- Many art fairs and craft shows require you to have insurance before you can set up.
- Accidents happen all the time — insurance helps cover the costs.
- Look for policies with general and product liability, and theft and damage coverage.
- You will probably need to list the event as an additional insured.
- Do more than a few shows a year? A year-long policy saves you money (and hassle!).
- Insurance gives you invaluable peace of mind to focus on your arts and crafts business.
- Coverage is more affordable than you think — from $49/event or $24.25/month with ACT Insurance.
Shopping for event insurance for art shows is a long way from picking out a new set of glass beads or acrylic paints for a project. But if you just found out you need insurance and are unsure where to start, this guide covers what you need to know to get covered the right way.
What’s at Risk When You Attend Arts and Crafts Events?
Oohs and ahhs can quickly turn into oh-nos at arts and crafts events. You may have never considered it, but here’s what’s really at risk of going wrong at your art fair or craft show:
- Customer slip-and-fall injuries at your booth
- Theft or damage of your products or tools
- Harm caused by your products
- Damage to venue property
- Weather-related mishaps
Event insurance for art shows is a buffer between you and risks, so you don’t have to pay out of pocket when accidents happen.
Could you weather this storm on your own? A real ACT policyholder’s canopies went flying due to strong winds — right into another vendor’s booth. The crash destroyed the other vendor’s product. ACT stepped in to cover this accident: $10,397 in damages! See more claims examples.
Craft Show Event Insurance You Need
Here’s an insider tip: There are five main coverages you need in your artist event insurance policy, so don’t feel overwhelmed as you shop for craft show event insurance! Here’s how they protect you.
General Liability Insurance
General liability insurance covers you if someone gets hurt or their property is damaged because of your booth, display, or activities at an event (like someone tripping over a loose cord).
Do you really need it? ✅Yes! It’s often required by event organizers and protects you from common event-related risks. Available on ACT Go and ACT Pro.
Product Liability Insurance
Product liability insurance (products-completed operations) covers you if someone claims your products caused them harm, like an allergic reaction to a lotion or a sharp edge on a sculpture.
Do you really need it? ✅Yes, if you sell products at events, this coverage is essential for claims that pop up after the sale. Available on ACT Pro.
Theft & Damage Coverage
Theft and damage coverage, or inland marine insurance, pays to repair or replace your inventory, tools, or supplies in case of theft or damage.
Do you really need it? ✅Yes, if you can’t operate your business without certain items, this coverage is a must, especially while you travel to and from events. Available on ACT Go and ACT Pro.
Workshop & Class Coverage
Workshop and class coverage, or professional liability insurance, extends your protection to any teaching or live demonstrations in case you accidentally harm someone.
Do you really need it? Maybe! Consider holding off on this coverage until you start hosting live events. Available on ACT Pro.
Data Breach Coverage
Data breach coverage, or cyber liability insurance, covers the costs of cybersecurity-related incidents (for example, if your customers’ data was stolen from your point-of-sale system).
Do you really need it? Maybe! If you don’t operate your business online, then you might not need this coverage. But if you sell online in addition to at events, it’s essential. Available on ACT Pro.
What to Consider Before You Buy Art Fair Event Insurance
Event Requirements for Coverage
Check the event’s specific insurance requirements for occurrence (per claim) and aggregate (total) coverage. Your policy must meet the minimum amount required, often $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate.
Why this matters: Events need to make sure you have enough coverage in case of a claim, but these numbers also give you peace of mind, knowing you’re truly protected.
How Fast You Can Get Covered
Whether you’re shopping in advance or scrambling to get covered the day before an event, opt for insurers who offer instant coverage online. You also need a Certificate of Insurance (COI), or proof that you’re covered, to send to your event organizer, so this needs to be easily and immediately accessible.
Why this matters: Attending last-minute events? No worries if you can get covered (with proof) in minutes!
The Cost of Additional Insureds
Most fairs and shows require you to list the event as an additional insured. Doing this extends your coverage to them in case you’re both named in a claim. Some insurers charge extra to add additional insureds to your policy.
Why this matters: Fees for additional insureds can add up quickly, so opt for a policy offering free unlimited additional insureds.
