Craft Insurance

The UK is a nation of crafters, with craft markets, pop-up craft shops, and workshops taking place across the country. From jewellery made from old spoons or delicate sea glass to cosy knitted and crocheted toys, craft businesses are booming. Whether it’s just a side hustle, a hobby that sometimes turns a profit, or a serious business, specialist craft insurance is an important part of your plan. And that’s where Park Insurance can help.

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What is craft insurance, and why is it important?

Craft business insurance is a specialist type of cover for people who make, sell, or teach crafts. It protects you against the financial risks that come with selling handmade goods, attending craft fairs, running workshops, or operating a small creative business. Insurance is important because even small businesses can face large claims if someone is injured or their property is damaged as a result of their actions or products. That can have a significant financial impact on your business.


The benefits

With craft business insurance, you have a measure of financial protection against the cost of a claim, loss or damage to equipment or stock, or using a vehicle as part of your business activities. You’ll also find that the majority of market or venue operators often require stallholders to have comprehensive public liability insurance for crafters and may ask to see a certificate of insurance before offering you a pitch. An insurance policy is an important part of your paperwork if you want to sell what you make, no matter how small.

What does craft insurance cover?

Craft insurance covers a range of protection for you and your business, including:

  • Public liability cover — protects you if someone is injured or their property is damaged because of your stall, products, or workshop activities.
  • Product liability cover — covers claims if something you make causes harm (e.g., allergic reactions, sharp edges, faulty candles)
  • Employers’ liability — legally required if you hire staff, even casual helpers.
  • Stock and materials cover — protects raw materials, finished items, and work in progress from theft, fire, or damage
  • Tools and equipment cover — covers sewing machines, kilns, tools, printers, laptops, and other kit
  • Craft fair and event cover — protects you while selling at markets, exhibitions, or pop ups
  • Online selling cover — useful if you sell on Etsy, Shopify, Folksy, or social media.

What isn't covered?

Exclusions will depend on the type of policy you take out. For example, some activities such as workshops or classes involving heat tools (such as glasswork, enamelling, or silversmithing), soap and beauty products, and some children’s craft classes may require specialist cover or may be subject to additional conditions. Your broker will be able to talk you through any exclusions to your policy and help you choose one that suits your business model.

Insurance for craft fairs and events

Many organisers of craft fairs and events such as markets, craft shows, or pop-up stalls, require exhibitors and stallholders to have public liability insurance for crafters. There are specialist insurance providers who offer this type of cover. It is best to talk to the organiser when booking your pitch to find out what level of cover they require.


How much does craft insurance cost?

The price you pay for your craft business insurance will depend on several factors, including the level of cover you want, whether you use a vehicle as part of your business operations, and the nature of your business (if you use high-risk processes such as heat tools, etc). The advantage of sourcing bespoke insurance cover from Park is that you can always expand your portfolio as your business grows, allowing you to spread the cost of your insurance to suit your budget.


If I make my products at home, am I covered under my existing home insurance?

Not necessarily. You will need to check your home insurance to see if it covers you for running a business from home, especially if your craft involves high-risk processes such as working with kilns, blowtorches, or chemicals. NB – most standard home insurance policies do not cover business use so it’s important to check.

Do I need insurance to sell at craft fairs?

Generally, you will need a minimum of public liability insurance for crafters to sell your products at craft fairs. If you sell anything that can be considered to be a children’s toy, you may need to meet UKCA (or CE where applicable) product safety standards. Failure to get the correct level of certification could affect the validity of your insurance or any future claim.


Get crafty with Park Insurance

For over 30 years, Park Insurance has worked with sole traders, SMEs, and businesses across the region and beyond, offering practical, no-nonsense advice and sourcing specialist insurance. Our team dedicates itself to understanding not just the insurance industry but your business too, helping us tailor our service to your needs and budget. Our trusted family business is also highly regarded by the industry, as our position as preferred brokers to some of the UK’s largest insurance providers demonstrates.

To find out more, use our Get a Quote function to request a bespoke business insurance quote. Or contact our team to speak with one of our advisors for a more in-depth discussion. Call us now.

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Give us a call on 0117 301 8507 or click on the button below and we will be happy to contact you to discuss your needs.

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