studio and liability insurance

[mbigger]

Any suggestions concerning vendors of studio insurance (including fire loss on equipment, commissioned work in progress, loss of artwork while delivering) and liability, both in the studio and during installation? Thanks, M. Bigger

[Domino]

Hello, just wondering of you ever found an insurance place that would cover installation. I'm having trouble with that right now. No one wants to insure installation because (according to the 10 insurance agents who said NO.)..."It's a liability!"

[evaldart]

I have fastened many tons of metal to the sides of buildings in my day when executing architectural entities (facade ornaments, balconies, signage etc)I have always had standard business insurance that covers all these things as well as the art, of course the boss handles this (wife) so I don't know everything about it. You might Approach the insurance company in the disguise of some kind of independent contractor (ironworker, mason, carpenter, restoration; whatever trade relates best to your work) Don't use the "artist" word right away. might scare them. Describe yourself as a provider of "unique" or "custom" works. Small local agency has worked for me. They may or may not want to visit your "shop", doesn't matter it will only confirm your uniqueness. Once the paperworks done you're covered. They'll be glad to take your money.
You know how hard it is to define what is and isnt art...make that vagueness work in your favor for once.

[GlennT]

evaldart;

Your post demonstrates that you have all of the qualities I look for when I recruit my soccer teamates: skill, an understanding of the game ( including that needed to outmaneuver opponents ), a good sense of humor, ability to work as part of a team, and a positive winning attitude.

Now, if only you played soccer and lived in the Twin Cities...

mbigger: take it from a evaldart, guy who if they read his life story the insurance company would avoid like the plaque or a Kate Moss bodycast..., if he can find a way to get coverage, study his technique and prosper!

[evaldart]

Thanks Glenn, You've assessed me pretty well. But they don't ever see me in the office, they see my wife. Thats why she handles those things. I usually look like an accident in progress, so I avoid the suits.

No soccer for me, too much damn running, But I can still do some damage in half-court basketball,( cant quite dunk anymore but the rim better be on tight).

[tonofelephant]

Good Morning,

We have always carried insurance since clients visit our studio and with that the potential for a "slip and fall" incident. Being close to DC a lot of clients are potentially more litigaious(sp). In addition we also do installations, at one time went to shows, etc. We also have two additional problems - our house and studios are intermixed and linked as well as we live in an 1895 Victorian home.

Most insurance companies like the work area seperate from the living area (read seperate structures on different properties). Also since we own a Victorian home a lot of insurance companies want to red-line your property (either to your face or through arcance policy language).

We have dealt with several companies. The most expensive is Chubb - a division of Marsh & McLennon. They will insure anything you want - just have the bank balance to pay for it. The second is Westfield Insurance. We currently use Westfield and are very happy with them. They have a great attitude and sincerely want to help you succeed at your business while making money off you also.

Chubb is about 2 to 3 times more expensive than Westfield. But with Chubb they always tell you any situation is not a problem just a little more expensive. Chubb can also give you an immediate binder number to get you insured, they can help - they are expensive but you are immediately covered. That is peace of mind.

As to your approach, evalart has it right. You are not an artist - artists are flakey people according to the perceptions of insurance people. You really are an independent contractor that happens to do art. You are probably closer to a kitchen cabinet maker and installer in that you manufacture a product and install on a customer property. Also try a farm insurance company. Farm insurance Companies understand the risk and what you are trying to do and will insure you for a reasonable amount. In general ask your friends who are independent general contractors who they use. A lot of insurance companies are useless if you cannot make a good case for your business. Most insurance companys are set to insure the easily understood companys that just push paper around cubicles all day.

The last time we needed insurance, because we were dropped by an inexperienced independent insurance agent, I had to go through 22 insurance companies to find two good candidates. So keep at it. You will find a great insurance company that will want you and want to know more about your business. It just takes some time away from the studio.

Carl