[Mark C.]

The will it burn post got me thinking this may help a few.For Me here in California as full time production potter guy my insurance on studio from homeowners is ZERO coverage. My agent long ago (70's) said no way-The house is 20 feet away and the line of coverage is somewhere in between as far as my homeowners insurance(state farm). I have two electrics just out side of studio door and two gas Kilns 10 feet away. My salt kiln is about 100 feet away .
I bought commercial Liability insurance (about 320$) that covers 10 k for fire on shop if (or when) it burns as well as being sued when someone chokes on eating a mug as well as theft of breakage on 15 K worth of ceramics . I will say that most insurance companies will drop you after 1 claim. I say this from other pro potters (3 that I know) who filed and then got dumped after settling the claim.
If I was a hobby potter the whole picture would be different and most Homeowners insurance will cover some crafts area. As long as its all done with permits
My permit was in the 70's for a 2 inch gas line on a separate meter.Things sort of grew from there.
Hope this helps someone.
Mark

[neilestrick]

I always tell customers to talk to their insurance agent, even if they are just making pots as a hobby. My agent when we lived in Iowa said they didn't care about my electric kilns. Nor did my agent in Wisconsin. But every state is different. I was not a business then, but everything changes when you become an official potter.

Anyone who sells pots should carry liability insurance, even hobbyists. It's cheap and will save you a ton when things go bad.

[GEP]

My State Farm agent here in Maryland does not mind that I have a kiln in my house. I made it perfectly clear it was a full-time business. He did ask to come over and photograph the kiln and its setup area in my basement, but then he assured me if my kiln ever caused any damage to my house, my homeowners policy would cover it. I persisted in asking "are you sure?" a few times, because I had heard some scary anecdotes about insurance companies running in the other direction at the mention of the word "kiln." He said there was absolutely no reason why not. And if their adjusters ever tried to say otherwise, he would fight for my behalf, not the adjusters.

This might be different in other states, other insurance companies, and other types of kilns. But for Marylanders with properly wired electric kilns, don't be afraid to tell your insurance agent.

Mea

[Karen B]

I was told by Amica in Massachusetts that they will not cover any equipment in my home studio, which is an attached garage.

I found this out when I called Amica to find out about insurance for a craft show. The agent then proceeded
to hound me about my kiln (electric) and studio. I had to call her supervisor to get her to stop calling me.
I think she was new and trying to make a name for herself or something.