I used to do balloon art with my father years ago with him and I am just recently taking it up professionally again.

Times are different than they were back when I was 8, so it leads me to ask this question, should I carry general liability insurance? Or what steps should I take? I know that my father used to have a sign with a child on it that said, "Keep balloons out of the mouth of children!"

Just looking for a bit of advise. Thanks!

http://www.specialtyinsuranceagency.com/......nce.html
Covers :
Clowns and Santas
Face Painters
Balloon Twisters
Jugglers
Magicians
Fire Dancers
Stage Hypnotists
Caricature Artists
Street Performers
Comedy Acts
Aerialists
Storytellers
Minstrels
Children Entertainers

Also if your a juggler there is insurance with http://www.juggle.org/business/insurance.php

About$50 cheaper even with a membership

General advice - always better to have the insurance and not need it that the other way around. Some park & rec departments and shopping malls require a liability insurance policy. I have mine with Bomba Insurance Agency http://www.bombainsurance.com/ Ken is a friendly guy and will answer your questions. He has also been a supporter of balloon twister events.

I carry insurance. I think I was only asked once if I carry it. Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have.

The costs of the insurance seems to be pretty cheap.

I still have to get some other things in order to make myself have a more professional appearence (ie. balloon apron, etc.).

I will continue to shop around!

Thank you everyone for the help!

Mark,

You note specialty insurance may be $50 cheaper with a membership ... into which organization?

Thanks,
Dan.

I use Spec. Insurance that Mark speaks of. Most of the Fairs and Festivals that I play require that their entertainment carry their own policy.

I use the Specialty Insurance as well. It is nice to not have to pay for additionally insured as I had with previous insurance agencies.

Re-read my post. It is about juggler's insurance which cover variety acts too. You need to join IJA.