How to Insure a Traveling Carnival

Entering the traveling carnival business requires insurance, just like anything else these days. What type of coverage you'll need, and how much you pay, will vary depending on where you plan to operate and the amount of coverage you will need.

Instructions

1. Choose an insurance company. Many are available depending on what you have to offer and most have websites. Some specialize or specifically cover water parks, miniature golf, ice skating, riding stables and other kinds of risks; others do not. You may wish to contact them about plans available specifically for traveling carnivals. See the Resources section below for a few leads.

2. Pick a payment plan and discuss rates and additional endorsements. Carnival insurance providers sometimes allow you to use a payment plan, although they often require full payment.

3. Know the insurance required by law in the states where you plan to operate. Some states require not only insurance inspectors, but state inspections as well. Some insurance providers do not cover all states. You may have to complete pre-qualification paperwork or register rides individually.

4. Ensure that the information on your certificate is accurate when you receive it. Keep a list from the insurance company that contains a ride schedule with the name and serial number of each carnival ride insured under the policy.

5. Research the county and city laws that pertain to carnivals. The places you plan to operate in may have more specific rules on what is acceptable than the state, so be sure to check that the local government accepts the insurance you've picked.

Tips & Warnings

• Many states require at least three million dollars in liability insurance. Failure to insure for at least three million can result in fines of up to one thousand dollars a day.

Resources

• The Outdoor Insurance Group
• The Insurance Company