You've perfected your products, designed your booth display, and landed a spot at a great craft fair. But have you thought about insurance? Many vendors skip this step — until something goes wrong. Here's everything you need to know about craft fair insurance so you can protect your business without breaking the bank.
What Is Craft Fair Vendor Insurance?
Craft fair vendor insurance (also called artisan insurance or special event liability insurance) protects you financially if something goes wrong at an event. It typically covers:
- General liability: If someone trips over your display, gets injured by your product, or their property is damaged at your booth
- Product liability: If a product you sell causes harm — a candle causes a fire, jewelry causes an allergic reaction, food makes someone sick
- Property coverage: Damage to or theft of your inventory, equipment, and display materials
- Additional insured endorsement: Names the event venue or organizer on your policy (often required)
Do You Actually Need Insurance?
The short answer: yes, probably. Here's why:
Many Events Require It
A growing number of craft fairs, especially juried shows and events at public venues, require vendors to carry a minimum of $1 million in general liability coverage. Some require $2 million. Without it, you simply can't participate — no matter how good your application is.
When you apply to craft fairs, check the vendor requirements carefully. Insurance requirements are usually listed in the application or vendor agreement.
One Accident Can End Your Business
Imagine a customer trips over your tent stake and breaks their wrist. Or a child has an allergic reaction to a product ingredient. Without insurance, you're personally liable for medical bills, legal fees, and damages. A single lawsuit can easily cost $50,000 to $100,000+ — enough to bankrupt most small businesses.
It's More Affordable Than You Think
Annual policies for craft vendors typically cost $200 to $800 per year, depending on your products and coverage level. That's less than most booth fees. Some providers even offer per-event policies starting around $50-75 per day.
Types of Insurance Coverage
General Liability Insurance
This is the most common and most important coverage. It protects against third-party claims for:
- Bodily injury (someone gets hurt at your booth)
- Property damage (your setup damages the venue floor)
- Personal and advertising injury (libel, slander, copyright issues)
Most events that require insurance ask for $1 million per occurrence / $2 million aggregate.
Product Liability Insurance
If you sell products that people consume, apply to their skin, burn, or otherwise use, product liability insurance is essential. It covers claims that your product caused injury or damage.
High-risk products that especially need product liability coverage:
- Food and beverages (allergic reactions, foodborne illness)
- Candles and wax melts (fire hazard) — tools like WickSuite can help you track safety testing and batch records
- Skincare, soaps, and cosmetics (skin reactions) — use Soaply to calculate precise ingredient ratios and document your formulations
- Children's toys and clothing (safety regulations)
- Jewelry with nickel or other allergens
Even "low-risk" products like pottery, art prints, or woodworking can cause harm. A mug could shatter, a frame could fall and injure someone, or wood finish could cause a reaction.
Inland Marine / Property Insurance
This covers your physical stuff — inventory, display equipment, tables, tent, signage — while in transit or at an event. Your homeowner's or renter's insurance typically does not cover business property used commercially.
Business Owner's Policy (BOP)
A BOP bundles general liability and property coverage into one policy, often at a discount. If you do more than a few events per year, this is usually the most cost-effective option.
How Much Does Craft Fair Insurance Cost?
Costs vary based on your product type, revenue, and coverage needs. Here's a rough guide:
| Coverage Type | Annual Cost | Per-Event Cost |
|---|---|---|
| General Liability Only | $200 – $500 | $50 – $100 |
| General + Product Liability | $300 – $800 | $75 – $150 |
| BOP (Liability + Property) | $500 – $1,200 | N/A (annual only) |
| Property / Inland Marine | $100 – $400 | N/A |
Pro tip: If you only do a few events per year, per-event policies are cheaper. If you do 6+ events, an annual policy almost always saves money.
