Auction house businesses are exciting ventures. You're selling antique furniture one day and rare art the next. Sometimes even both at once. But these high value, rare items also bring risks, and Auction House Business Insurance is your first line of defense against the unpredictable. From guest injuries during a high-traffic event to property damage and loss of high-value items, having the right protection can be the difference between bouncing back and shutting down.
Auction house general liability insurance covers the basics — accidents, injuries, and property damage involving third parties. Say a bidder trips on uneven flooring during a crowded auction and breaks their wrist. That’s a potential lawsuit. This policy steps in to cover medical costs, legal fees, and possible settlements.
Claim Example: A visitor at a weekend estate auction stumbled over a loose extension cord and suffered a head injury. The auction house's general liability insurance covered emergency medical care and the cost of legal defense when the visitor filed a claim for negligence.
Business Personal Property (BPP) coverage protects the contents of your auction house — from display cases and furniture to computers and inventory in your care. Fires, theft, or even a major water leak could wipe out your ability to operate.
Claim Example: A short circuit sparked a fire in an auction house’s back office, damaging several high-end vintage musical instruments and their cataloging system. Thanks to their BPP insurance, the auction house received enough to repair the premises and replace the items, minimizing disruption to upcoming auctions.
Workers’ compensation insurance helps when your employees get hurt on the job — which, in an auction house full of heavy lifting and quick movement, is not uncommon. It covers medical expenses and lost wages while shielding your business from legal backlash.
Claim Example: During a busy auction setup, a staff member slipped on a wet floor and suffered a knee injury. Workers’ comp covered their ER visit, physical therapy, and missed workdays.
Beyond the basics, auction houses may need a few more coverage types:
Trust USA Insurance to protect your auction house with smart, reliable coverage:
Contact us today to get started now!
How much does auction house insurance cost?
It ranges from $1,200 to $4,000 a year.
How do I buy auction house insurance?
Through an agency like USA Insurance that specializes in commercial insurance coverage.
What is an additional insured endorsement?
It’s an add-on that extends your policy coverage to someone else — like a venue owner — who needs protection under your policy.
Is insurance required to operate an auction house?
It’s not always legally required, but most venues, consignors, and clients will insist you have it before doing business.
What insurance do I need for auction events?
At a minimum: general liability, BPP, and workers' comp. Depending on the event, you might also need inland marine and cyber coverage.
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