Figuring out which vendor policy to get can feel like sorting through a box of tangled string lights: you procrastinate, feel confused, get frustrated, and maybe give up (or throw them away and spend too much on a new box). That’s why we’ve done the untangling for you!
Below are seven of the *best vendor insurance options, each with its own strengths depending on your business, vending style, and event:
- Best overall for vendors: Insurance Canopy
- Top pick for artists and crafters: ACT Insurance
- Best food vendors insurance: Food Liability Insurance Program (FLIP)
- Good for complex coverage: K&K Insurance
- Recommended for weddings and parties: The Event Helper
- Most flexible options (hour/day/month): Thimble
- Best for special events: Special Event Insurance
*Note: Transparency is one of Insurance Canopy’s core brand values. This guide was created with the most recent and verifiable information available to help our readers identify which provider is best for their business (even if it’s not us).
7 Best Event Vendor Insurance Providers
Whether you’re a food vendor, handmade artist, or weekend market regular, these providers help you meet event requirements, protect your booth, and have peace of mind, so you can focus on what you do best.
| Provider | Starting Price | Coverage Included | Same-Day COI? | Best For | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Insurance Canopy |
$49 /event |
General Liability |
✅ |
Food vendors, crafters, DJs, and more |
Event-approved coverage |
|
ACT Insurance |
$49 /event |
General Liability |
✅ |
Artists and crafters |
Made for artists |
|
FLIP |
$25.92 /month |
General Liability, Product Liability |
✅ |
Food vendors, caterers, bartenders, concessionaires |
Food Trailer Endorsement |
|
K&K Insurance |
Quote |
General Liability, Contractual Liability |
❌ |
Mobile kitchens, larger setups |
Coverage for high-risk operations |
|
The Event Helper |
~$105 /day |
General Liability, Product Liability |
✅ |
Food vendors, weddings, event planners |
Venue-approved policies |
|
Thimble |
~$66 /day |
General Liability |
✅ |
Part-time gig workers, party entertainers |
Flexible policy options |
|
Special Event Insurance |
$199 /event |
General Liability, Host Liquor Liability |
✅ |
Concessions, event planners |
Liquor coverage included |
*Note: All amounts shown were calculated based on a policy in Utah, USA, with the exception of The Event Helper using data from a California, USA-based event with 40 people.
All data was collected from real insurance quotes given by each competitor in July 2025.
Not to toot our own horn (who are we kidding, this is our own site — we believe in how we help vendors protect their business, so of course we’re going to!), Insurance Canopy stands out as the best overall choice for most event vendors.
It strikes the right balance between affordable coverage, flexible protection, and an easy purchase process, whether you’re running a food stand, craft booth, or pop-up shop.
Of course, no single policy fits every vendor perfectly. It’s important to compare vendor insurance providers so you can choose the right coverage for you!
Below, we’ve broken down all seven providers based on:
- Cost per event or per month
- Who the policy is best suited for
- If you can get instant proof of insurance (Certificate of Insurance / COI)
- Base coverage and add-ons
- The types of events you’re covered at
- What stands out about them
- Their pros and their cons
Best Vendor Liability Insurance Overall: Insurance Canopy
Insurance Canopy is the go-to for reliable, event-ready vendor coverage.
| Compare Insurance Canopy for Vendors | |
|---|---|
|
Cost |
From $49 per 1–3 day event* |
|
Best Suited For |
– Vendors and exhibitors |
|
Same-day COI? |
✅ Yes |
|
Coverages Offered |
– General Liability |
|
Event Types |
|
|
Standout Features |
– Lightning-fast COI, so you get proof of insurance in minutes |
*Specialty vendor policies and annual plans are available.
**Annual plans offer product liability, professional liability, cyber liability, and tools and equipment coverage.
✔️ Why We Like It:
- Built for real-world vendor scenarios, not just generic liability coverage
- Instant Certificate of Insurance (COI) when you’re in a pinch
- Mobile-friendly checkout that doesn’t make you want to pull your hair out
- Trusted by thousands of event vendors nationwide
❌ Heads-Up:
- Product liability is only available on annual plans, so vendors selling handcrafted products may need to opt for a larger policy to receive this coverage
- Coverage for theft and damage to your own gear isn’t offered on short-term policies (yet… it’s coming soon!)
When it comes to protecting event vendors, Insurance Canopy gets it right. Our policies are built specifically for the hustle and bustle of vendor life, not generic small business setups. From fast coverage to easy equipment add-ons, it’s coverage that works as hard as you do.
