Do you have questions about vendor insurance? Look no further, we have you covered.
Insurance can be complicated, but Insurance Canopy is here to make it simple with this comprehensive list of answers to the most common questions and concerns people just like you face when trying to choose the right policy. We want to help you navigate the world of insurance so you can get the protection you and your business deserve.
The Basics of Vendor Insurance for Events
What is Vendor Insurance?
Vendor insurance is general liability coverage that protects you from expensive claims that could arise while you work at a festival, expo, or other vendor-based event. Specifically, it covers third-party bodily injury and property damage claims associated with your business.
If a customer trips and falls into your booth or you spill paint that stains the venue’s floor, you could be held financially responsible for any bills or fees that result. Vendor insurance can help mitigate or eliminate your out-of-pocket costs in these circumstances.
Why Do Vendors Need Insurance for Events?
Having vendor insurance for events can protect you from paying out of pocket for costly claims that could be detrimental to your business. Working at an event means interacting with hundreds or even thousands of people, increasing the risk of accidents. Insurance gives you a safety net so you can focus on running your booth or stall instead of worrying about what could go wrong.
Additionally, most event coordinators require you to have general liability insurance to participate in shows. This mitigates the financial risk for the venue, the hosts, and you. An Insurance Canopy policy is designed to help you meet these requirements, opening up more business opportunities for you.
What Is the Difference Between Short-Term and Annual Vendor Insurance?
The difference between short-term and annual vendor insurance includes both coverages and duration. Short-term policies (aka one-day vendor insurance) offer only general liability while annual policies include more coverage and option, and offer year-round protection.
Short-term vendor insurance is available for a single event with coverage that can last anywhere from one to ninety days. These policies offer basic general liability coverage for third-party injuries and property damage. This is an ideal option for businesses that attend fewer than five events per year.
An annual policy offers everything that the short-term insurance policy covers, plus products, completed operations, personal and advertising injury, and online sales. Annual policyholders can also add optional coverage for things like cybercrime and equipment. This policy is best for businesses that operate throughout the year.
What is a Certificate of Insurance for Vendors?
A Certificate of Insurance, or COI, is a document that lists the coverage and limits of your insurance policy. It also serves as proof that your business has general liability insurance. You can either print out this document to have a physical copy on hand or download it to share digitally when requested.
What Does Vendor Insurance Cover?
A basic vendor insurance policy covers third-party injury claims and property damage. This can include expenses like medical bills, legal fees, and repair costs. If you opt for an annual policy, your coverage extends to your products and operations as well.
Annual policyholders can also include options that extend coverage to other critical business areas, including:
- Tools, Supplies, and Inventory (Inland Marine): helps replace or repair your business-essential gear if it’s damaged or stolen
- Cyber Liability: protects you from the cost of cybercrime, including ransomware and data breaches
- Professional Liability: safeguards you from liability claims associated with your professional services
- Excess Liability: increases your policy limits to cover higher dollar amounts
What Is Not Covered in Vendor Liability Insurance?
Vendor insurance does not cover claims related to your personal property or injury to the policyholder and their employees. The policy only covers third-party claims, which typically means customers and venues. Additionally, if you have a short-term event policy, your plan will not cover claims related to products or business operations.
How Much Does Vendor Insurance Cost?
Vendor insurance starts at $49 per event. If you opt for an annual policy, pricing starts at $24.25 per month or $279 per year. Vendors who choose an annual policy can also add optional coverage—like cyber liability or professional liability—which will increase the final cost.
Vendor Insurance Requirements
Is Vendor Insurance Required by Law?
It depends! Each state and even city has different laws and regulations, so it’s important to research your local insurance requirements. Even if you don’t legally need to carry vendor insurance for events, many venues and event runners require you to show proof of insurance and add them as additional insureds to rent a space.
Why Is the Event Venue Asking to Be Added to My Policy?
It’s common for venues to require you to add them as an Additional Insured (AI) to your policy. This extends your coverage to the venue if a claim arises during an event because of something caused by your business’ participation there, mitigating their potential risk and out-of-pocket expenses.
For example, if a customer trips over a cord and sprains their ankle at your stall, they could pursue compensation from you and the venue. If you’ve added the venue as an AI, your insurance could cover both of you.
Can I Get Vendor Insurance Immediately Before an Event?
Yes! You can purchase your policy and get coverage on the same day of an event, even if you sign up on the way to the venue. As long as you buy your policy before you open for business and before a claim arises, you’re covered.
Details About Vendor Event Insurance
What is 1-Day Vendor Insurance?
One-day vendor insurance is short-term general liability coverage for a single event. You can purchase these policies when you only need insurance for a limited time, like for a weekend convention or expo. This is a great option if you only attend a few events each year.
Who Needs Vendor Insurance?
Any vendor who sells their goods at events needs to carry general liability insurance. This includes artists, entertainers, crafters, and many more. Insurance Canopy offers coverage for a variety of events, including:
- Fairs and festivals
- Swap meets and flea markets
- Tradeshows and expos
- Concerts
- Conferences and conventions
- Mobile kiosks and popups
- Weddings and special events
How Do I File a Claim If Something Goes Wrong at an Event?
To submit a claim, you just need to follow these four easy steps:
- Log in to your online user account
- Find the “Manage Policies” section
- Click on “File a Claim” and fill out your info
- Submit your claim
A claims adjuster will contact you within 24-48 hours to discuss your claim and answer any questions you may have.
How Can I Add an Additional Insured to My Vendor Event Insurance COI?
You can add Additional Insureds to your policy at the time of purchase or at any time during your coverage period. To add an AI to your existing policy, just follow these steps:
- Log in to your online account
- Locate the “Manage Policies” section
- Click “Add additional insureds” to add one AI, or click “Add unlimited additional insureds” to add multiple (a small fee may apply)
- Please provide the information required for the AI
- A copy of your policy will be automatically emailed to the added AI
Why Choose Insurance Canopy for Vendor Insurance?
Shopping for vendor insurance can be intimidating, but we’re here to make it as painless as possible. Insurance Canopy offers affordable coverage, free instant quotes, and an easy purchasing process so you can get covered and get to work without worrying.
