“Do I Need Insurance to Sell at a Farmers Market?” (Spoiler: Yes, You Do!)

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Aerial view of a street market with colorful vendor tents.

Picture this: you’re at the market where the sun is shining, the crowds are buzzing, the wind is starting to blow in a storm — wait. The wind is starting to blow in a storm?!

Accidents are as unpredictable as the weather (and sometimes even caused by unexpected storms). That’s why thousands of creatives arm themselves with vendor liability insurance to protect against these unwelcome, costly claims!

Woman artisan holding pliers smiling in front of her jewelry stall at a market.

Shield Your Stand With Farmers Market Vendor Insurance

We all know that one customer who can make a big deal out of a minor issue, and you never know when they could walk into your booth next.

Farmers market vendor insurance is designed specifically to protect small business owners like you. It covers you if something goes wrong at a market, whether it’s a slip-and-fall accident, a product-related injury, or damage to your booth or inventory.

Without it, you could face hefty legal bills, medical costs, or even property damage claims that can eat into your profits. Plus, some markets won’t even let you sell without insurance since many now require insurance to protect everyone from those “what if” moments.

I could go on about the what-ifs, but sometimes the most unexpected twist of events really do occur. Venues don’t just ask for insurance because they’re being extra. They’re making sure everyone, including you, is covered in case something goes wrong (big or small).

A young man purchases fresh produce from a table under some pop-up tents at an open-air street market.

5 Common Vendor Insurance Requirements for Farmers Markets

First things first — you’ll need to show proof of coverage with a Certificate of Insurance (COI). This document shows you’re insured and includes the details of your coverage.

How to get it:
ACT Pro
ACT Go

This is the most common requirement since it covers most injuries and damages that may occur in and around your booth or stall.

How to get it:
ACT Pro
ACT Go

Many events will ask to be added to your policy as an additional insured (AI) to get protection from claims you may cause at the market.

How to get it:
ACT Pro
ACT Go

Injuries and damages caused by the goods you sell require this different type of liability coverage, and some markets may require it as an extra precaution.

How to get it:
ACT Pro
ACT Go

Worried about losses to your handmade goods? This optional coverage is handy as it protects your art against theft and damage.*

How to get it:
ACT Pro
ACT Go

Meet Farmers Market Insurance Requirements in Minutes

From weekend markets to seasonal events, ACT’s coverage is crafted to keep up with your creativity. Purchase simple, customizable coverage online in minutes and be instantly insured for your next market!

✔️ Instant Certificate of Insurance
✔️ Free, unlimited additional insureds
✔️ $2 million in General Liability coverage
✔️ Customizable policy options
✔️ Tailored for artisans, crafters, vendors, and more!

Artisan organizing handcrafted decor in her market stall. She has a variety of handmade crafts and decorations on display.

Real Risks Vendors Face at Farmers Markets

Getting your works and wares from your hands to theirs comes with unique risks that go beyond the occasional spilled smoothie. Common liability risks include:

  • Customers tripping over cords or tent weights around your booth
  • Your display damaging the floors of a rented indoor market stall
  • A strong gust of wind blowing your tent into a neighboring booth

ACT Go is an excellent policy option designed to cover you for these types of claims. The risks don’t stop there, though. The products you create can sometimes lead to accidents, and there’s always the risk of theft or damage to your own gear while you’re at the market.

Your chances of running into these issues might be lower if you’re just attending a few markets or crafting casually. The more frequently you show up at events, sell online, and craft outside of the occasional weekend, the more likely you are to face those risks.

That’s why we created ACT Pro! As your business grows, so do the chances of needing the additional protection this policy offers. It’s designed to safeguard and sustain your business when accidents strike — giving you the confidence to share your artistry with the local community worry-free.

Close-up of a young woman shopping for colorful stone beach bracelets as she touches the handmade jewelry on display on a table in an outdoor market.

ACT Pro Protects Against Product Liability Claims

If your product injures a customer or damages their property, you could face a product liability claim. Product liability insurance can shield you from claims of:

  • Injuries or illnesses
  • Damages
  • Mislabeling
  • Manufacturing or design defects

ACT Pro Protects Your Equipment and Products

Insurance that covers your equipment, like tents, tables, and display setups, helps ensure you’re not left high and dry if something is damaged or stolen. Additionally, if your products are damaged in transit or during the event, insurance coverage helps you protect your hard work from being a total loss.*

A local baker smiles as he sells a loaf of bread to a family from his bakery stall at a farmers market.

“Certified Fresh” by Vendors Like You!

ACT Insurance Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rated 4.8/5 stars on Google

Not to toot our own horn, but we think ACT is pretty great, and so do 300,000+ other makers, indie brands, and farmers market vendors who have trusted our coverage since 2010! But don’t just take my word for it…

The markets are calling; are you ready to answer? Get covered by the most trusted name in artists and crafters insurance today!

Bouquets of fresh-cut flowers on display in metal buckets in a vendor's booth at an outdoor farmers market.

FAQs About Farmers Market Vendor Insurance

How Much is Liability Insurance for a Market Stall?

Liability insurance for a market stall starts at $49 per event with ACT Go for 1–3 days of basic coverage. ACT Pro starts at $24.25 a month and gives you 365 days of unlimited event coverage, plus protection outside of events, product coverage, protection for online sales, and more!

Why Do Farmers Markets Require Vendors to Get Insurance?

Farmers markets require vendors to get insurance to keep customers, vendors, and the event safe. This helps ensure everyone has a backup plan in case of injuries, property damage, or liability claims.

Does My Insurance Cover Products I Sell at a Farmers Market?

The ACT Pro insurance policy can cover handmade products you sell at farmers markets. There are some restrictions as to which types of products are covered, so it’s important to check the policy exclusions before getting insured.

*Theft & Damage Coverage (Inland Marine) only covers the replacement cost of the materials needed to recreate the affected piece(s), not the intended retail value you may have sold it for.

Get Covered With
ACT Insurance
Monthly Prices Starting at
$24.25

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