It doesn’t matter whether you make your own candles or wax melts, or have a thriving online business selling candles, there are several types of business insurance you should consider to protect your business. These include:
Public liability insurance
Public liability insurance is essential for anyone who has a shop, or who sells their products at a market stall. It will cover you against claims that your business activity caused injury to a member of the public, or damaged their property. It’s too easy for a customer to accidentally trip over a power lead you may have placed on the floor, which could lead to a claim for personal damages or injury. Public liability insurance can offer between $5 million and $20 million worth of cover, and is compulsory for retailers and market stallholders in many cases.
What it covers:
- Third-party personal injury claims
- Damage to a third party’s property
- Legal fees to defend yourself
Product liability insurance
Product liability insurance will cover you against third-party claims that a product you sold was faulty or caused material loss, sickness, injury or death. This type of insurance is important for anyone who sells candles, wax melts, fragrances, or any skin or beauty products, as anything which is ingested or put on the hair or skin carries the additional risk of intolerances, allergies and bacterial infection. Cover starts from $250,000 and can be bundled together with public liability into a business insurance package.
What it covers:
- Claims that a product you supplied caused sickness or injury
- Third-party damages claims
- Legal fees to defend yourself
General business insurance
General business insurance may also be worthwhile if you have candle-making equipment and stock to protect as part of your retail business. It’s possible to get a bundle of general business liability insurance (which includes elements of public liability and product liability insurance), so that you have all your business insurance requirements in the one policy. Commercial vehicles aren’t included under business insurance, so you may need separate commercial vehicle protection for your work vehicle.
What it covers:
- Fire, storms, theft, vandalism and collision which cause damage to your business assets
- Specialist cover for portable business equipment
- Limited business interruption insurance