When you're working in a permanent business location, you simply sign up for a yearly general liability insurance policy. But the nature of business in the modern day demands a whole new set of solutions for the problems and challenges that we face. With pop-up stores — small businesses that may only exist for a day or two, renting a storefront on a temporary basis and closing down once the stock has been sold — a longer insurance term isn't an option. But you do need to cover your general liability concerns.
In order to ensure that your ends are covered, you might want to ask your insurer about vendor liability insurance. This is a form of general liability insurance designed for non-permanent businesses. A vendor can a pop-up shop, a food truck, or a stall at a state fair. With vendor liability insurance, you have general liability protection for your short-term needs.
In addition to this coverage, you will want to invest in renters insurance. The relationship between landlord and pop-up entrepreneur can be a tricky one. There is a good chance that your landlord would rather be renting a storefront out to someone who hopes to sign a five-year lease. Renting a store out on a day-to-day basis isn't a great long-term solution to filling the space, from their perspective, but the revenue opportunity might still be appealing enough for them to allow the practice. That said, they will probably put some additional stipulations on you that a long-term renter would not have to contend with. You're almost certainly not going to be allowed to install any permanent fixtures, and you're probably going to be expected to carry renters insurance. This will offer you some additional liability protection and give your landlord a buffer against any claims your customers might make.
Investing in a strong insurance policy is a must when opening a pop-up. A hot pop-up can be incredibly profitable, and you don't want to lose that income to a lawsuit.