Best for Artists and Crafters: ACT Insurance
Perfect for artisans, creators, and small-batch dream makers.
| Compare ACT Vendor Insurance | |
|---|---|
|
Cost |
From $49 per 1–3 day event* |
|
Best Suited For |
– Artists and handmade sellers |
|
Same-day COI? |
✅ Yes |
|
Coverages Offered |
– General Liability |
|
Event Types |
– Art and craft fairs |
|
Standout Features |
– Creative-first focus on artists, not generic small businesses |
*Annual plans start at $24.25/month.
**Annual plans offer product liability, professional liability, cyber liability, and tools and equipment coverage.
✔️ Why We Like It:
- Built specifically for crafters and artists
- Flexible short-term and annual options
- Fast, no-hassle Certificate of Insurance when you need it
- Affordable enough for hobbyists and full-timers alike
❌ Heads-Up:
- May not fit larger businesses outside the art & craft world
- Limited customization for complex setups
Selling your handmade creations is personal, and protecting them should be, too. ACT Insurance was built for artists, crafters, and indie makers who want straightforward event coverage that fits the handmade lifestyle. No matter how you craft it, ACT keeps you covered.
Best for Food Vendors: Food Liability Insurance Program (FLIP)
Certified fresh for mobile food and beverage businesses.
| Compare FLIP Vendor Insurance | |
|---|---|
|
Cost |
From $25.92 per month |
|
Best Suited For |
– Food vendors |
|
Same-day COI? |
✅ Yes |
|
Coverages Offered |
– General Liability |
|
Event Types |
– Farmers markets |
|
Standout Features |
– Tailored exclusively for food businesses |
*Event and annual liquor liability coverage is also available.
✔️ Why We Like It:
- Designed for food businesses on the go
- Quick and easy online purchase for instant protection
- Customizable coverage options for dozens of different businesses
- Helps most food vendors fulfill insurance requirements
❌ Heads-Up:
- One-day or short-term policies are not available
- No coverage for restaurants or brick-and-mortar eateries
Cooking up something amazing? Food Liability Insurance Program (FLIP) has your back if things get too hot to handle. Whether you’re flipping burgers, baking bread, or shaking up whiskey sours, FLIP helps protect you from the slip-ups and mix-ups no one ordered.
Best for Complex Vendor Coverage: K&K Insurance
Ideal for bigger setups and higher-risk events.
| Compare K&K Insurance for Vendors | |
|---|---|
|
Cost |
Custom quote* |
|
Best Suited For |
– Celebrity appearances |
|
Same-day COI? |
❌ No, 24–48 hour turnaround |
|
Coverages Offered |
– General Liability |
|
Event Types |
– Antique and road shows |
|
Standout Features |
– Customizable policies for niche and large-scale events |
*Cost varies by event size, type, and location.
✔️ Why We Like It:
- Tailored coverage for higher-risk setups
- Well-suited for larger vendors and specialty sellers
- Experts in the tradeshow and consumer show space
❌ Heads-Up:
- No instant quotes or Certificate of Insurance download
- The shortest policy lasts for one full month
- No liquor liability coverage for vendors
Some events are bigger, riskier, and frankly, a bit more complicated. That’s where K&K Insurance comes in. They specialize in custom event insurance policies, perfect for vendors with larger footprints, food operations, or unique risks that simpler plans don’t quite cover.
Best for Weddings and Private Parties: The Event Helper
Great for vendors at weddings, private events, and venues that require proof of insurance.
| Compare The Event Helper Vendor Insurance | |
|---|---|
|
Cost |
From $105 per day* |
|
Best Suited For |
– Wedding vendors (florists, DJs, caterers) |
|
Same-day COI? |
✅ Yes |
|
Coverages Offered |
– General Liability |
|
Event Types |
– Craft fairs and festivals |
|
Standout Features |
– Venue-friendly policies that make compliance easy |
*Based on a 40-person event in California, USA. Cost varies by event size and location.
✔️ Why We Like It:
- Smooth online Certificate of Insurance submission to venues
- Great for wedding-focused vendors
- Full refund if the venue doesn’t accept your policy
❌ Heads-Up:
- Higher starting costs
- Website lacks information on policy details
- Pricing varies greatly by location and event attendance
Weddings, private parties, and special occasions often mean stricter venue rules, and The Event Helper is built to help vendors meet them. Venue-friendly policies and easy Certificate of Insurance delivery make it a favorite among event hosts and venues.
