I have searched the group for any posts that might be relevant to my situation and I have come up empty.

I’m in Alabama and I’ve opened a small gallery, shop and studio and I have been told by my landlord (the town) that I need public liability insurance and to insure the contents of my shop, while the landlord (the town) insures the building itself.

My shop is selling handmade art, crafts, books and music by local artists, as well as some vintage clothing and books. It also has an art studio space I plan to offer to local artists, probably on a membership basis, and I will be doing lessons/classes in the space as well as allowing other local artists to offer classes in the space.

I started by calling Allstate and they said they will not insure my shop because they won’t insure businesses that sell secondhand items, which they’re even counting handmade artwork as “secondhand.”

Can anyone make a recommendation? I’m completely new to this.

  • arclight415@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    You need to call a broker. Ask whoever does your car or homeowners/renters insurance to recommend someone if you can. Brokers represent multiple companies and there is usually one who will work with you. You might have to give up on some things you want, like contents or theft if it’s a tough risk to get covered.

  • middleground11@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    go to the websites of Travelers, Chubb, and Auto Owners to use their find an agent functions for someone near you. this does not necessarily mean that you will ultimately get or even should get insurance from those companies, but i think that local agents who represent companies like that can probably help you.