Would a Potters Council group "Business Insurance" program interest you?

[Guest JBaymore]

A potential benefit that I have been thinking seriously about for the Potters Council membership is providing some sortof business related insurance. A few of us on the Board have discussed this off and on in the past and we thought it was worth some exploration. We were thinking of something with terms that fit the specific needs of a ceramic artist, and hopefully in a "cafeteria plan" format where you can pick and choose the options that fit your own needs.

 

 

The basic initial working idea at the moment is some form of coverage that might include such things as protection for work in exhibitions and shows, insurance for studio equipment and tools, an option for structure insurance on a studio, premises liability for customers in your studio or show booth, product liability for your work, and other such business related coverage.

 

That is the core idea.

 

In addition to the above core program concept, it might be possible to also look at the possibility of someform of long term disability program to help with those “interesting times†that I mention in my July Potters Pages column. This might be something that is a part of the business insurance package (as in a "key employees" kind of business coverage), or a completely separate idea.

 

 

So........ before we put in a bunch of time researching this whole concept ......... and maybe try to provide a benefit that no one (or very few) really wants.......

 

Do you have an interest in or need for this kind of insurance benefit from the Potters Council? Do you currently carry such coverage? If so, is it part of another group's insurance offerings? Had you even thought about the need for such insurance coverage in the past? What kind of price range are you currently paying for your coverage and what things do you have covered for that price?

 

Please let us know your thoughts on this idea via my JBaymore(put in the AT sign here)compuserve.com email address or right here in this Forum topic.

 

We appreciate any feedback and ideas you might have on this general concept.

 

best,

 

...........................john

[Zuma]

This may be the solution for many potters who sell, or groups of potters who sell, whether profit or non-profit? I would like to explore this subject more. I am a Principal member of a potter's group and we are wondering about our insurance plan for the studio, the users, equipment, sales events, etc. I am not certain this would pertain to us but it may.

[Guest JBaymore]

There have been quite a few views on this topic so far but only one response of any kind ............ positive, negative, or other.

 

Does the number of views mean anything? Does this silence mean that there is basically no real interest in the whole subject, that people already have this kind of insurance and are totally happy with they available coverage and pricing, that people don't feel it is a necessary thing to have as a ceramic artist, or ???????????

 

Zuma,.... yeah................ likely it would not have to be restricted to a sole proprietorship...... could likely cover LLCs and Partnerships. Nothing is as of yet "planned" so the idea is to tailor whatever we might offer to the membership needs.

 

If you have a "coop" type group....... you for SURE should be talking to an attorney for some basic setup of such things as to how it works and what the risks might be. Otherwise there could be unexpected tax or legal complications that crop up ......particulary for the "organizing members". Forewarned is forearmed.

 

best,

 

..........................john

[Idaho Potter]

John,

 

Even though I don't do fairs and such any more, I think this would be a very desirable insurance for those that travel to shows and fairs selling their work. When I used to run art fairs and juried shows, that was always one of the first questions from applicants: "Is my work insured while it is on exhibit" (or for sale). Sadly, I had to tell them no, they were responsible for insuring their own work. That was hard to come by, because insurance companies don't like insuring on a contingency basis. They much prefer to insure your "bricks and mortar" place of business instead of extending that insurance to "on the road" activities.

 

Our co-op gallery had insurance that covered theft and vandalism on our art, and liability for viewers and shoppers. When the co-op became the sponsor of the annual summer art fair, the insurance company gave us an "away from the premises rider" to cover liability.

 

I personally have business insurance rider on my home insurance policy. It covers all my studio equipment (separate from personal belongings), the studio building, and liability for students, visitors, and buyers that come to my studio. I believe that costs me a little over $50 a year.

 

I am surprised at the lack of response to your query. If any potter out there stresses out over a van loaded with pottery getting broken or stolen--or God forbid a potential customer pulls a shelf down on their head at the show (I've seen it happen!)--put your questions and any down-sides you can think of to John. Working as a group rather than an individual stretches your dollars. The Potters Council has come up with some pretty amazing things for its members--betcha this would be another.

