I rented a table at a local card show to sell some slabs. A kid ran past, tripped on my tablecloth, and pulled my display case down. Glass shattered, cards went flying, and the kid needed stitches. The venue manager asked for my “Certificate of Insurance” (COI). I handed him my personal collectibles policy. He handed it back: “This excludes business activity.”
Key Takeaways
- Business Pursuits Exclusion: Personal collectible policies cover collecting. Once you set up a table to sell for profit, you are a dealer. Personal policies exclude business liability.
- Show Liability: Venues require General Liability (slip and fall) insurance. You usually need a $1M limit.
- Inventory Theft: Dealer insurance covers your stock while on the table. Personal insurance often excludes items “for sale” or away from the home for commercial purposes.
- Short-Term Policies: You don’t need an annual dealer policy. You can buy 3-day event insurance (like RLI) for ~$100.
The “Why” (Commercial Risk)
“We do not cover bodily injury or property damage arising out of or in connection with a business conducted by an insured.”
Selling cards is a business.
The Investigation: Getting Compliant
I looked for coverage for a weekend show.
1. Collect Insure (Dealer Rider)
- Option: Add a “Dealer” endorsement to your annual policy.
- Cost: Increases premium, but covers you at shows year-round. Best for frequent sellers.
2. Event Helper / RLI
- Option: Buy a standalone “Vendor Liability” policy for the weekend.
- Cost: ~$59 – $129.
- Coverage: Covers the lawsuit if the kid gets hurt. Does not usually cover theft of your cards.
3. Personal Umbrella
- Option: Hope it covers.
- Result: Denied. Commercial exclusion applies.
Comparison Table
| Policy | Covers Slip & Fall? | Covers Theft of Stock? | Cost |
| Personal Collectibles | No | Maybe (Check limits) | Included |
| Vendor Liability (1-Day) | Yes | No | ~$80 |
| Dealer Policy (Annual) | Yes | Yes | High |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Get the COI Early: Don’t wait until the morning of the show. Buy the vendor policy online 48 hours prior.
- Secure the Table: Use clamps for display cases. Tape down cords. Minimize your liability risk.
- Net the Case: When stepping away, throw a security net or sheet over the case. “Grab and run” theft is common at shows.
FAQ
If I only sell to fund my collection, is it a business?
Insurers look at intent. A table at a show = Business. Trading with a friend at home = Hobby.
[IMAGE: Photo of a card show table with a “Certificate of Insurance” document overlay]