Insurance

[Party Picassos Facepainting]

Just curious - I have been looking at websites in the UK. Many artists speak of being "insured." I do not believe that I have heard any US artists mention that they are insured. Is this a necessity?

After many years of using hobby paints to do cheeks and hands, I finally decided to spend the money and get FDA approved make up. After my first time using Snazaroo, I got a call from a parent. Her son had a Batman on his face after he washed it off. A big RED itchy batman. The mom wasn't upset with me; her son had shown allergic reactions to sun blocking products. She wanted to know what was IN the make up, so she could discover what chemical was making him break out.

I felt terrible. So I was wondering, has any one else had this issue? Do I need a sign that specifies if you have allergic reactions to make up, sun screen or other skin products, let's try your hand first? That might scare some people off. Feel free to comment.

Thanks.

[fancy]

I have had insurance since day 1 and feel it is a necessity.  You never know when some freak thing will happen and you will need it.  Better to be prepared.

[Party Picassos Facepainting]

What kind of insurance do I need? How much do you pay!
Where do I get some?

sophiesbabygirl

[Sherry]

I know with Snazaroo, if you only use their makeup, you are insured automatically.  I think it's rare that a face painter only uses one brand and in that case there are several different routes you can go to be insured.  Here are the ones I know about:  The World Clown Association.  You don't need to be a clown either, but you do have to have a membership.  Here's their website... www.worldclown.com ( I think this is the cheapest route and it's what I started out with.)

  Specialty Insurance.  Their website is www.specialtyinsuranceagency.com.  This is who I get my insurance through.

The third option I've heard of is www.clownsofamerica.org.  The prices vary, so you'll have to check them each out. 

In regards to your customer having a reaction, I'm surprised it happened at the first event you used Snazaroo at, because I really think it's a rare thing.     I wouldn't think the sign would be necessary, but that's just my personal opinion.  I've only had one incident where a boy's face got blotchy red from a Starblend powder, but he didn't complain about itching. 

[Shannon Fennell]

You may be able to add a home based business' business liability insurance to your home owner's insurance.  I did this when I was first starting out doing freelance make-up.

I would never work without insurance - you need liability insurance IMHO - and I also insure my kit for replacement (which costs me as much as my liability insurance!)