 

Shirley

[Cindy Biles]

A potential benefit that I have been thinking seriously about for the Potters Council membership is providing some sortof business related insurance. A few of us on the Board have discussed this off and on in the past and we thought it was worth some exploration. We were thinking of something with terms that fit the specific needs of a ceramic artist, and hopefully in a "cafeteria plan" format where you can pick and choose the options that fit your own needs.

 

 

The basic initial working idea at the moment is some form of coverage that might include such things as protection for work in exhibitions and shows, insurance for studio equipment and tools, an option for structure insurance on a studio, premises liability for customers in your studio or show booth, product liability for your work, and other such business related coverage.

 

That is the core idea.

 

In addition to the above core program concept, it might be possible to also look at the possibility of someform of long term disability program to help with those “interesting times†that I mention in my July Potters Pages column. This might be something that is a part of the business insurance package (as in a "key employees" kind of business coverage), or a completely separate idea.

 

 

So........ before we put in a bunch of time researching this whole concept ......... and maybe try to provide a benefit that no one (or very few) really wants.......

 

Do you have an interest in or need for this kind of insurance benefit from the Potters Council? Do you currently carry such coverage? If so, is it part of another group's insurance offerings? Had you even thought about the need for such insurance coverage in the past? What kind of price range are you currently paying for your coverage and what things do you have covered for that price?

 

Please let us know your thoughts on this idea via my JBaymore(put in the AT sign here)compuserve.com email address or right here in this Forum topic.

 

We appreciate any feedback and ideas you might have on this general concept.

 

best,

 

...........................john

 

[Cindy Biles]

I am interested in insuring my art while it is at other venues. My homeowners handles personal liability and the art while at home or in my custody on the road. Last year, I wanted to participate in an exhibition that did not insure the art on site. In a pinch, my local agent got a policy though Inland Marine: $750 per year for unlimited number of venues, coverage up to $75,000 with $500 deductible. Would love to find something less expensive. Just got the bill for renewal (doh! Meant to research this earlier--so am in a pinch again!)

 

Would love some companies to suggest to my agent. I am a member of a few local guilds but doubt enough members would want to go in on a group policy.

 

 

I'm still careful with my work, and hope I never have to file a claim--I hear that can be an interesting experience....wonder if it is easier or more likely to be successful with some companies than others. Any ideas on that?

 

Thank you!!!

[Dinah]

I'd like to see numbers before I say anything else. Insurance for a weekend studio tour -- two days, no kilns being fired. Insurance for a car boot sale: let's say 9am to 3pm. (Trunk sale to US members.) I want to see a reasonable rate based on hours at venue. Some folks might want travel to venue and hours at venue included. So be it. It's not an easy policy benefit to assess, as one size won't fit all.

 

Only worth pursuing, as far as I'm concerned, within the parameters I've cited.

[Guest JBaymore]

The signaificant lack of positive comments indicating any interest relative to the number of views the thread has had is saying this this is not likely something to put much effort into pursuing for the PC.

 

But that is why I posted it... to try to gauge interest. Clearly most members are not interested in this idea.

 

I wonder if they already have coverage from elsewhere, if they don't really realize that they probably SHOULD have such coverage, or if they intended on being insured by "Just Lucky" Ltd. .

 

In any case........ likely on to a different topic.

 

best,

 

 

.........................john

[Chris Campbell]

John -

I think any time you mention any topic that relates to "business", artists get nervous and tune out. Creative brains just do not want to face up to sales tax, income tax, deductions or insurance ... anything involving filling out forms. They want to know how to run their business but do not want to learn about it ... kind of like everyone wishes they could play the piano but no one wants to practice. I don't think the lack of enthusiasm means that Business Insurance should not be offered in the future.

 

BUT for right now ... today ... it's still a good idea to refer our peeps to CERF ... http://craftemergency.org/. This is a group that has been dedicated to studio disaster preparation and safety for a long time. They offer a "Studio Protector", a check list for both preparedness and recovery. They offer Insurance, Legal and Business Information. We often think of them as the "after disaster" people but they want to be the "getting you ready" people so you are not ruined by a terrible event.