When applying for weekend markets across in Ontario, you will frequently see one mandatory item on the application checklist: Upload your Certificate of Insurance (COI).
If you are new to the local artisan circuit, seeing insurance requirements can feel intimidating. However, a COI is simply a standard 1-page document proving your business has basic liability coverage while operating in public spaces.
- What is Commercial General Liability (CGL)? CGL is foundational business insurance that covers physical injuries or property damage caused to third parties during market hours.
- Why Do Venues Require $2M Coverage? Municipal venues, community centers, and private event spaces across the Ottawa region require vendors to hold a minimum of $2,000,000 in liability coverage. This protects both the venue and event organizers if an unexpected accident occurs inside your booth area.
What Does Vendor Insurance Actually Cover?
- Bodily Injury (Slips & Falls): A shopper trips over an exposed table leg or display box in your booth space and sustains an injury.
- Product Liability: A customer experiences an allergic reaction to a handmade skincare lotion or a wax candle flame causes property damage after purchase.
- Property Damage: A heavy metal clothing rack or wooden shelving unit tips over and damages the venue floor or an adjacent maker’s table.
Single-Event vs. Annual Coverage
- Single-Event Policies (Per Market): If you only participate in 1 or 2 markets per year, short-term insurance providers allow you to buy coverage for specific event dates (typically $25 to $50 per event).
- Annual Policies: If you sell at markets regularly or maintain a home studio, an annual policy through an Ontario insurance broker provides year-round coverage across all venues, online sales, and studio spaces.
What Does “Additional Insured” Mean?
When submitting your COI for an Art & Souls Events market, your insurance provider will ask for the name of the organizer and venue. Adding an entity as an Additional Insured extends your policy’s liability shield to include the event planner and venue management solely for claims arising from your booth operations during event hours.
💡 Pro Tip: Keep a PDF copy of your active COI saved in your phone’s files app or vendor Google Drive folder. You will need to re-upload it each time you submit an application for upcoming market seasons!