I want to participate as a vendor in our local farmer's market, and they require $500,000 product liability insurance. The organizer told me that some people add it to their homeowner's policy. I do not have or need homeowners as I am not a homeowner. I only have auto insurance with Progressive, and somehow I doubt Progressive would have this type of insurance or be able to help me. Where do I go from here? I'm lost!

I looked around online, but companies were asking for a whole business record, sales records and such, which I do not have as a first-timer, AND my sales wouldn't be expected to be much, an average for this farmer's market is from $3-8,ooo, so it's not like it's a huge money maker.

I also wonder what might happen, being that there is apparently a need for the insurance. Is it for lawsuits or injury? I don't see how unmodified produce needs insurance, I realize they require it and that's the rules, I am asking because I want to know what to expect-should I expect some kind of lawsuit or that I'd harm someone somehow? I could see it's purpose with cooked, prepared or canned items and such but how can I harm someone with fresh, untouched produce? I'm just trying to get the reason behind the insurance and what ramifications I may encounter from selling produce. Can you shed some light? Thanks!

Product liability insurance protects you in case someone claims your product injured them, or that you failed to warn of risk. I see your point that selling produce seems like a low risk endeavor, but it's not too hard to think up scenarios where farm produce could cause someone harm - pesticide contamination, foreign body in the produce, improper labeling, food poisoning, etc.

You might try calling Progresive since you have an auto policy with them. You really should have some form of personal liability insurance already in place besides your auto policy. If you rent your home you should have renter's insurance.

First why do you think you don't need Home insurance ? Are you homeless living in a shelter ?

If you rent, you should have renters insurance ( which is a Form 4 of a homeowners) even if a renter and can have most riders added to it.

But lets say you store your apples with nuts and someone who has a allergy to nuts eats a apple and dies, they will sue you for big money. Someone gets sick and claims your apples make them sick, they may not have a case, but you will need coverage so there will be an attorney and coverage. Just a few example

Yikes, I'm kind of scared! I don't know if it's worth it for me, I'd hate to a) harm someone unintentionally and b) get sued! Perhaps it's not worth it for me personally. If I just sell the produce in an informal setting, like a roadside stand (I live in a rural area, many farmers just leave stuff out and have a money box for people to pay), if I did something like that I shouldn't have to worry, right?

How would I even know the extent of what I'd have to inform people of as far as risks? Do I have to warn them how to handle a hot pepper or that a peach has a pit in it? Or can I say "Use at Your Own Risk".. What's my responsibility? I can't imagine I could cover every single scenario or potential danger!

I actually did get a quote for renters insurance and I'll be buying it once this holiday weekend is over, I wasn't aware that it was a form of homeowners so thanks!

Nope, if you sell a product, even on the side of the road, you can always be sued. If you grow apples and just give them free to someone, they can still sue you