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Artist Insurance Policy Information

Artist Insurance. As an artist or craft artist, you love your job. The ability to express your creativity and bring joy to your clients - and the world - is so incredibly rewarding. But, there are a lot of aspects that are related to your business that aren't as enjoyable as the art you create; insurance, for example.

Artists use their imaginations, talents and skills to produce drawings, paintings, statues, sculptures, or other types of artwork on contract or consignment. They often work independently.

Completed artwork may be displayed in homes, museums, galleries, offices, restaurants, or other establishments. In addition to their studios, artists may have facilities for art classes.

Many artists don't realize that there are a lot of risks that are associated with their work. By carrying the right type of business insurance coverage, you can protect your supplies, projects, staff, clients - and your personal assets - from various liabilities and the financial devastation that could come along with them.

Why is insurance so important for artists and craft artists? What type of insurance do you need? Find out more about Artist insurance for your art-related business below.

Artist insurance protects your art and/or craft business from lawsuits with rates as low as $27/mo. Get a fast quote and your certificate of insurance now.

Below are some answers to commonly asked artist insurance questions:

Artist insurance is a type of insurance policy specifically designed to protect artists, musicians, and other creatives from potential financial losses related to their work. This insurance covers a variety of risks, such as theft or damage to artwork, lost or damaged musical instruments, legal liability for copyright infringement, and income loss due to injury or illness.

It can also protect against other issues such as cancellations, event cancellations, or lawsuits for defamation or plagiarism. The insurance is designed to give artists peace of mind and protect their livelihood, allowing them to focus on their creative work.

The average price of a standard $1,000,000/$2,000,000 General Liability Insurance policy for small artists ranges from $27 to $39 per month based on location, studio size and more.

No matter what type of industry you work in, owning a business is risky. In the middle of painting a client's portrait, a light bulb could explode and rain down on her head. You and your team were hired to build and install a custom piece of furniture, and in the process, the client's property was damaged.

A fire could break out in your studio, sending all of your projects and supplies up in flames. Someone could sue you, claiming that the images you took were defamatory. While visiting your gallery, someone could slip and fall on a wet floor.

These are just some of the incidents that could arise, and you would be financially liable for each one. You could be responsible for covering the cost of property damage, medical bills, legal fees, and settlements. Without the right type of Artist insurance coverage, the financial impact could be devastating to your business; your personal assets could be affected, too.

Craft artist insurance will help to pay for the costs of covered risks, thereby helping you avoid financial devastation.

The work that each artist does is unique, so are the commercial insurance needs. When it comes to determining what type of Artist insurance coverage you need, there are a variety of factors that need to be taken into consideration; the specific type of art you create, the materials and supplies you work with, whether or not you employ a staff, where your studio is located, etc...

However, there are some key forms of coverage that all artists should carry, including:

These are just some of the types of insurance coverage that artists and craft artists should carry. Other coverage options might include commercial auto, inland marine, and commercial umbrella insurance.

Premises liability exposure may be limited if there is no public access. If clients visit the premises, aisles must have adequate space and be free of debris. Flooring should be in good condition with no frayed or worn spots on carpet and no cracks or holes in flooring.

Artist supplies and works in process may present an attractive nuisance to children. Sufficient exits must exist and be well marked, with backup systems in case of power failure. Parking lots and sidewalks need to be in good repair with snow and ice removed, and generally level and free of exposure to slips and falls.

Products liability exposure is generally low unless the artist offers restoration services for high-valued pieces. If reproductions are made, they should be clearly marked to avoid disputes such as duplication, copyright, or trademark infringement.

Workers compensation exposures can be heavy due to lifting, falls from awkward positions, being hit by falling artwork, cuts, hernias, sprains, back strains, and foreign objects in the eye. There may be a wide variety of operations and hazards. If work is primarily done on computers, potential injuries include eyestrain, neck strain, carpal tunnel syndrome and similar cumulative trauma injuries that can be addressed through ergonomically designed workstations.

Welding operations can result in burns, damage to eyes, and inhalation of toxic fumes unless protective equipment is provided and there is adequate ventilation. Installing work in museums or other establishments may require the use of ladders or scaffolds. Inhalation of toxic fumes or allergens from paints and other materials can present occupational disease exposure.

Property exposures come primarily from fire as art studios are often full of combustible materials used in the creative process. Flammable paints, etching and finishing compounds, and chemicals used for cleaning must be properly stored, separated, and controlled.

Sculptures may be carved in a traditional manner from wood, stone, or other solid material, or by welding materials together. Welding should be conducted in a separate area away from combustibles. Ceramic artists may have kilns on premises that operate at high temperatures. The kilns may burn continuously and must be monitored to prevent overheating. Operating kilns without adequate ventilation systems can build up flammable vapors and heat that can result in fire or explosion.

Some artwork is extremely fragile and may be damaged by breakage, fire, water, or smoke damage. Poor housekeeping, such as failure to collect and dispose of trash on a regular basis, could contribute significantly to a loss. Studios may be targeted by thieves. Appropriate security controls should be taken including physical barriers to prevent access to the premises after hours and an alarm system that reports directly to a central station of the police department.

Equipment breakdown exposures are from the breakdown of heating and air-conditioning equipment. Breakdown of climate control systems may cause serious loss, especially to the artwork.

