General Liability Insurance

Handcrafted coverage for your creative business.

What Is General Liability Insurance?

General liability insurance protects your creative business from financial losses, like paying for third-party injuries and property damage.

Why You Need This Coverage as a Creative

Accidents happen — and your art deserves protection.

General liability insurance offers the security you need to create without worry. It also helps you meet insurance requirements for selling your arts and crafts at events, online, and in-store.

  • Many venues require proof of insurance to qualify as a vendor or exhibitor
  • If a customer claims your work caused damage or injury, you could be held liable
  • Most homeowners’ and renters’ insurance policies won’t cover small business claims
  • Online marketplaces encourage sellers to carry insurance (since they don’t cover liability claims)

What Does General Liability Insurance Cover?

Accidentally spill paint on a gallery floor? A customer trips and falls inside your booth? General liability insurance for artists can protect your finances by covering the cost of medical bills, legal fees, and repairs.

What Does General Liability Insurance Not Cover?

General liability insurance only covers accidents related to your business that impact third parties. It does not cover the following:

What if I Need Short-Term General Liability Coverage?

ACT Go is short-term general liability insurance for crafters designed to safeguard your business at events like craft shows, art fairs, and festivals. Get the liability coverage you need for one day, one week, or an entire season.

Looking for 365-day coverage for your creative business? Learn more about ACT Pro.

Artist booths outdoors at a market.

How Does General Liability Insurance Work?

General liability insurance for small businesses protects you from financial losses caused by third-party injuries or damages related to your business activities, like attending an event or showcasing your art.

Your general liability coverage starts the moment you purchase your policy and get your Certificate of Insurance (COI). If an accident occurs during your policy period, log in to your online portal to file a claim.

How Does General Liability Insurance Work?

Insuring your creative business with ACT is fast and simple. We will need your:

  • Business name
  • Owner name and contact information
  • Address
  • Business description
  • Gross annual sales
  • Coverages requested

How Long Does Getting a Policy Take?

Get an ACT policy in minutes with a 100% online quote. We provide an instant COI plus same-day liability coverage crafted for you and your business.

What Are Common General Liability Claims?

From unexpected weather to scratched venue floors, general liability claims can strike anywhere you sell or show your work.

  • A gust of wind knocks over your booth, damaging another vendor’s booth and supplies
  • A customer trips over one of your displays, falls, and injures their knee
  • While packing up, part of your tent collapses and falls onto a nearby vehicle, leaving a deep scratch

How Much Does General Liability Insurance Cost?

General liability insurance for artists and crafters starts at $24.25/month or $279/year with ACT Pro. 

Need event-approved coverage for just a few craft shows? Get ACT Go for just $49 per event.

Why Choose ACT for General Liability Insurance?

Designed with makers in mind, ACT insurance provides handcrafted coverage tailored to your needs as an artist and entrepreneur. Our easy, affordable, and instant policies give you exactly the coverage you need, nothing less. We protect your passion, so you can create with confidence.

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FAQs About General Liability Insurance for Artists & Crafters

Do I really need general liability insurance for my art/craft business?

Yes, you need general liability insurance for your business. Most venues require proof of insurance if you plan to sell your art at an event or show.

What does general liability insurance cover (and not cover) with ACT?

General liability insurance with ACT covers third-party claims of injury and property damage.

With ACT Pro, you also receive coverage for your products plus personal and advertising injuries. Policyholders can add on coverage for theft and damage, data breaches, and classes you teach.

With ACT Go, you receive limited general liability coverage for events you attend, with the option to add insurance for theft and damages.

For more detailed information, read our policy exclusions.

Is General Liability included in ACT Pro and ACT Go policies?

Yes, general liability insurance, sometimes called CGL, is included in both our ACT Pro and ACT Go policies. Learn more about what’s included in each when you compare policies.

Will this cover me at craft fairs, pop-ups, or galleries?

Yes, general liability insurance with ACT covers your business at events like craft fairs, pop-ups, and art galleries. Get event-approved coverage for 1–90 days with ACT Go, or protect your business year-round with ACT Pro.

How much general liability insurance do I need?

Most events require arts and crafts vendors to have general liability insurance with a $2 million aggregate limit and a $1 million occurrence limit. These are the standard limits for all ACT policies.

Depending on the event and your craft, you may need to purchase larger limits. Our ACT Pro policy allows you to purchase excess liability limits to meet your needs.

How fast can I get proof of insurance?

Get instant proof of insurance when you purchase an ACT policy online. We’ll email you a copy of your certificate the moment your payment is processed.

See What Else We Cover

ACT offers a variety of coverages to protect your business and your passion.
Artist workspace

Tools, Supplies, & Inventory

Workshop & Class Coverage

Data Breach Insurance

Check out our coverage overview.