As a dressmaker, you may encounter unique risks and liabilities related to your business operations, such as damage to materials or equipment, accidents or injuries, or legal disputes with the clothing shop that bought your products.
That's why it's important to have tailor insurance to protect your business from these potential threats. After all, it’s not impossible for that leather material you bought from the tanner to cause skin allergies to its user.
In this article, we'll explore the different types of insurance coverage that may be relevant to tailors and dressmakers and provide cost estimates and quotes from top insurance providers.
| CoverWallet | NEXT (Best) | Thimble | Hiscox | The Hartford | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Per occurrence limit | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 | $300,000/$1,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 |
| Aggregate limit | $2,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 | $300,000/$2,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 |
| Products and completed operations aggregate limit | $2,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 |
| Advertising injury coverage aggregate limit | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 | $1,000,000 |
| Tenant’s legal liability coverage limit | $100,000 | $100,000 | $5,000 | $100,000 | $1,000,000 |
| Waiver of subrogation included? | Yes | No | Included | Can be included | No |
| Hired/non-owned auto liability coverage included? | Yes | No | Excluded | Can be included | Can be included |
General liability insurance for tailors and tanning shops can help protect your business in case of accidents or incidents that may occur on your premises or as a result of your business operations. Coverage limits for general liability insurance usually start at $1 million per occurrence and can go up to $5 million.
Customers' clothing gets damaged due to a mistake made by your employee during alteration, repair, or customization.
The vendors visiting your shop trip over a loose carpet and sustain an injury
A fire breaks out in your shop and causes damage to neighboring properties
A customer alleges that your business caused financial harm due to a mistake or negligence
Hired and non-owned auto liability insurance–This seamstress insurance coverage is essential if your business uses personal vehicles or rents cars for business purposes. It covers damages or injuries resulting from accidents involving these vehicles
In most cases, general liability insurance covers damages caused by an employee's actions as long as the employee acted within the scope of their job duties. However, it's important to check your policy to see if there are any specific exclusions or limitations related to employee actions. Additionally, the insurance may not cover the damages if the employee's actions were intentional or criminal.
This is a dressmaking insurance policy that protects you from legal liabilities that may arise due to injuries or damages caused by your products. This type of insurance policy is important for you if you manufacture or sell products such as clothing, accessories, or other fashion items. Coverage limits for product liability insurance usually start at $1 million per occurrence and can go up to $5 million.
If a custom dress is not labeled properly, such as missing care instructions or fabric content, the customer experiences harm or damage to the garment
If you are aware of a potential hazard associated with a custom dress and fail to provide adequate warning to the customer, resulting in harm or damage
You should consider getting product liability insurance. Even if you don't manufacture large quantities of clothing, there is still a risk that a customer may claim that the dress you made caused them harm or injury.
For example, if a customer alleges that the dress caused an allergic reaction or skin irritation, you could be liable for any resulting damages or medical expenses. Product liability insurance can help protect your business from such claims and cover legal fees and settlement costs.
If you are a tailor who uses chemicals or hazardous materials in your work, it is important to consider obtaining pollution liability insurance. This coverage can protect you from potential lawsuits and financial losses due to accidental pollution incidents. The insurance covers up to $1 million per occurrence and up to $2 million in aggregate.
For example, if a chemical spill were to occur at your workshop and cause harm to nearby residents or the environment, you could be held liable for damages. Pollution Liability Insurance can help cover cleanup costs, legal fees, and any settlements or judgments against you. Accidents can still happen even if your business follows strict safety protocols and regulations, making this coverage a worthwhile investment to protect your livelihood.
Extended reporting period–Provides coverage for claims that arise after your policy expires but were caused while the policy was in effect
Transportation pollution liability–Provides coverage for pollution caused by transporting materials or products
If you operate a tailoring business that uses chemicals or dyes that could harm the environment, you should consider pollution liability insurance. Additionally, don’t skip this policy when operating in a location with a higher risk of environmental contamination, such as near a water source or in an area with heavy industrial activity. Pollution liability insurance may be a wise investment to help protect your business from potential environmental risks.
