Will my insurance cover this? Torches/open flames for hobbies: Can I use this inside, or just in the garage?

Question

I've just recently started making glass beads with a torch (open flame!). I'm going to pick up the supplies today and start making them at home.

For insurance purposes, I know that I will not be covered (in the event of an accident) if I sell the beads. It's just a hobby, so I won't be selling any. Also, can I make these in our spare bedroom (we use it as an art room) or do I have to sit in the unheated, crowded garage? I live in Canada.

Thanks!

Answer 1

Likely, if your company finds out you're doing this, they'll cancel you, but any ensuing FIRE for a non-business activity should be covered.  Obviously, there's no business liability coverage.

Answer 2

As long as this is just a hobby and not being done for monetary or other type of gain then any sudden and accidental damage caused by this type of hobby would be covered.

If you decide to start selling your work, you will have to declare this to your insurer. One of a number of things may occur depending on where the work is being done. If the work is being done in a detached garage or workshop that has adequate clearance from the home, your Homeowner's insurer will probably exclude damage to the workshop/garage as well as any liability from the bead making/selling operation. You would then have to seek coverage from the garage/workshop and the bead making/selling operation with a commercial insurer (it will cost more than what you are paying now, but at least you will be adequately protected). This would be the ideal situation. If the work is being done inside the home they will, in all likelihood, drop you completely, and you will be forced to seek coverage for the entire home from a commercial insurer (now it starts getting expensive because now we are insuring the dwelling itself, all contents and the liability with a commercial insurer).

Answer 3

Yes, Fire is always covered even if negligence on the part of the  policyholder is the cause of the fire. I think you already know that doesn't mean that you can be careless.