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ACT Insurance vs Thimble, NEXT, & Other Insurance for Creative Small Businesses

Need fast proof of insurance for your booth or to sell online? Most craft fairs and marketplaces ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI) before you can set up. Compare popular policies and see how ACT Insurance offers the most competitive plans on the market.

  • Compare ACT vs other insurance providers for artists and crafters side-by-side
  • Discover which provider best fits your business, events, and products
  • Get a free quote and download your COI in minutes

Insurance Companies for Artists & Crafters Compared

Feature ACT Gradient LogomarkACT Insurance Thimble ERGO NEXT K&K Eventsured Rain Protection Insurance
Policy Options

1–90 day event (ACT Go) & annual plans (ACT Pro)
Hourly, monthly, or annual
Annual only
Monthly and annual vendor policies
Event-only
Set days or annual

Price
$49/event or $24.25/month
$56.04/event or $44.29/month
$29.92/month (annual only)
$186/event or $1,158/year
$195.64/event
$200.60/event or $660.30/year
Same-Day COIs?
Additional Insureds
Free & unlimited
Free (limits vary)
Available
Free
Limited
Free
Product Liability
Included in ACT Pro
Included in annual plans
Varies by craft
Included
Included
Included
Base Plan Meets $2M Venue Requirements
Nationwide Coverage

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*For an apples-to-apples comparison, quotes were obtained at the time of writing for a craft vendor who is a sole proprietor living in the state of Florida, purchasing a $2 million liability insurance policy. Event policy quotes are based on 1-3 day events.

Want a closer look at the 5 best vendor insurance providers? See our comparison guide.

Is ACT Insurance Better Than Thimble or ERGO NEXT? Key Differences

ACT is insurance designed for artists, creators, and craft vendors, unlike Thimble or ERGO NEXT, which offer generic small business policies. Our handcrafted coverage focuses on meeting the needs of makers, like fast COIs for events, coverage for your products, and pricing that makes sense for small creative businesses.

Want to compare ACT with a specific provider? Jump ahead:

What Creative Sellers Care About ACT Gradient LogomarkHow ACT Meets Their Needs
Meeting venue insurance requirements
Same-day proof of insurance
Coverage for multiple events
  • 1–3 day and 7-day event coverage
  • Annual coverage for unlimited events
Eligibility for both handmade and non-handmade products
  • Coverage designed for crafters, makers, and creators
  • Product liability available on annual plans

Most venues require coverage that pays up to $1 million for a single claim (per occurrence) and up to $2 million total for the policy (aggregate limit)

What Creative Sellers Care About

Meeting Venue Insurance Requirements

How ACT Meets Their Needs


*Most venues require coverage that pays up to $1 million for a single claim (per occurrence) and up to $2 million total for the policy (aggregate limit)

Same-day Proof of Insurance

How ACT Meets Their Needs

Coverage for Multiple Events

How ACT Meets Their Needs

  • 1–3 day and 7-day event coverage
  • Annual coverage for unlimited events

Eligibility for Both Handmade and Non-Handmade Products

How ACT Meets Their Needs

  • Coverage designed for crafters, makers, and creators
  • Product liability available on annual plans

ACT Insurance vs Other Popular Insurance Providers for Artists, Crafters, and Makers

ACT Insurance puts makers first with affordable coverage, easy online tools, and protection beyond events. Compare coverages, costs, and venue requirements to see how ACT stacks up.

ACT vs Thimble for Crafters and Makers

Key Differences

  • Coverage focus: ACT is built for creative small businesses who sell at fairs, markets, and online. Thimble offers general short-term business insurance, with event coverage for select makers.
  • Coverage timing: ACT covers your booth for the entire event, or you can attend unlimited events when you have year-round coverage. Thimble’s hourly policies may not cover the time you need to set up or pack up.
  • Extra coverage: ACT offers optional equipment coverage, even on short-term policies. Thimble requires a monthly or annual plan for similar add-ons.
ACT Gradient LogomarkACT Thimble
  • Business equipment protection (annual plans only)
  • Professional liability
  • Cyber liability
  • Customer property protection
  • Waiver of Subrogation endorsement available
  • Primary and Noncontributory wording available

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*Professional and cyber liability add-ons are only available with an ACT Pro policy.

