Imagine setting up your dream booth at a popular fair, or working under the gleaming glow of festive lights. It’s exciting and promising — until something unexpectedly goes wrong.
That’s where vendor insurance comes into play. Getting a vendor insurance policy can be the equivalent of putting bubble wrap around your business, cushioning the blows of those oh-so-unpredictable moments life can throw your way.
Whether you’re a food maestro at a bustling music festival, a business owner exhibiting at a local conference, or a photographer working a private wedding, we’re showing you how to safeguard your efforts and keep your business safe, secure, and ready to thrive.
Common Risks for Vendors at Events
- Unexpected weather
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Property damage
- Theft or vandalism
- Foodborne illnesses
- Contract breaches
- Product injuries
Understanding your risks can help you plan for unexpected accidents and arm yourself with the correct insurance coverage.
5 Vendor Claim Examples
Claim Example #1: Tradeshow Tumble
A customer was walking through a booth at a tradeshow and admiring the display when they suddenly slipped and fell, breaking their knee. A previous patron had unknowingly spilled some water just in front of the booth and the vendor did not notice.
The injured customer now wants the vendor to cover the cost of their ambulance transport, hospital bills, doctor visits, and physical therapy, claiming it’s the vendor’s responsibility to keep their booth clean.
Claim Example #2: More Than a Record Scratch
A newlywed couple is hosting their reception at home and hires a DJ for the evening. At the end of the party, the DJ is moving his equipment out when he notices his speakers left scratches on the custom wood floors.
The couple is requesting the DJ pay for the damages — which requires the wood flooring to be replaced in that room. A repairman estimates the costs will be more than double what the DJ was paid for the reception.
Claim Example #3: Concession Stand Concussion
A small pastry business has secured a concession booth at a local music festival. During the event, a customer trips over one of the business’s extension cords being used to power a fridge in the booth. She crashes into some picnic tables nearby, ending up with a concussion. Some of her personal belongings were also damaged.
The customer is claiming the pastry business did not secure their extension cord and is responsible for paying her medical bills, replacing her damaged items, and covering the wages she lost after her concussion kept her out of work for over two weeks.
Claim Example #4: Disputes Over Display Damages
During the setup period before an expo, a vendor was bringing parts of her display into the convention center when one of the wheels on her handcart broke. This sent a heavy backdrop crashing through a glass door, scuffing part of the wall in the process.
The venue is requesting that the vendor pay for emergency repairs to the door and wall, as they are located in a main entrance that patrons will need to access during the event. She foots the bill but is worried she won’t be able to make enough sales during the event to cover the expense.
Claim Example #5: Craft Show Catastrophe
A painter gets a booth at an outdoor craft show and is enjoying the day when an unexpected storm starts to roll in. Despite his efforts to weigh down his tent, a sudden gust of wind sends it soaring into the crowd of attendees.
One person sprained their ankle while diving out of the way of the dangerous tent, which then landed on another vendor’s booth, damaging several products and parts of the display beyond repair. The painter is now facing costs for the injured patron’s medical care and helping the other vendor recoup their losses.
How Vendor Insurance Protects You and Your Business
Vendor insurance is the financial protection you and your business need to safely operate at events. If something goes wrong, your insurance policy may help you cover some or all of the costs — keeping more money in your pocket!
“Starting and building your business is a significant investment, and insurance is an easy way to safeguard your investment, business finances, and personal assets. Accidents can happen in seconds, leading to substantial expenses or lawsuits. Insurance is designed to absorb these financial impacts, allowing your business to operate smoothly and providing peace of mind.”
—JoAnne Hammer, Insurance Canopy Program Manager, CIC. Certified Insurance Counselor since 2004
Coverage for Common Claims
We’ve specifically designed our vendor policies to cover the most common accidents you’ll face, like slips and falls, legal disputes, and property damage.
Our standard policy may help you pay for third-party:
- Medical bills
- Legal fees
- Repair costs
- Replacements
- Lost wages
Insures 100+ Types of Vendors
Essentially any vendor who participates in events needs insurance. That’s why we made our coverage flexible enough to cover hundreds of vendors!
The most popular types of vendors we insure are:
- Artists and Crafters
- Booths and Kiosks
- DJs and Entertainers
- Exhibitors
- Face Painters
- Food and Concessions
- Liquor Vendors
- Photographers
Just be sure to pick the right type of vendor insurance so you can make the most of your coverage!
Accepted by Most Events
Our vendor insurance is accepted by most events that require you to have a policy. This makes it easy for you to meet contracts and applications so you can attend more events!
We work with thousands of events and cover hundreds of claims each year. As a result, we know what kind of coverage you’ll need (and how much coverage you’ll need). We work hard to ensure our policies will be exactly what you need to get into events and pay for claims.
Affordable Peace of Mind
A standard vendor insurance policy starts at $49 per event, includes general liability insurance, and covers you for up to 3 days. Who knew peace of mind had such an affordable price tag?
You can also opt for an annual vendor policy that provides more liability coverage, unlimited event insurance, and the option to add extra coverage. Plus, we offer a variety of low-cost vendor plans to help you get the coverage you need at a price you’ll love!
Proof of Vendor Insurance Instantly
Get an instant Certificate of Insurance when you buy a policy online today.
FAQs About Vendor Insurance
An event venue may ask to be added to your policy as an additional insured to help cover claims that occurred on their property. If someone tries to sue you and the venue for tripping over your equipment during an event, your policy would cover you both.
All vendors need general liability insurance for events like tradeshows, markets, and conventions. Some vendors may also need additional coverage when selling liquor or attending CBD events.
Vendors need insurance to help meet event requirements and cover the cost of accidents that may occur when attending an event. This can help you pay bills, repairs, fees, and more.
