[TheForge] shop insurance

Sun Aug 11 22:14:01 2002

Ask your insurance agent about the specific antiques.  Our agent has told us
to videotape or photograph specific pieces so that the company can determine
replacement value in case of loss.  Save any type of documentation that you
got along the way.  Keep all of the documentation in a safety deposit box,
or some place away from your home (in case of fire).

As far as business goes- when we had some jewelry making and small
metalworking equipment running in the basement, we got a special rider on
the homeowner's insurance.  They did stipulate that we had to put treads on
the rickety stairs going down to the basement.  I doubt that homeowner's
insurance is enough if you or they consider it a business, even part-time.

Now that our business is in a separate building and involves welding and
fire, the standard homeowner's insurance agencies won't cover it.  That type
of activity requires an insurer that covers more industrial type of
activities- in our case, Auto Owner's Insurance.  They also insure the auto
shop across the road and the construction company that we lease from.

Your best bet is to check with your own agent and to double check what
he/she says in your policy.
-Kirsten
www.kokametalsmiths.com

----- Original Message -----
From: "northwoods" <[email protected]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, August 11, 2002 6:08 PM
Subject: [TheForge] shop insurance

> What type of insurance do you guys have on your tools/shop? Is homeowners
> enough or does a person need a commercial/business policy if any of the
> items they produce are sold? Also, I know my most homeowners insurance
does
> not cover antiques, how does that figure in when a lot of the tools I use
> are old i.e. 80 yr. old powerhammers, old anvils, and one heck of a lot of
> other old tools?
>