Missouri maker insurance question

viral

viral

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Jan 20, 2013
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I can't find a company that will insure me, anyone got a lead? I'm outside KC. They hear knife maker and immediately tell me my business is too much of a liability.
 
viral said:
I can't find a company that will insure me, anyone got a lead? I'm outside KC. They hear knife maker and immediately tell me my business is too much of a liability.
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Because you might burn down your shop (forge) or because someone might think it's your fault when they use one of your knives wrong? I never thought of this.
 
I heard the ABS site has some links to insurance companies, but I've also heard it's pretty pricey.
 
Yeah I've experienced the same thing. If you're working out of your house, you also need to make sure your home policy is not invalidated as a result of the in-home business activity.

Take a look at NRA-endorsed companies and/or any outfit that works with gun ranges, gun stores, etc.
 
Does a maker have to have insurance as a hobbyist ?
Or wouldn't the forge fall under home owners ins.?

Newbie here
 
Use the terms "Artist-Blacksmith and Bladesmith".

A hobbyist usually does not need insurance, but it is best to check with your homeowners insurance agent. If you sell ANY knives, they will not call you a hobbyist. Trust me, they will check and see if you sell knives.

Start with your homeowners agent and ask what insurance you may need if you have a small blacksmith forge at the house. If you don't get a good response, check with a commercial agent.

One thing that may be required is a fire inspection by the Fire marshal. This will require that all propane be properly stored, and all fire, forge, and propane be outside the residence building. If you work in your garage, it will not go well.

The best method to deal with all this is to form a business, pay for licenses and taxes, have a detached building for the shop, and get business insurance.
 
So,
I have all of my licenses and am doing the whole taxes thing. I spoke with my local homeowners insurance, I want business insurance rather than trying to piggy back on my homeowners and end up screwing myself down the road. I want to do it right the first time so I don't have to do it over a second time. My homeowners insurance guy attempted to find me some leads but came up empty handed.

Taximanny, I was instructed by my insurance agent that as long as I was not receiving any money for my knives that I was not a business, but the moment I sold a knife I was a business and if something were to happen I would be SOL.

I do have an external shop that is not attached to my house and that is where all of my work is done.

What I don't understand is that my brother was a fishing guide for several years and his insurance as a guide with several million dollars in coverage was like $600 a year. And he got it very easily.
 
I just ordered a kiln, so won't be using my two brick forge anymore.
So does a kiln fall under a different category than a forge?
I would think so....

I'll check with my insurance this week and see.
I just got out of taxidermy after 8 years, but did have all my license, and accountant took care of everything.

I really don't want to start another business.
Was hoping to keep this as a hobby with an occasional sale to fund equipment.
 
My insurance is through Central Insurance Company. It was very challenging to find someone to underwrite me. It is not expensive though. $1100 for 2 million in liability and 1 in property. I am listed as a knifemaker. They send a guy around each year to look at what we're doing but haven't forced me to change anything.
 
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