Vendor Insurance Types & Requirements

Get same-day coverage at an affordable price with Insurance Canopy.

Options from 1-90 Days of Coverage

Starting at

^$49/event

Types of Vendors We Insure

Vendor insurance has you covered for any business-to-business (B2B) or consumer-facing event, whether you operate from a booth, kiosk, stall, or stand.

General Vendors & Exhibitors

Artists & Crafters

DJs & Entertainers

Food & Concessions

Liquor Vendors

Photographers & Videographers

Additional types of vendors we cover are mobile vendors, beauty and body artists, pop-up shops, booth holders, virtual vendors, and CBD vendors.

What Types of Insurance Do Vendors Need?

When you’re heading to a craft show or festival, buying vendor insurance is probably the last thing on your mind. Protecting your small business from liability may not seem all that important…until something happens that proves otherwise.

Vendor insurance coverage can save you from paying out of pocket for expensive claims that crop up while serving events or selling from a booth. If you operate a vendor-based business, the odds are good that Insurance Canopy has a policy to suit your needs.

Common Insurance Requirements for Vendors

Hosting events opens organizers up to many risks, so they often balance this by requiring you to carry a vendor insurance policy. This general liability insurance policy covers potential expenses like legal fees, property damage, and medical bills that could arise if an accident occurs during an event.

As part of your contract, you will likely need to add the event organizer and venue as additional insureds on your policy. This means your coverage will extend to them during your participation at festivals, tradeshows, or other events.

Insurance Canopy allows you to add unlimited additional insureds*, so you and your partners have the protection you need to operate with confidence.

*In some cases a small fee may apply

What Does Vendor Insurance Cover?

Vendor insurance coverage can help absorb some or all of the cost of claims from third-party bodily injury and property damage that occur while you are participating in an event. In other words, it covers the space you’re operating from and the people who visit your booth or stall.

It can be difficult to imagine what might go wrong at an event, so consider the following scenarios:

Some heavy equipment in your booth tips over, damaging the venue’s floor. The venue expects you to cover the cost of repairs.
Someone has an allergic reaction to something they bought at your food concession booth, and now they’re suing you for their medical expenses.
An event attendee trips and falls over the corner of your kiosk, breaking their arm in the fall. Now they want you to cover their hospital bills and lost wages.

In all of these cases, vendor insurance can help mitigate or even eliminate your financial responsibility. Knowing you have the security of a vendor insurance policy to back you up allows you to focus on doing what you love with peace of mind.

Short-Term Policies vs. Long-Term Policies

As a vendor, you can choose between two types of policies: annual or short-term. The best fit depends on how you operate your business and the risks you may face.

A short-term policy may be the best choice if you only attend a few events each year. On the other hand, annual coverage is a smart investment if you sell your services or products year-round. Plus, annual policies include more coverage types and allow you to customize your plan with add-ons to better protect your business.

Your costs and coverage can vary depending on the nature of your business, but there are a few key differences between these vendor insurance policies.

Short-Term Policy

Annual Policy

Whether you need a one-time policy for a short event or you follow the festival circuit all season long, Insurance Canopy can provide a safety net for your business.

Optional Long-Term Vendor Insurance Coverages

Not all claims fit under general liability insurance, so you could still be left with a hefty bill if you don’t have the right coverage. If you opt for an annual policy, you can customize your coverage with available add-ons to further protect your business.

Inland Marine: covers your tools, supplies, inventory, and equipment if they get damaged or stolen (sometimes we refer to this as tools and equipment or gear and equipment coverage)
Professional Liability: protects you against liability claims associated with your professional services
Cyber Liability Insurance: safeguards your business against cybercrime, such as data breaches and ransomware
Excess Liability: increases your base policy limit when you need more coverage

Your needs may vary depending on your business, but these additional coverage options could save you big in the long run.

Meet Your Requirements With Vendor Insurance From Insurance Canopy

The next time you’re filling out an application for the next big expo or convention, you’ll be ready thanks to Insurance Canopy. We make it easy to find the right coverage to keep you covered at events ranging from pop-up shops to ren faires.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What types of events require vendor insurance?

Most events require vendors to carry and provide proof of insurance. These can include any of the following:

Fairs and festivals
Swap meets and flea markets
Tradeshows and expos
Concerts
Conferences
Mobile and virtual events
Weddings and special events

Does my insurance protect my booth, products, and supplies?

The base general liability vendor insurance coverage only applies to damages or injuries for third parties and the space you’re renting.

If you need coverage for in and around your booth, products, or supplies, you’ll have to insure your business with an annual policy and the Inland Marine add-on. Inland marine can cover the repair or replacement of tools, equipment, and stock if stolen or damaged.

How much does it cost to meet vendor insurance requirements?

Policies that meet vendor insurance requirements can start as low as $49 per event or $18.50 per month*. The cost of vendor insurance varies depending on the kind of business you operate and whether you opt for short- or long-term coverage. You may also need to carry more than the base policy, depending on the requirements of an event.

* The lowest event pricing is based on Arts and Crafts policies. The $18.50 per month pricing is based on DJ and Entertainers policies.

Choosing the right insurance is critical.

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