Business insurance for Clothes shops


Whether you’re selling designer menswear or unique vintage fashion, if you run a clothes shop, insurance could help you stay focused on your customer service. The right policy can provide support, should you face unforeseen events like a break-in or legal action.

For example, public liability insurance could help protect you against claims if someone is injured in your fashion shop. Meanwhile, business contents insurance may help to replace valuable stock.

Learn how Hiscox could help your clothes shop with the right insurance. 

 

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Why choose Hiscox for your clothes shop insurance?


1

Cover from £8.40 a month*

Get the right cover for your clothes shop from just £8.40 a month*. Only pay for the insurance that works for you.

*Figures based on an average of all business insurance policies sold to at least 10% of our customer base between August 2023 and August 2024

2

Award-winning customer service

Winners of the Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award for several years running, at Hiscox we strive to consistently deliver excellence.

3

Expert support

From legal assistance to PR tips, our Business Support Hub offers support to our customers.

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Tell us more about your clothes shop business, and we’ll help to build your personalised insurance.

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Why do clothes shops need insurance?


An overnight theft

You go to open up your shop one morning to discover there’s been a break-in overnight. Valuable stock is missing, as well as money from the till. Plus, there’s damage to the glass storefront. You contact the police, but they can’t find the culprit – or your missing stock.

Become better prepared for unforeseen events at your clothes shop with contents insurance. This could help to pay for repairs and product replacements should you suffer a break-in.

Customer injuries

A customer is trying on some trousers in your clothes shop when they fall and twist their ankle. They blame the uneven floor for the accident and decide to make a claim.

Public liability cover can help pay compensation over personal injury and property damage claims from your customers and other members of the public, as well as contributing towards legal fees.

Employee accusations

Your fashion shop has a big delivery of new clothing, and you’re working together with your team to sort through it. Unfortunately, a member of staff hurts their back when unloading the stock and blames you for not providing the right training. They decide to take you to court.

Employers’ liability insurance can help to pay compensation should your employee bring a claim over their injury. It’s also usually a legal requirement for any business that employs staff.

What insurance is available for clothes shops?


As a clothes shop owner, there are other types of insurance you may consider. For example, commercial buildings insurance if you own your shop premises. Some fashion shop owners may also add personal accident cover, or cyber insurance.

I had a good experience building the insurance quote I wanted quickly and easily, and was able to alter details quickly as well.
VIVIENNE SPENCER
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Not sure what you need?

If you’re not sure what cover you need, tell us more about your clothes shop business. We’ll find the right insurance for you and help build you a tailored policy.

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Insurance for clothes shops: FAQs


How much is insurance for a clothing shop?

Insurance costs for a clothing shop will depend on the different covers you build into your policy. Business insurance can be tailored to include specific types of cover, such as public and employers’ liability. To give you a rough idea, Hiscox business insurance starts at £8.40* a month.

*Figures based on an average of all business insurance policies sold to at least 10% of our customer base between August 2023 and August 2024

Do I need a licence to open a clothes shop in the UK?

You don’t need a specific licence to sell new clothes through your shop. However, you might require a PPL PRS licence if you intend to play music in the background. Meanwhile, second-hand clothing retailers in Scotland will usually require a licence to operate from their local council.

What insurance do you need to sell clothing?

You may decide to take out products liability insurance to sell clothes. This could help to cover compensation costs should anyone claim to have been injured by a faulty product you have designed, manufactured, sold, or supplied.

For a clothes shop, this type of insurance, often sold alongside public liability, can be more relevant if you source your clothes from outside the UK or if you tailor your own clothes. 

What is shop-front insurance?

Shop-front insurance covers your shop-front as well as any glass throughout your premises. It’s designed to step in if your display windows are smashed, and it is sometimes sold as a standalone product. With Hiscox, business contents insurance can also cover any glass display and signage outside of your shop.