Jewelry Business Insurance in Canada - What Do I Need to Know?

by Yolanda
(Toronto, Ontario, Canada)

I live in Canada and would love to get into making jewellery as a business and not just as presents for family and friends.

I have looked all over but can't find an insurance company that will cover me for liability.

I will be working from home and selling online, since I am going to be going to the post office to mail out goods and insure them when I get cost of shipping out parcel I therefore don't need transportation insurance.

My biggest concern is if somebody buys one of my pieces and someone should for whatever reason harm themselves with the piece or a child gets hold of a loose bead and then chokes.

I would really like to know how you went about getting insurance and possibly what company you used to get insurance for your business.

Thank you for any advice you can give me.

Yolanda

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Jewelry Business Insurance in Canada - What Do I Need to Know?

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Jewelry Business Insurance
by: Rena

Hi Yolanda,

I'm in the U.S., so I'm not familiar with Canada's insurance laws and requirements.

I think you might start by making an appointment with two or three different insurance companies that specialize in small business / home business insurance, and ask them everything you want to know about what kind of coverage they recommend.

I would go to more than one company to be sure you get a second (and/or third) opinion, and hopefully more balanced information.

Also, if your area has a consulting / mentoring organization for small businesses (such as the free SCORE program in the U.S.), that would also be a good place to ask what they suggest for your jewelry business insurance needs.

I hope this helps - and best of luck in your new jewelry business!

Insurance
by: Anonymous

I someone purchases a piece of jewelry and as the sender states "a bead is swallowed by a child", that is out of the seller's hands!!
You cannot be held responsible for what happens after the purchase, no matter how irresponsible the purchaser is with the product. Just like a child gets stabbed with a pencil - would the store where the pencil was purchased be reponsible?

Easy fix
by: Dianne Culbertson

As far as someone being hurt by your products there actually can be liability (in the US) on the part of the manufacturer which would be you. Anyone, anywhere is open to a lawsuit regardless of the law if a lawyer is willing to file the paperwork. Luckily there is a simple fix for that. On your receipts make a statement that these items can present a choking hazard if swallowed and are not meant for children under age 6. You can set that up through Paypal so it goes out automatically with their receipt for purchase. Like you, I want to make sure my rear is covered so I went to my homeowner’s insurance carrier and have a rider on my policy to cover my business, shop, and classroom. The cost is $25.00 a month and well worth the peace on mind that I have. Hope this helps!

Business Insurance
by: Francesca Frate

I am covered through a rider on my home insurance policy. I actually operate two businesses from my home.

The insurance company I went through is The Co-operators. Their price is reasonable and the coverage is good.

Home Jewelry Business Insurance
by: Arline

I'm in America but I have a rider on my home insurance to cover my jewelry business. All aspects are covered, in home, at a show, etc. The company I use is Hartford and their rates are very resonable. Call around and good luck!

good advice given thanks
by: Anonymous

Thank you all so much for the very helpful advice. I will call the cooperators and see if I can get a rider put on the current house insurance I have.

That point about putting it on Paypal invoice and listing that choking advice it great I will definitely use that.

Thank you once again and appreciate it a lot.

Yolanda

Insurance
by: Linda Coppolino

Rider's insurance may cover your business, from loss, fire, theft, etc., but check if you have PRODUCT LIABILITY. That's what would cover you if someone gets hurt using your product.

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