Running a market stall will bring you into contact with members of the public. With crowds of people comes the responsibility to keep them safe and to make sure you’re covered just in case anything does go wrong. The types of insurance you may need if you’re thinking of running a market stall include:
Public liability insurance
Public liability insurance is essential for anyone thinking of starting up 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 easy for a customer to accidentally trip over a power lead you’ve placed on the floor, which could lead to a claim for personal damages or injury. This insurance can offer between $5 million and $20 million worth of coverage and is compulsory for market stallholders in most cases.
What it covers:
- Third-party personal injury claims
- Damage to a third party’s property
- Legal fees to defend yourself
- Available for one-day markets and one-off events
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 fresh produce or beauty products, as anything which is ingested or put on the hair or skin, carries the additional risk of bacteria and virus transmission. 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 tools, portable equipment, machinery or stock to protect as part of your market business. This could include lifters or trolleys you use to load and carry your produce and even the trestle tables, awnings, canvas and lighting you may own which form part of your business equipment. Commercial vehicles aren’t included, so you may need separate commercial vehicle protection for your market stall’s van or ute.
What it covers:
- Fire, storms, theft, vandalism and collision which cause damage to your business assets
- Specialist cover for electronic equipment and other portable equipment
- Limited business interruption insurance