ACT Gradient LogomarkACT Thimble

$49/event or $24.25/month.

Flat pricing is often more cost-effective for repeat or weekend vendors.

$56.04/event or $44.29/month.

Pricing varies by state.

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ACT Gradient LogomarkACT Thimble

Same-day COIs
Free, unlimited additional insureds

Same-day COIs
Free additional insureds
Hourly plan may cause COI issues

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Vendor booths illustration

ACT vs Thimble Final Verdict

Choose ACT if you attend multiple events and want coverage designed for craft fairs and shows.

Become Event-Ready

ACT vs ERGO NEXT for Creative Business Insurance

Key Differences

  • Coverage focus: ACT is tailored to craft fairs, markets, and online sellers. ERGO NEXT offers general business insurance, not event-specific coverage for vendors.
  • Short-term options: ACT offers 1–3 day, 7-day, and 90-day policies plus annual plans with unlimited event coverage. ERGO NEXT does not offer short-term event insurance.
  • Product liability: ACT’s annual plan includes product liability for handmade goods, while ERGO NEXT does not.
ACT Gradient LogomarkACT ERGO NEXT
  • Theft and Damage Coverage (inland marine)
  • Workshop and Class Coverage (professional liability)
  • Data Breach Insurance (cyber liability)
  • Waiver of Subrogation and Primary and Noncontributory wording available
  • Umbrella/excess liability
  • Professional liability
  • Cyber liability
  • Terrorism coverage
  • Base limits and lack of endorsements may not meet event requirements

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ACT Gradient LogomarkACT ERGO NEXT

$49/event or $24.25/month.
Flexible, predictable pricing for vendors.

$29.92/month.
Annual plans only with no product coverage.

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ACT Gradient LogomarkACT ERGO NEXT

Same-day COIs 
Free, unlimited Additional Insureds

Same-day COIs
Additional Insureds available

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Artist vendor booth

ACT vs ERGO NEXT Final Verdict

Choose ACT if you’re an artist or craft vendor who needs coverage that meets venue requirements or supports online product sales.

ACT vs K&K Insurance for Vendor Insurance

Key Differences

  • Coverages: ACT is built for makers, with product liability on annual plans. K&K includes product liability on all policies but requires special approval for booths over 100 sq ft.
  • Policy options: ACT offers 1-3 day, 7-day, and 90-day plans plus annual plans for unlimited events. K&K offers 1-day, 3-month, 6-month, and annual coverage options.
  • Policy management: ACT allows instant online updates to Additional Insureds, wording, and COIs. K&K requires policy changes to be submitted in writing.
ACT Gradient LogomarkACT K&K Insurance
  • Theft & Damage Coverage (inland marine)
  • Workshop & Class Coverage (professional liability)
  • Data Breach Insurance (cyber liability)
  • Waiver of Subrogation and Primary and Noncontributory wording available
  • Inland marine (annual only)
  • Broader injury coverage
  • Extra legal defense costs
  • Fire, smoke, and sprinkler damage for rented spaces
  • Waiver of Subrogation available
  • Requires a written request for policy changes and endorsements

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ACT Gradient LogomarkACT K&K Insurance

$49/event or $24.25/month.
Transparent, predictable pricing for all event types.

$186/event or $1,158/year.
Higher price for higher limits.

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ACT Gradient LogomarkACT K&K Insurance

Same-day COIs
Free, unlimited Additional Insureds

Same-day COIs
Free, unlimited Additional Insureds

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ACT vs K&K Final Verdict

Choose ACT if you sell at craft fairs or markets and want straightforward, event-ready coverage with easy online management.