Coverage Where You Need It
Does your policy cover you at indoor and outdoor events? If you travel for art fairs or craft shows, does your coverage follow you across state lines? Make sure your event insurance actually covers you where you need it.
Why this matters: Your coverage must be valid at your physical location. Otherwise, you won’t be protected when it matters.
Product Liability Exclusions
Some products, like beauty, food, or children’s toys, are considered higher risk, so they may not be covered by product liability insurance. Every arts and crafts business is unique, so check that your insurance policy specifically covers all the products you sell.
Why this matters: It’s easy to overlook policy exclusions, but it’s essential to ensure your handmade goods are covered in case they accidentally injure a customer after they’re sold. If your creations aren’t eligible for coverage with ACT, check out our sister company, Insurance Canopy, for product liability insurance tailored to your business.
Value of Year-Round Coverage
Are you planning on attending multiple events throughout the year? It’s a better value to get annual coverage so you’re continuously protected from event to event — without purchasing separate policies each time!
Why this matters: When comparing one-day vs. annual artist insurance with ACT, you save money and get access to more comprehensive coverage with ACT Pro, our year-round policy. It’s worth it in the long run.
Online Policy Management
Old-school insurance companies don’t let you log in, make edits, or download your COI online. Online access to your policy makes a big difference during busy vending seasons, so opt for an insurer with 24/7 online management.
Why this matters: You never want to get stuck twiddling your thumbs, waiting on a policy change, when it’s go time! Your insurance should keep up with your busy schedule.
What Event Organizers Look For
Art fair and crafts show organizers typically need the following from you:
- General liability insurance at a minimum
- A copy of your certificate of insurance (COI or Accord form)
- The event listed as an additional insured
- Specific coverage limits met
What Happens if You Skip Event Insurance
Skipping liability insurance for events and art fairs is risky business. Here’s how it affects you:
- Your vendor application can be denied
- You can lose your vendor deposit if you don’t supply a COI
- You have to pay out of pocket in case of an accident
- You risk losing out on sales
Getting covered signals your professionalism as a creator and keeps you event-ready so you can share your one-of-a-kind pieces with others!
“It won’t happen to me!”
Take it from these r/Craft Fairs artists:
![A Reddit post reading, "Most events I've looked into require insurance to participate, so I'm looking to insure my stuff and myself if anything happens I guess? If someone breaks my stuff or says my table hurt them [shrugging woman emoji] [sweat laugh emoji] I've only done one event so far and I've already had a kid run into my sign somehow, so you never know."](https://www.actinsurance.com/u/2025/08/01120010/reddit-post-art-fair-insurance-kid-run-into-sign-1024x195.webp)
ACT for Peace of Mind
If you’re looking for event insurance that checks all the right boxes, ACT Insurance is thoughtfully crafted for you. The ACT Go policy is great for short-term general liability insurance, and the ACT Pro policy is ideal for continuous, enhanced coverage with optional add-ons to fit your needs.
With ACT, enjoy:
✔️Coverage that meets (or exceeds!) event requirements
✔️Easy online purchase with an instant COI
✔️Free unlimited additional insureds
✔️Coverage that follows you
✔️Clear policy details + exclusions
✔️1-90 days or a full year of coverage
✔️24/7 online policy management
FAQs About Insurance Considerations for Arts & Crafts Shows
What Kind of Insurance Do I Need for a Craft Fair?
How Do I Get Insurance for an Art Show?
It’s easy with ACT!
- Choose your policy
- Fill out your information
- Select your coverages
- Pay and check out
- Get your instant COI
Do I Need to Be a Business to Sell at a Craft Fair?
JoAnne Hammer | Program Manager
JoAnne Hammer is the Program Manager for ACT Insurance. She has held the prestigious Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation since July 2004.
JoAnne understands that starting and operating a business takes a tremendous amount of time, dedication, and financial resources. She believes that insurance is the single best way to protect your investment, business, and personal assets.
JoAnne Hammer is the Program Manager for ACT Insurance. She has held the prestigious Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation since July 2004.
JoAnne understands that starting and operating a business takes a tremendous amount of time, dedication, and financial resources. She believes that insurance is the single best way to protect your investment, business, and personal assets.
