City of Lanesboro, Minn.
 

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LANESBORO FARMERS MARKET
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT INSURANCE

Does the Farmers Market have insurance?
Yes, the Farmers Market as an entity has insurance through the City of Lanesboro.  This protects the market manager, advisory committee, vendors and the market itself from liability.  The insurance covers only liability of the Market.  If the Market itself did not have insurance, then an event causing injury at the Market might lead to individual liability for some or all of the participating vendors, even if they were not directly at fault.  Even if they were not ultimately determined to be liable, they might have to defend a lawsuit.  Because the insurance is through the City, no additional premium is being charged and the Market saves a considerable sum.

Why do I need insurance if the Market has insurance?
The Farmers Market as an entity is insured by the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust, because it is an activity of the City of Lanesboro.  The Insurance Trust required that the city get "certificates of insurance" from each vendor showing that the vendor has coverage for any liability relating only to that individual vendor.  This protects the market as a whole, other vendors and the city from being liable for and defending against something that may be related to the activities of only one vendor.

Where do I get insurance?
Most farmers or businesspeople already have property and liability coverage and getting Lanesboro named as an insured on a certificate of insurance should not be costly or complicated.   So far, vendors have had to pay anywhere from zero to $300, depending on their insurance company, their individual policy, whether they have an existing business or farm business policy and the type of products intended to be sold.  People who are home gardeners or bakers and have only homeowners coverage may find it more costly or difficult to obtain the necessary certificate of insurance.  Again, it may depend on your insurance company and the provisions of your policy.

Who can help me if I have trouble finding affordable insurance?
Call Dale Krage at the Krage Insurance Agency in Lanesboro, 467-3309.  Dale is the city's insurance agent, and therefore is familiar with the city's requirements.  He also is familiar with many of the companies and agents who do business in the area, and is becoming familiar with the ins and outs of farmers market coverage.  He has offered to assist potential vendors find the most affordable coverage available.  The Farmers Market Committee will continue to work on this issue.  The goal is to have no one prevented from participation due to lack of affordable insurance.

When do I need to get my insurance?
You should give a copy of your certificate of insurance, along with your application, to Jerilyn Eddy  as part of your application, AT LEAST ONE WEEK BEFORE you plan to open your stall at the market.
 
City of Lanesboro, Minn.
City of Lanesboro
Steven L. Rahn, Mayor | Bobbie Vickerman, City Administrator
202 Parkway Avenue South - - Lanesboro, MN 55949
507-467-3722 | lanesboro@acegroup.cc