Where to Get Craft Fair Insurance
Several insurers specialize in coverage for artisans, crafters, and small vendors:
ACT Insurance
One of the most popular options among craft vendors. They offer annual and per-event policies specifically designed for artists and crafters. Coverage starts around $260/year. They're known for quick certificates of insurance — often available within minutes online.
NEXT Insurance
An online-first insurer popular with small businesses. General liability for artisans starts around $200/year. Easy online application and instant certificates. Good for vendors who also sell online.
Hiscox
Offers tailored small business policies including general and product liability. Slightly more expensive but strong coverage options, especially for higher-risk products.
The Hartford
A well-known insurer with BOP options for small businesses. Good if you want bundled coverage with a recognized name.
Your Local Insurance Agent
Don't overlook your local independent insurance agent. They can often find competitive quotes from multiple carriers and help you understand exactly what you need.
How to Get a Certificate of Insurance (COI)
When an event requires insurance, they'll ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI) — a one-page document proving you have coverage. Here's the process:
- Purchase your policy from any of the providers above
- Request a COI — most online providers generate these instantly
- Add the event as "Additional Insured" — the event organizer's name and the venue address are listed on the certificate. Most providers do this at no extra cost.
- Submit the COI to the event organizer before their deadline
Important: Start this process at least 2 weeks before the event. Some insurers take a few business days to add additional insureds, and event organizers often have firm deadlines for receiving COIs.
What Insurance Doesn't Cover
Know the gaps in your coverage:
- Intentional acts: Insurance doesn't cover deliberate wrongdoing
- Vehicle accidents: Driving to/from events requires separate auto insurance
- Employee injuries: If you have helpers, you may need workers' compensation
- Cyber liability: If you accept digital payments, data breaches aren't typically covered by general liability
- Recall costs: If a product defect requires a mass recall, standard policies may not cover it
Tips for Keeping Costs Down
- Bundle policies: A BOP is almost always cheaper than buying liability and property separately
- Pay annually: Monthly payments often include fees that add up to 10-15% more
- Increase your deductible: A higher deductible means lower premiums — just make sure you can cover it if needed
- Shop around: Get at least 3 quotes before committing
- Join a craft guild or association: Some offer group insurance rates to members
- Keep good records: A clean claims history keeps your rates low
Real Scenarios: When Insurance Saves You
Scenario 1: The Tent Disaster
A sudden wind gust catches your canopy and it flies into a neighboring booth, injuring another vendor and destroying their merchandise. Without insurance, you're liable for their medical bills and lost inventory. With general liability insurance, your policy covers the damages up to your coverage limit.
Scenario 2: The Product Reaction
A customer buys your handmade lotion and has a severe allergic reaction, requiring an ER visit. They sue you for medical expenses and pain and suffering. With product liability insurance, your insurer provides legal defense and covers the settlement.
Scenario 3: The Theft
You leave your booth unattended for a bathroom break and return to find $2,000 worth of inventory stolen. Your homeowner's insurance won't cover it because it's business property. With inland marine/property coverage, you can file a claim for the loss.
Getting Started: Your Insurance Checklist
- Review your upcoming events — Check which ones require insurance using TheCraftMap to browse fairs and their requirements
- Assess your risk level — Consider what you sell and the potential for harm
- Get 3+ quotes — Compare annual vs. per-event pricing
- Read the fine print — Understand exclusions and deductibles
- Purchase and save your COI — Keep digital and printed copies handy
- Add it to your craft fair checklist — Always bring a printed COI to events
Bottom Line
Craft fair insurance isn't glamorous, but it's one of the smartest investments you can make as a vendor. For $200-800 a year, you get peace of mind knowing that one accident won't wipe out your business. Many events require it anyway, so having a policy opens up more opportunities to sell at premium juried shows and top events in 2026.
Start by checking the requirements for your next event, get a few quotes, and get covered. Your future self will thank you.
Ready to find your next craft fair? Browse thousands of craft fairs on TheCraftMap and start planning your 2026 season. Use our packing checklist and booth setup guide to make sure you're fully prepared.