Introduction
One accident — a guest tripping over a floral installation, a delivery van accident, a ruined wedding dress — can cost thousands or end your business entirely. Insurance is not optional. Here is exactly what coverage you need and what it costs.
Essential Coverage Types
1. General Liability Insurance
What it covers: Bodily injury and property damage caused by your business operations
Examples:
- A guest trips over your flower arrangement and breaks their ankle
- Your delivery cart scratches the venue floor
- Water from your arrangements damages the venue's carpet
| Coverage | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| $1 million per occurrence | $400-800/year |
| $2 million aggregate | $500-1,200/year |
Verdict: Mandatory. Most venues require it to let you work on-site.
2. Product Liability Insurance
What it covers: Damage or injury caused by your product (flowers)
Examples:
- A client has an allergic reaction to flowers you recommended
- A heavy installation falls and injures someone
- Flowers stain a wedding dress
Often bundled with general liability. If not, add it — $200-400/year.
3. Commercial Auto Insurance
What it covers: Accidents in vehicles used for business
Examples:
- You cause an accident while delivering flowers
- Your van is stolen with $3,000 in flowers inside
- Equipment is damaged in a fender bender
| Coverage | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Liability only | $1,000-2,000/year |
| Full coverage (comprehensive + collision) | $1,500-3,500/year |
Note: Personal auto insurance does NOT cover business use. If you deliver in your car, you need commercial coverage.
4. Equipment / Inland Marine Insurance
What it covers: Your business equipment and tools
Covered items:
- Coolers and refrigeration units ($2,000-10,000)
- Delivery containers and vessels ($1,000-5,000)
- Tools and supplies ($500-2,000)
Typical cost: $200-500/year
5. Workers' Compensation
What it covers: Employee injuries on the job
Required if you have employees (requirements vary by state). Covers:
- Processing injuries (cuts, thorns)
- Lifting injuries (heavy arrangements)
- Vehicle accidents during delivery
Cost: $500-2,000/year depending on payroll and state
How to Choose a Provider
- Specialized insurers — Look for companies that understand creative businesses (Hartford, Hiscox, Next Insurance)
- Bundle policies — A Business Owner's Policy (BOP) bundles general liability + property coverage at a discount
- Read exclusions — Know what is NOT covered
- Review annually — Update coverage as your business grows
- Ask about venue certificates — Many venues require you to add them as "additional insured" on your policy
Certificate of Insurance (COI)
Venues will request a COI before allowing you on-site. Your insurer can generate one in 24-48 hours listing:
- Your coverage types and limits
- The venue as "additional insured" for that event
- Policy effective dates
Total Annual Insurance Budget
| Coverage | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| General Liability | $500-1,000 |
| Commercial Auto | $1,500-3,000 |
| Equipment | $200-500 |
| Workers' Comp (if applicable) | $500-2,000 |
| Total | $2,700-6,500/year |
Build insurance costs into your overhead allocation when pricing your services.
Conclusion
Insurance feels like an unnecessary expense until you need it. One claim can cost more than a decade of premiums. Protect your business, your assets, and your livelihood with proper coverage.
Related: How to Start a Wedding Florist Business | Florist Contract Template Guide
