[TheForge] insurance

[RIES NIEMI]

For many years I had insurance through the American Craft Council- they work
with a company that markets a complete craftsman policy- million dollars of
liability, some coverage for theft of product or tools if you are doing
demos or craft shows. You have to join the ACC, which is something like 50
bucks a year, but you also get a monthly magazine. If you pick up a copy of
their magazine at a newstand, it has info about joining and usually an ad
for the insurance co. I think it is still called "American Craft". The
insurance cost me about 1000$ a year, but it depends on how much stuff you
insure under the property parts of the policy.
Nomma also has a company they work with for metal fabricators insurance- try
WWW.nomma.org or call them at 404-363-4009.
Most normal insurers are pretty confused by blacksmiths and metalworkers- we
just dont fit into their categories.
I found the acc policy good because it covered more than just liabilty, so
combined with my homeowners, I had pretty complete coverage.
I do a lot of public art work, both ornamental iron and sculpture, and a one
million dollar liabilty policy is an absolute necessity to get any public
art job.