Re: [GBW] Insurance.

[Priscilla Spitler <prispit@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Sophia,
Insurance is my pet peeve, and like money, not many people like to discuss
what they have or do not have. Though, we all like to complain about the
cost!

Frank has pointed out to you that you could get coverage for all of the
concerns you have discussed, but you will have to pay for it.

I am self employed and have a small bindery (in Texas) in a commercial space
for primarily modern binding, box work and for teaching classes. Insurance
is a constant concern and great expense, not to mention some kind of health
insurance coverage for the self employed (frustratingly my greatest expense
each month).

Because I live in a small town of less than 4,000, I have consulted with a
local insurance person who found me a Texas company that insures "Mom & Pop
size" businesses. Because of the nature of my business, I have chosen to
only take out a Liability and Fire coverage (for accidents and to replace
equipment, etc. so I could start over). It is my understanding that to
insure the works of others, specifically rare books or works of art, paper,
that you would need a separate policy for such work, which can be very
expensive.

Over the years, and because of insurance issues, I have consciously chosen
to keep my business small and now without employees. Therefore, I only take
on what I can handle myself or with the assistance of a student, if that is
necessary. Scheduling is very important when you work this way.

When a book edition goes through my shop (which I try to turn over quickly),
the press or individual is informed in advance about my insurance situation
and, most often, they can have the works covered by their own policy while
at my location. An example is a forthcoming job that I have for a famous
artist, a small book edition. The university publishing the work will be
covering the insurance while at my site. This has been discussed and is
understood.

For teaching classes, you have to be careful with liability. It usually
covers clients tripping and falling, that sort of thing, but insurance
companies get funny when others are using your equipment. My policy has a
small amount that covers minor injuries up front, to prevent any large
suits, etc. for injury.
You might consult with a lawyer about have a release form drawn up that
students sign before taking the class. While it may not technically hold up
in court if it came to that, it does make the students more aware and
responsible about their own actions. It is also my understanding to that
liability should cover things like slander, should anyone accuse you of
that!

Last year I joined the American Craft council to see if I would get better
rates on insurance. While they have some benefits I can use, the insurance
company that gave me a quote for liability and fire was greater than my Mom
& Pop company offered here in Texas. It pays to shop around with insurance.

Health insurance is another topic entirely. My husband and I are both self
employed so we carry very high deductibles to keep premiums down.

Hope this helps,
 Priscilla Spitler
 Smithville, Texas



> From: Gabrielle Fox <Gfoxbkbinder@xxxxxxx>
> Reply-To: "Guild of Book Workers Discussion Group." <GBW@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Date: Fri, 7 May 2004 09:56:38 -0400
> To: GBW@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Subject: Re: [GBW] Insurance.
>
> Dear Sophia,
>
> Frank is right to say you want to find an agent you are comfortable with and
> ask her or him questions and then do a bit more research before making a final
> decision.  This is an ongoing issue, particularly if you are restoring or
> conserving material.  Do you belong to AIC?  They have discussed this at
> various times and you may find some helpful advice from them or even ask
> someone near you who belongs.
>
> Best wishes,
> Gabrielle Fox - Ohio
>
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