Crime exposures are from employee dishonesty and theft, particularly if the art items have high value. Hazards increase without proper background checks. All billing and disbursements must be handled by separate individuals, inventoried and reconciled on a regular basis. Artwork may be valuable. There should be theft controls, alarms, lighting and physical barriers to prevent access to premises, both at the studio and while off premises.

Inland marine exposures include accounts receivable if the artist offers credit, computer, are for fine arts, and valuable papers and records for customers' and suppliers' information. Some artists exhibit their work only at their studio while others provide artwork for exhibitions or sell through a consignor. Special packaging and handling are required for highly breakable or damageable works while being transported to and from exhibitions or consignment shops. If the artist develops their work entirely on computers, the work could be lost due to mechanical breakdown or hacker activities.

Business auto exposure is generally limited to hired and non-owned liability. If vehicles are supplied to employees, there should be written procedures regarding personal use by employees and their families. All drivers must have appropriate licenses and acceptable MVRs. Vehicles must be maintained and records kept in a central location.

Artists can face lawsuits for a variety of reasons, including copyright infringement, defamation, breach of contract, and personal injury claims. These lawsuits can be expensive to defend and can potentially result in significant financial damages.

Here are some examples of how insurance can protect artists and help them pay for lawsuits:

Copyright infringement: An artist may be sued for using someone else's copyrighted material without permission. This can happen if the artist samples a song or uses an image without obtaining the necessary licenses. In this case, an artist can protect themselves with a copyright liability insurance policy, which can help pay for legal fees, settlements, or judgments against them.

Defamation: An artist may be sued for making false statements about another person, such as a public figure or celebrity. In this case, the artist can protect themselves with a media liability insurance policy, which can help cover legal fees and damages arising from defamation claims.

Breach of contract: An artist may be sued for failing to fulfill their obligations under a contract, such as failing to deliver a commissioned artwork or not showing up for a scheduled performance. In this case, the artist can protect themselves with an errors and omissions (E&O) insurance policy, which can help cover legal fees and damages resulting from breach of contract claims.

Personal injury: An artist may be sued for causing physical or emotional harm to another person, such as a concert-goer who is injured in a crowd-surfing incident. In this case, the artist can protect themselves with a general liability insurance policy, which can help cover legal fees and damages arising from personal injury claims.

In summary, artists can face a variety of lawsuits, and insurance can help protect them by covering legal fees and damages resulting from these claims. Different types of insurance policies can cover different types of claims, such as copyright liability, media liability, E&O, and general liability insurance. By having the right insurance coverage in place, artists can protect themselves from the financial impact of a lawsuit and continue to create their art.

Division I: Services | Major Group 73: Business Services | Industry Group 733: Mailing, Reproduction, Commercial Art And Photography, and Stenographic Services

7336 Commercial Art and Graphic Design: EEstablishments primarily engaged in providing commercial art or graphic design services for advertising agencies, publishers, and other business and industrial users. Establishments primarily engaged in art, except commercial and medical, are classified in Industry 8999; those engaged in medical art are classified in Industry 8099; and those providing drafting services are classified in Industry 7389.

Division I: Services | Major Group 89: Miscellaneous Services | Industry Group 899: Miscellaneous Services

8999 Services Not Elsewhere Classified:

To learn more and ensure that your business is properly protected with the right Artist insurance, speak to a reliable insurance broker about your specific needs.

Read up on small business arts and recreation commercial insurance.

The arts and recreation industry is a vital part of our society and culture, providing entertainment and enjoyment for people of all ages. However, as with any business, there are inherent risks and potential liabilities that can arise. This is where insurance comes into play.

One of the main reasons the arts and recreation industry needs insurance is to protect against financial losses due to accidents or injuries. For example, if a performer is injured while rehearsing or performing, their medical bills and lost wages could be significant. Without insurance, the cost of these expenses could potentially bankrupt a small arts organization.

In addition to protecting against accidents and injuries, business insurance can also cover damages or losses due to weather events, natural disasters, and other unexpected circumstances. For example, if a theater is forced to cancel a performance due to a power outage or extreme weather, insurance can help cover lost income and expenses.

Another important aspect of commercial insurance for the arts and recreation industry is liability coverage. This type of insurance can protect against legal claims and lawsuits if someone is injured or becomes ill while attending an event or using facilities. For example, if a patron slips and falls at a theater, they may file a lawsuit against the venue for damages. Liability insurance can help cover the costs of legal fees and any settlement or judgement.

Overall, the arts and recreation industry needs insurance to protect against financial losses and legal liabilities that can arise in the course of business. Without commercial insurance, small arts organizations and recreational facilities could be vulnerable to financial ruin in the face of unexpected events or accidents.

Minimum recommended small business insurance coverage: Business Income with Extra Expense, Employee Dishonesty, Money and Securities, Accounts Receivable, Commercial Articles Floater, Computers, Valuable Papers and Records, General Liability, Employee Benefits Liability, Umbrella Liability, Hired and Non-owned Auto Liability & Workers Compensation.

Other commercial insurance policies to consider: Building, Bailees Customers Floater, Money and Securities, Cyber Liability, Employment-related Practices Liability, Business Auto Liability and Physical Damage and Stop Gap Liability.