Who all carrys insurance and the pros and cons of not having it

I was just wondering about insurance,, I have it but was wondering if I really need it..Would like feedback on this please...

thanks

Barb

I do, just feel like I would be taking on too much risk without it. I think it was the very first thing I did. I have had to have a certificate sent to one festival proving that I was insured so that I could rent a booth, but I just feel like I am protected, and so are the people I paint by having insurance. I use it as a selling point for myself, a reason to hire me, because I am insured. I think it makes good business senses.

As was my thought..I got it right away..i feel better knowing i have it just in case..I have only been asked by a few customers for it..bigger events.Im glad I had it..and I will continue to keep it..I was just wondering what most did..or if they even had it...

thanks for your input...

Do you really need it?
Well, you won't know until you do. That's the reality of insurance. I may never need it. Then again, I might.
I know that's not the logic you're looking for, so here's mine and why I carry insurance.

1. I believe in supporting the highest standards for our industry. For me, that means presenting a professional image. In the professional world, businesses carry insurance. Having insurance sets my business apart from the "craft paint hookers" and newbie face painters in my area. I have acquired some large $$$ gigs in part because I had insurance and competition did not.

2. Our products are relatively "safe" but allergies exist and human error exists. I carry car insurance not because my car is inherently unsafe or because I drive without care, but because accidents can happen.

3. We work with kids, and more importantly, potentially uppity parents. Face painting is a luxury item (as opposed to necessity), so the parents we work with may have more financial flexibility and ability to engage in lawsuits. I do not have similar ability or financial mobility to fight back. While having insurance does not prevent someone from suing me, it does limit the amount of money I might have to pay out of pocket. I plan to become an LLC for similar reasons.

4. Insurance costs about two gigs depending on your pricing. If you work more than two gigs in a year - you've paid for it.

thanks so much for the info..I would never go with out it..I was just wondering about other painters

If you are operating a business you need business liability insurance. If you have a large kit you should probably insure it for loss or theft.

If you don't have liability insurance you can be sued and your personal assets are at risk.

I've always had insurance, and kit replacement insurance.

There really is no negative to having insurance other than shelling out the $200 or so dollars that it takes to buy it. When you get insurance, you have to make certain promises- like using only skin safe products. A painter set on acrilics and craft glitter will not be able to continue those practices if she gets insured. So I guess that would be considered a con from her perspective. I will admit, that I didn't start with insurance right out of the gate- it took me a about 6 months to get there (which happened to line up nicely with the registration period! ). But it was always in the plan because I knew it was an important part of legitimizing my business and keeping myself and my customers protected.

I have insurance, defo worth having. Not only do you have piece of mind on the rare occasion that something may happen. You also look more professional for clients.

I've been looking in to getting insurance but haven't had any luck yet. My vehicle/life/home insurance is with co-operators, but they won't do it as they say the 'stand alone' policy would be too expensive and because I've not been to a 'face painting school' and don't have a diploma/degree in it, that would be the only option. I looked at Clowns Canada, but I'm not a clown and don't know that I'd qualify or if I'd be advertising under "false pretenses". I'm in Ontario, Canada. Would love to get it, if anyone knows where I could?

I have it and I don't consider it to be too expensive. I feel MUCH better with it, even though I never needed it. I will say that I've gotten certain jobs especially because I DID have insurance, the clients told me that's one reason they chose me...especially towns etc. Totally worth the price , I think

Helena, I too live in Canada and I get my insurance trhough AAA. Same price as CAFABA.

Helena, you can get it with Clowns Canada. I am not a clown and my husband and I are both members and have insurance through Unity Insurance for 150.00 per year. The CC membership is 60.00 for 2 people, only 40 for one I believe.

We do lots of outdoor festivals and such so having insurance is a must due to weather etc. We had a bad wind storm once and parents helped us hold the tent while we collapsed it. If someone gets hurt, we are still liable even if we ask them not to.

The insurance is a requirement at the festivals/events I work at. I get my insurance through Toronto Clown Alley.
I am not a clown.
I am a face painter.
I am frightened of clowns.
(Don't tell Perry Noia, the Scaredy Clown who is afraid of shoes and sharks that I am afraid of Perry Noia. )
And, for the record... I am NOT afraid of shoes.
I cannot get insurance on my shoes through TCA.
xoxo

Was wondering about insurance myself. Love this forum! Every time I have a question ya'll have already answered it!!

LOL Fesspenter!

ROFLMAO.....

You don't need to be a clown to be a member of Clowns Canada, the only reason I'm a member is to get the insurance... no offense intended to them, but they don't do anything else (at least they haven't in the 3 years that I've been a member).

We need it to do festivals and if anything were to happen (some kid turns their head too fast and pokes their eye on my brush)... I don't have a million dollars to cover a law suit. That's what insurance is for.

It's ok, Fesspainter, my sister is coulrophobic as well.

fesspenter you make me laugh! The first time I bought insurance was when I started my county fair booth 15 years ago. It was just because they required it to be a vendor, and they had a company who offered it just for the week of the fair for $70. Eventually they quit offering that and we had to get our own, and once I found out I could get insurance that lasts a whole year for $125 I just started getting it and renew it every year come fair time. It costs more now but it is worth it I think for the peace of mind and that extra reason for clients to choose you over someone else!

lol fesspainter! And thank you everyone for the information for Canada! I'll contact Clowns Canada ~ looks like the way to go for me

If having insurance will allow you to land a gig that requires it and that gig pays for the cost of your premium 2 or 3 times over...then your definitely better off having it. If I weren't insured, I'd have lost out on thousands of dollars worth of business this year alone, so needless to say, I always reccomend it.