ACT vs Eventsured for Vendor Insurance

Key Differences

  • Coverage focus: ACT is built for craft fairs, markets, and handmade businesses. Eventsured offers general event insurance, not craft-specific insurance.
  • Policy options: ACT offers short-term event coverage and annual plans with unlimited events. Eventsured offers event-only coverage for events lasting up to 30 days.
  • Coverage beyond events: ACT annual plans can cover vendors year-round and online. Eventsured coverage applies only to the insured event.
ACT Gradient LogomarkACT Eventsured
  • Theft & Damage Coverage (inland marine)
  • Workshop & Class Coverage (professional liability)
  • Data Breach Insurance (cyber liability)
  • Waiver of Subrogation endorsement available
  • Primary and Noncontributory wording available
  • Common vendor endorsements
  • Waiver of Subrogation endorsement available
  • Primary and Noncontributory wording available

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ACT Gradient LogomarkACT Eventsured

$49/event or $24.25/month.
More cost-effective for vendors attending multiple events.

$195.64/event.
Covers vendors for 30 days.

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ACT Gradient LogomarkACT Eventsured

Same-day COIs
Free, unlimited Additional Insureds

Same-day COIs
Free, unlimited Additional Insureds
30-day limit on coverage dates on COIs

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Artist workspace

ACT vs Eventsured Final Verdict

Choose ACT if you regularly sell at craft shows or seasonal markets and want coverage built for creative vendors.

ACT vs Rain Protection Insurance for Event Vendors

Key Differences

  • Coverage focus: ACT is tailored for craft fairs and creative vendors. Rain Protection offers general event insurance that may not serve the interests of handmade vendors.
  • Policy dates: ACT offers 1-90 day event or annual coverage. Rain Protection prices policies by set date ranges, which costs more for longer or recurring events.
  • Ease of purchase: ACT lets you buy and update your policy 100% online instantly. Rain Protection COIs and policy changes are subject to underwriting approval.
ACT Gradient LogomarkACT Rain Protection Insurance
  • Theft & Damage Coverage (inland marine)
  • Workshop & Class Coverage (professional liability)
  • Data Breach Insurance (cyber liability)
  • Waiver of Subrogation and Primary and Noncontributory wording available
  • Medical expense coverage (included with ACT)
  • Inland marine insurance
  • Waiver of Subrogation and Primary and Noncontributory wording available

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ACT Gradient LogomarkACT Rain Protection Insurance

$49/event or $24.25/month.
Predictable and vendor-friendly.

$200.60/event or $660.30/year.
One-time payments only.

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ACT Gradient LogomarkACT Rain Protection Insurance

Same-day COIs
Free, unlimited Additional Insureds

Free Additional Insureds
Does not guarantee same-day COIs

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ACT vs Rain Protection Final Verdict

Choose ACT if you sell at craft fairs or markets and want easy, event-ready coverage, fast online COIs, and straightforward pricing.

Which Artists & Crafters Insurance Is Best for Your Business Type?

Best Insurance for Craft Vendors Doing 6–12 Markets a Year

Best fit: ACT Pro

Why?

  • One policy covers every event all year
  • More affordable than paying per event once you attend multiple shows
  • Includes product liability for handmade goods
  • Covers online and in-person sales


The Cost Difference

ACT Go

6 events × $49 per event = $294

ACT Pro

Unlimited events for $279

If you sell at six or more shows a year, the annual plan costs less and covers more events.

Good to know

  • Monthly payments start at just $24.25/month
  • Annual policies automatically renew, so you don’t have to worry about coverage gaps

Best fit: ACT Go

Why?

  • Covers your booth for the full event, even multi-day weekends
  • Same starting price for 1–3 days
  • Optional theft and damage coverage for equipment


Cost

  • Starts at $49 per event for 1–3 days


Good to know

  • Designed for event access and venue compliance
  • Vendors attending 6+ events a year pay less with an ACT Pro annual policy

Best fit: ACT Pro for Online Retailers

Why?

  • Some online marketplaces require sellers to carry business liability insurance
  • Many third-party retailers won’t carry your products without coverage
  • Includes general liability and product liability
  • Optional data breach insurance helps cover the risks of selling online


Cost

  • Starts at $24.25/month
  • Add data breach insurance for as little as $8.25/month


Good to know

Best fit: ACT Handmade Beauty (ACT Pro)

Why?

