by a product.

Product liability insurance can help cover bodily injuries and property damage caused by defective products. That includes:

  • Design defects
  • Manufacturer defects
  • Marketing defects

To avoid product lawsuits, it's important to consider all aspects of your products carefully. For example, you could manage your risks with clear instructions, warning labels, or regular maintenance of your manufacturing equipment. This helps ensure the safety of your customers, and could save your small business a fortune in legal bills.

Product liability insurance is often included in your general liability policy, along with product recall insurance to protect against costly product recalls. If not, you can add it to your policy as a rider.

Does Etsy seller insurance protect against theft?

Homeowner's insurance usually doesn't cover business property kept at your home, which is why you may need additional coverage. These policies can help you recover financial losses from theft:

In addition to insurance, it's important to take steps to prevent theft. In some cases, you can even reduce your premium by implementing security measures recommended by your insurer.

What other types of insurance should Etsy sellers consider?

To fully protect your Etsy business, you may need additional types of insurance. Consider the following policies for coverage against other risks you might face:

  • Business interruption insurance: Also called business income insurance, this add-on to commercial property insurance helps businesses recover from a temporary closure tied to a fire, storm, or other covered property claim.
  • Equipment breakdown coverage: This policy protects your Etsy shop's computers, electrical systems, production machinery, and other equipment from sudden malfunctions. It covers financial losses from short circuits, loss of air pressure or vacuum, or power surges that commercial property insurance typically excludes.
  • Electronic data processing (EDP) insurance: This covers electronic data processing equipment, such as computers and POS systems, against data loss during a power surge, fire, natural disaster, or similar incident.
  • Inland marine insurance: Be aware that property insurance only covers items at your primary business location. Inland marine insurance covers items at storage units, warehouses, and other off-site locations, along with items in transit.

Some of the above coverages can be added to a BOP, often with a discount. Learn about other ways you can save money on small business insurance.

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