Insurance for vintage clothing shop

[maffp]

Hi!

I'm trying to insure our startup vintage clothing shop but every insurance company and broker I have applied to has returned that they don't insure second-hand clothes shops. Any ideas who does?

Thank you!

 

[mhall]

Playing devils advocate, why would you want to give money to an insurance company? Do you really think you are at risk?

 

[maffp]

Hmm... yeah, I was just thinking about that this morning. Thing is we will be selling vintage clothing at the front of the shop and a vintage bridal boutique at the back. The bridal but wil be selling vintage wedding dresses (not too expensive to replace) but will also be making vintage replica wedding dresses. Just what if someone broke in and took/damaged a wedding dress close to someone's big day? Does that come under stock cover or public liability?

Also, tried the same insurers but even when I deselect stock cover they still ask whether we'll be selling vintage clothes and then say they don't insure vintage clothing shops.

I hate insurance!

 

[maffp]

Also, on top of liability we also need to cover the windows for breakage (landlord covers building insurance). They are massive windows so will undoubtedly be very expensive.

 

[mhall]

Also, on top of liability we also need to cover the windows for breakage (landlord covers building insurance). They are massive windows so will undoubtedly be very expensive.

You may be shocked. We had an 8x10 foot window smashed and it was still cheaper to replace ourselves than pay the excess on the insurance.

Insurance is about risk and weighing up the likelihood of anything happening. I also hate insurance companies and never have insurance unless I believe the likelihood of needing it outweighs the silly costs. Trouble is, get it wrong and all the scare stories come true !

 

[TheGuru2010]

You may be shocked. We had an 8x10 foot window smashed and it was still cheaper to replace ourselves than pay the excess on the insurance.

Insurance is about risk and weighing up the likelihood of anything happening. I also hate insurance companies and never have insurance unless I believe the likelihood of needing it outweighs the silly costs. Trouble is, get it wrong and all the scare stories come true !

Very good comment here, you would be amazed at how many companies claim willy nilly without doing the costing.

You have to take into account the excess / Increase in premium next year against the amount you are actually claiming for.

 

[a1anm]

Have you tried Axa insurance? When starting out we had lots of knock backs because of the goods we where selling but Axa had no problems insuring us.

 

[lockyer]

Hi There,

Firstly we are shop insurance specialists, and can cover second hand dress shops/dress agencies so don't panic, its not expensive.

Secondly most shop insurance package policies cover the following as standard:

Public/Products/Employers Liability
stock
contents
shop frontage (inc glass)

In regard to your question about the theft of the dress, all that would be covered would be the trade cost of the dress, and your loss of profit. You can only be held liable for financial losses if you have been negligent. i.e it was your fault the dress was stolen because you left it in the street.

I would also recommend that you draw up a terms of business when you have to hold a dress for a long time just in case the above happens.