  • Built specifically for high-risk handmade products that other providers won’t cover
  • Includes general liability and product liability
  • Covers claims from reactions, burns, or other product-related incidents
  • Covers your in-person and online sales


Cost

  • $515/year (about $1.41 per day)


Good to know

  • Handmade beauty sellers can use ACT Go for short-term vendor insurance, but only ACT Pro protects against product-related claims and allows you to do unlimited events.

Best fit: ACT Pro

Why?

  • Covers events in all 50 states
  • Unlimited additional insureds for different venues
  • Helps meet state-specific wording or waiver requirements
  • Optional theft and damage coverage for equipment while traveling


Cost

  • Starts at $24.25/month
  • Add theft and damage coverage for as little as $4.50/month


Good to know

  • One policy covers every event, no matter the state
  • Ideal for vendors with recurring or out-of-state shows


Looking for more out-of-state events? Try our Event Finder to discover your next show.

Is Your COI Right? How ACT Meets Event & Venue Requirements

ACT policies are designed to meet most event requirements, including the right liability limits, free additional insureds, and flexible wording for waivers and endorsements.

Customize your coverage and get proof of insurance in minutes by following these simple steps:

  1. Complete a quick ACT policy application online
  2. Choose how much coverage you need
  3. Add the venue as an additional insured
  4. Generate your COI instantly
  5. Download and share with event organizers

Need to update your COI? ACT lets you fix common COI issues instantly, like incorrect venue names, wrong dates, or missing wording, before your event.

Need Insurance For Your Next Event Or Online Shop?

Get the right coverage for your creative business with ACT.

Get Covered

FAQs: ACT Insurance vs Thimble, NEXT, and Other Providers

How fast can I get a COI with ACT Insurance?

You can get a COI in minutes with ACT Insurance. Start your free, online quote, choose the coverage you need for your event, and instantly download your COI.

For your convenience, ACT will also send your COI to your event organizer for you, letting you skip the email chains and get back to planning your product lineup.

Does ACT Insurance include product liability for handmade goods?

Yes, you can get product liability insurance for handmade goods with an ACT Pro policy. Our annual insurance covers your handmade products online, in-store, and at events, so you can sell your crafts, jewelry, pottery, and more.

If you have a short-term policy like ACT Go, you’ll need to upgrade to an ACT Pro plan to get coverage for your handmade products and online sales.

Will ACT Insurance meet craft fair and market insurance requirements?

ACT Insurance meets most craft fair, market, and venue insurance requirements for:

  • Up to $2 million in general liability aggregate coverage
  • Venue listed as an additional insured

ACT also has an option to add waivers or endorsements commonly requested by venue owners, like:

  • Primary & Noncontributory wording
  • Waiver of Subrogation endorsement

Always double-check with your venue or event organizer what their requirements are before getting coverage. If you need higher limits, additional coverages, or specific wording, you can update your ACT policy via your online dashboard to meet those requirements.

What’s the difference between ACT Pro (annual) and one-day event insurance?

ACT Pro is annual insurance for arts and craft vendors who attend events year-round, sell their products online, or need product liability coverage for their handmade goods.

ACT Go is short-term event insurance for craft fair and festival vendors who need coverage for one day, a weekend, or an entire season.

Compare ACT Pro vs ACT Go to discover which policy fits your creative business.

Can I upgrade or add coverage mid-season?

Yes, you can upgrade to an ACT Pro plan or add coverage to your current plan at any time, including mid-event season.

The best way to upgrade to an ACT Pro plan is to buy annual coverage through your dashboard or our website after your ACT Go policy expires.

To add new coverage to an existing ACT policy:

  1. Log in to your online dashboard
  2. Select “Manage Policies”
  3. Choose “Change Policy Options”
  4. Add the coverage(s) you want
  5. Click “Purchase My Policy” to purchase the new coverages

For questions, please contact us by email or phone, and one of our licensed customer support agents will be happy to help!