Hiya everyone! This is my first time posting here, so I hope I’m doing it right!
I wanted to ask for product liability insurance recommendations from other crafters. I used to be insured with CMTIA, but they said they can’t renew me for another year because I honestly stated, that I am changing the focus of my craft business: stopped doing markets and only sell going to sell online (at Folksy, of course!) and directly to gift shops (that was their main issue). I know Folksy provides a 10% discount for Craft Cover, but I struggled to find any reviews for them online (+the quote I got was more expensive than my previos one). So basically just asking if anyone can recommend an insurance company that is affordable and easy to apply to. Or maybe you’re covered with Craft Cover and can tell me something about them! I do crochet and felt flowers, bouquets and gifts.
Ian Wallace (craftinsurance.co.uk) are quite widely used or if you meet the criteria for calling yourself a practising artist you can join a-n, the artists’ network (a-n.co.uk) for £38 per year and be covered by their PLI insurance. Criteria are here, you need to be able to meet 3 of them https://www.a-n.co.uk/about/artist-membership-who-its-for/
I used a company called G M Imber for many years, they had a specific craft policy and were very easy to deal with (although I never had to make a claim)
I see the artists network recommended a lot on here but I just want to add a word of warning about it.
I believe that their scheme is designed primarily for artists in the narrow meaning of the word. Unfortunately you won’t know if the Insurance you get in the Membership is effective for you until you have a claim and if you don’t meet the criteria they list, they won’t provide cover.
I may well be wrong but I suggest that anyone who is currently relying on their coverage via the membership (or plans on joining for the cover), double check with them to be sure. I worked in Insurance for over 30 years and having read the policy provided by Hiscox, I don’t think it’d work for anyone who doesn’t meet their rather strict definition of ‘artist’.
I’ve been with craft cover for a few years now, luckily I havn’t needed to use it, I have the US on it as well, there are a lot of insurers who don’t cover the US so do check if you want to post there.
Hi Debbie! Thank you for your answer, it’s very important info. I don’t think I personally can be considered an artist with my current field of craftsmanship, but it might be really useful to other people might read this thread.
Thank you so much! I didn’t plan to post to US just yet, but your post made me think about it. I’ll compare what different insurance companies offer and I’ll take note of the US shipping as well!
I’ve just switched to simply business for insurance this year, last few years been with Craft Cover. Only switched for no other reason that I got some cash back for taking new policy with them. If you got for Craft Cover and are a folksy plus seller there is 10% discount available - just take a look at Plus Account under Shop settings in your dashboard.
