FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is "handmade"?
The term "handmade" may mean something different to each person. For the purpose of this policy, "handmade" means you either (1) make it from scratch by hand (2) someone under your direct supervision makes the product from scratch by hand or (3) you purchased the unscented, unflavored and/or uncolored product in bulk and added your own scent, flavor and/or color and/or other additives to distinguish it in your line of products.
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Do I need this liability insurance even if I have a homeowner/condo/renter policy?
Yes you need this liability insurance even if you have one of the above noted policies in effect. Generally, home/condo/renter policies have an exclusion for business activities and products.
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How does the program work?
Purchasing business general liability through the HandMade Artisans Risk Purchasing Group insurance program saves you money on insurance premiums, because you are a member of the risk purchasing group. The risk purchasing group, which consists of individuals and businesses involved in similar business activities, namely products made by hand, has negotiated substantial premium discounts in behalf of its members from the insurance carrier.
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Who is eligible for this program?
If you are an artisan who hand makes ALL of the products you sell or who has others hand make ALL of the products you sell under your direct supervision, subject to specific products excluded, you may apply online for a policy. Currently the program is available to artisans based in all states except AK, HI, RI, and NH. This program is not available to artisans outside of the United States. To view a list of eligible and ineligible products, click here
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When is insurance coverage effective?
Your insurance coverage is effective immediately after your payment online is verified. Upon verification, you will receive an email confirmation of insurance coverage. Then, you may print or download your certificate of coverage, terms and conditions of the policy, and ACORD certificate of liability insurance.
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If I no longer need my insurance, can I get a refund?
There are no refunds, as the coverage is 100% fully earned at the time of purchase.
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What is an additional insured?
An additional insured is a person or organization that is added to your business general liability insurance by endorsement. This is a common request in the course of doing business. When you add a person or organization to your business general liability insurance as an additional insured, you are extending your business general liability coverage to protect the additional insured from a bodily injury or property damage claim arising out of your business activities or your product.
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Is there a cost to add an additional insured?
No, there is no cost to add an additional insured. You can add as many additional insureds as needed, and send them certificates of liability insurance accordingly.
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How do I add an additional insured after I purchase my policy?
Log into your account on the website, and from the “My Account” page click “Add Additional Insured” and then enter their name and address and click “Submit”. You will then be presented with a certificate of liability insurance and can provide it to the additional insured. Your additional insureds can be accessed at any time by clicking on "view my additional insureds".
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Will I get renewal reminders?
Yes, you will receive reminders to renew your policy. Reminders are emailed to you 75 days, 15 days, and 1 day before your policy expires.
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How do I renew my policy?
You may login to the HandMade Artisans website to your online account. Click on “My Account”, then click the “Renew” button. The “Renew” button will be available for 75 days prior to the expiration date of your coverage. Once you click the “Renew” button, follow the directions provided to you.
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What happens if I do not renew my policy?
Your policy expires automatically upon its expiration date. If you do not renew and a claim occurs after your expiration, there is no coverage, even if the product was sold during the policy period. Coverage is based upon the date of claim occurrence. Even if your policy has expired, you can renew your policy post expiration. However, please note there will be a coverage gap between the expiration date of your old policy and the effective date of your renewal policy.