I went to do a guest spot in New York. I brought my own machine and inks. The shop owner asked for my COI (Certificate of Insurance). I handed him the one from my home shop in Texas. He looked at it and said, “This only covers your location in Texas. You aren’t insured here.”
Key Takeaways
- Premises-Based Policies: Most shop policies are tied to a specific address (“Designated Premises”). They do not automatically follow you to other states.
- The “Mobile Operations” Endorsement: You need to add an endorsement that covers “Operations at locations not owned or rented by the named insured.” This makes your policy portable.
- State Licensing: If you tattoo in NY with a Texas license (without getting a temporary NY permit), you are working illegally. Insurance denies claims for illegal work.
- Professional Liability Travels, General Liability Doesn’t: Usually, your Malpractice (bad tattoo) coverage follows you. Your General Liability (trip and fall) often stays at your home shop unless endorsed.
The “Why” (The Trap): “Designated Premises”
Look at your policy Declarations Page.
Item 1: Premises.
If it lists “123 Main St, Austin, TX,” coverage applies there.
If a client slips on your cord in New York, the insurer says: “That accident didn’t happen at the Insured Premises.”
You need a policy that covers “Your Work” anywhere in the coverage territory (USA), not just “Your Premises.”
The Investigation: “I Called Them”
I asked brokers about traveling artists.
1. PPIB / Marine
- Answer: “Our Professional Liability follows the artist anywhere in the US. However, General Liability needs to be checked.”
- Fix: They can add a “Blanket Additional Insured” endorsement so you can easily provide COIs to guest shops.
2. Thimble / Short Term
- Answer: You can buy a policy for just the week you are in NY.
- Cost: ~$50 for the week.
- Benefit: Simple solution if your main policy is restrictive.
Comparison Table: Traveling Coverage
| Coverage Type | Home Shop | Guest Spot | Convention |
| Malpractice | Yes | Yes (Usually) | Yes |
| Slip & Fall (GL) | Yes | No (Often excluded) | No (Need rider) |
| Theft of Gear | Yes | No (Need Inland Marine) | No |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Call Your Agent Before You Fly: “I am guest spotting in [State]. Does my liability extend there?” Get the answer in email.
- Get the Temp License: Don’t skip the Health Department permit. It’s the first thing insurance checks if a claim happens.
- Inland Marine for Gear: Your property insurance definitely stops at your shop door unless you have a “Floater” for your equipment. If your machine is stolen at the guest shop, you need this coverage.
- Read the Shop’s Contract: The host shop usually requires you to indemnify them. Your insurance needs to support that promise.
FAQ
Q: Does the host shop’s insurance cover me?
A: No. You are an independent contractor. Their insurance covers their artists.
Q: What if I tattoo in a hotel room?
A: Uninsurable. Illegal. (See “Mobile Tattooing” in previous batch).
[IMAGE: Screenshot of a Certificate of Insurance with the “Location” field reading: “Anywhere within the United States.”]