Best for Flexible Time-Based Coverage: Thimble
Perfect for side hustlers or hobbyists who need quick coverage a few times a year.
| Compare Thimble Vendor Insurance | |
|---|---|
|
Cost |
~$66.59/day* |
|
Best Suited For |
– Private party entertainers |
|
Same-day COI? |
✅ Yes |
|
Coverages Offered |
– General Liability |
|
Event Types |
– Private parties |
|
Standout Features |
– Access your policy from a mobile app |
*Cost varies by event size, type, and location.
**Additional plans include a Business Owners Policy (BOP) or Workers Compensation Insurance.
✔️ Why We Like It:
- Flexible policies (by the hour, day, or month)
- Super easy to purchase on the go
- Great for last-minute events
❌ Heads-Up:
- Less tailored to full-time or experienced vendors
- Excludes bartending and liquor liability
- Vendors are considered “entertainers” and lack specific site resources
Need insurance by the gig? Thimble makes it simple. Their easy, app-based approach is built for part-time party planners, a face paint side-hustle, or your uncle looking to DJ your wedding for fun. You’ll get short-term general liability coverage with a few taps on your phone.
Best for Special and Private Events: Special Event Insurance
Great for one-off fundraisers, festivals, and community events.
| Compare Special Event Insurance for Vendors | |
|---|---|
|
Cost |
From $199/event* |
|
Best Suited For |
– Event organizers and planners |
|
Same-day COI? |
✅ Yes |
|
Coverages Offered |
– General Liability |
|
Event Types |
– Fundraisers and non-profit events |
|
Standout Features |
– Liquor liability is automatically included at no extra cost |
*Cost varies by event size, type, and location.
✔️ Why We Like It:
- Host liquor liability is included on all policies
- Trusted for community events and fundraisers
- Offers the highest instant coverage limits
❌ Heads-Up:
- Less ideal for recurring vendors
- Can be pricier for single-day events
- Not useful for vendors who don’t need liquor coverage
Special events have special requirements, and if the name doesn’t give it away, Special Event Insurance is built for them. With host liquor liability included and coverage designed for private events, it’s a smart fit when you’re hosting or vending at larger gatherings.
Still on the Fence?
- Go with Insurance Canopy if you want an affordable, easy-to-use option that works for most vendor types
- Choose ACT Insurance if you’re an artist, crafter, or handmade seller
- Trust FLIP if you operate a mobile food, beverage, or alcohol business
- Look at K&K Insurance for big events or complex setups
- Pick The Event Helper if you’re at weddings or private venues
- Try Thimble if you only need coverage for a day or less
Dive deeper into choosing the right vendor insurance with our full guide: How to Choose the Best Vendor Insurance
Vendor Insurance = Peace of Mind
The right event insurance lets you focus on your booth, your customers, and your craft, not on what-ifs. Whether you’re slinging street tacos, selling pottery, or spinning wedding tunes, a little coverage can go a long way toward protecting your hard work.
While all of the providers on this list are reputable and reliable, Insurance Canopy is our top pick for most event vendors thanks to its balance of affordability, practical coverage, and ease of use.
Top Questions About the Best Vendor Insurance Options
Can I Get Vendor Insurance for Just 1 Day?
Yes, you can get vendor insurance for just 1 day with Insurance Canopy!
Our short-term policy offers the basic general liability insurance vendors need to get in, sell, and get out with a quick and easy event-approved coverage.
What’s the Best Vendor Insurance for a One-Day Event?
The best vendor insurance for a one-day event is Insurance Canopy’s standard vendor policy, starting at just $49/event.
With few exclusions and quick coverage, it can protect most vendors from common general liability claims.
Is Vendor Insurance Different From General Liability Insurance?
Yes, vendor insurance is different from general liability insurance, but they’re related — vendor insurance is a type of general liability insurance specifically designed for short-term event coverage.
A vendor policy:
- Covers you at events only
- Lasts 1–3 days
- Lower coverage limits
- Fewer coverage options
A small business general liability policy:
- Covers your business year-round
- Lasts 12 months
- Higher coverage limits
- Broader coverage options
In short, vendor insurance protects you during an event, while annual general liability protects your business at events and beyond.
Can I Get a COI From Insurance Canopy Online?
Yes, you can get a COI from Insurance Canopy online instantly after purchasing a vendor liability policy.
Simply log in to your online account, click on “Proof of Insurance,” and a PDF copy of your Certificate of Insurance will be saved to your device.
Do I Need Product Liability to Sell Handmade Goods?
Yes, you need product liability to sell handmade goods to cover claims related to your products, like injuries, damages, or foodborne illnesses.
Some events require you to carry both general liability and product liability coverage before you can set up shop. Even if it’s not required, having product liability insurance is an essential layer of protection for makers and small businesses.
