What insurance does a furniture maker / upholsterer need?
Not all professions face the same risks. Below is a breakdown of every coverage type relevant to furniture maker / upholsterers — what each one covers, whether it's required, and what you should expect to pay in 2026.
General LiabilityRequired
$40–$100/mo
Core protection for furniture makers. Covers injuries from furniture failures and property damage during delivery and installation.
Product LiabilityRequired
$20–$50/mo
Covers injuries caused by furniture pieces after leaving your workshop.
Commercial PropertyRequired
$40–$100/mo
Covers your workshop, tools, equipment, and materials inventory.
Workers CompensationRequired
$50–$130/mo
Required for employees. Power tool use and heavy lifting create significant injury risks.
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Top risks for furniture maker / upholsterers
- Furniture failure causing injury
- Fire in woodworking or upholstery shop
- Custom piece specification dispute
- Fabric or material damage claim
- Employee equipment injury
How much does insurance cost?
Most furniture maker / upholsterers pay $80–$200/month for a complete coverage package. Your exact cost depends on your state, annual revenue, whether you have employees, your claims history, and the coverage limits you choose.
Frequently asked questions
Am I liable if a chair or bed I built fails and injures someone?
Furniture failure causing injury is a product liability claim. Product liability insurance covers your defense if furniture you made fails in use and causes harm.
What if a custom piece doesn't match the client's specifications?
Custom specification disputes are professional liability claims. Detailed written contracts with material samples, dimensions, and finish specifications protect against these disputes.
Do upholsterers need separate insurance from furniture makers?
Upholstery businesses have similar coverage needs — general liability, commercial property, and workers comp. Product liability is particularly important for reupholstered pieces that may have structural issues.
How to get the best rate
The fastest way to find the lowest rate is to compare multiple carriers side by side. Most furniture maker / upholsterers can get quotes from 3–5 insurers in under 10 minutes and receive their certificate of insurance the same day.