Get all the best quotes from leading providers in a click of a button!
| CoverWallet | NEXT (Best) | Thimble | The Hartford | Hiscox | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Building coverage limit (minimum) | $50,000 | $340,000 | $25,000/$500,000 | $35,000 | $25,000 |
| Contents coverage limit (minimum) | $50,000 | $35,000 | $25,000/$500,000 | $35,000 | $15,000 |
| Outdoor signs | Excluded | $2,500 | Excluded | Excluded | Included |
| Accounts receivable | Excluded | Excluded | $5,000/$10,000 | Excluded | Included |
| Money and securities | Excluded | $2,500 | $1,000 | Excluded | Included |
| Lock and keys | Excluded | $2,500 | Excluded | Excluded | Included |
| Business interruption floater | Excluded | Included | Included | Excluded | Included |
| Equipment breakdown floater | Excluded | Included | Excluded | Excluded | Included |
| Inland marine insurance floater | Excluded | Excluded | $10,000 | Excluded | Excluded |
| Employee dishonesty floater | Excluded | $5,000 | $2,500 | Excluded | Excluded |
Commercial property insurance is designed to protect the physical assets of your business, including your building, equipment, inventory, and furniture, in case of unexpected events such as fire, theft, or natural disasters. The coverage limit for this tailor shop insurance ranges from $500,000 to $2,000,000, depending on the insurer.
Fire damage to your property or inventory
Water damage due to burst pipes or flooding
Theft or vandalism of business property or equipment
Damage caused by severe weather, such as hail, windstorms, or lightning
Business interruption due to property damage or loss
Business interruption insurance–This coverage provides financial support if your business is temporarily shut down due to a covered event, such as a fire or a natural disaster. It can help cover your lost income, rent, and other expenses
Equipment breakdown insurance–This coverage protects you in case of sudden and accidental equipment breakdown, such as your sewing machine. It can help cover the cost of repairing or replacing the equipment
| CoverWallet | NEXT (Best) | Thimble | The Hartford | Hiscox | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General liability aggregate limit | $2,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 | $1,000,000/$2,000,000 | $300,000/$2,000,000 |
| Commercial property coverage limit | $50,000 | $320,000 | $25,000/$500,000 | $35,000 | $75,000 |
| Optional policies can be added? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Name additional insureds for free? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| BOP discount? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
This comprehensive insurance policy combines general liability and property insurance in a single package. For you as a tailor, a BOP provides coverage for liability claims and property damage, including damages caused by theft, fire, or other unexpected events. The coverage limit for a BOP policy varies from $1,000,000 to $3,000,000.
Liability claims resulting from bodily injury or property damage caused to third parties while on your business premises,
Product liability claims resulting from injuries or damages caused by your products
Property damage caused by unexpected events such as fire, theft, or natural disasters
Customer property coverage–This can reimburse the customer on your behalf if expensive clothing they own gets damaged or lost while in your care, custody, and control
Employment practices liability insurance (EPLI)–This add-on covers legal claims arising from employment discrimination or wrongful termination allegations. With EPLI, you can protect your business from lawsuits that may result in significant financial damage
| NEXT | Thimble | Hiscox | The Hartford | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aggregate limit | $3,000/$10,000 | $2,500/$5,000 | $15,000/$25,000 | $5,000-$10,000 |
| Covers hired and borrowed equipment? | $3,000/$10,000 | $2,500/$5,000 | No | Yes |
| Miscellaneous equipment also covered? | $5,000/$10,000 | No | Yes | Yes |
| Offered as an endorsement to general liability insurance? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Deductible | $500 | $500 | $0 | $0 |
You may have invested in expensive equipment and tools to help you create high-quality garments for your customers. Your tools and equipment can be damaged or stolen, leading to costly repairs or replacement. Tools and equipment insurance is important to protect your business from these risks.
Power surges can cause significant damage to electronic equipment, including sewing machines and computers
If you misplace or lose your tools and equipment, the insurance can cover replacing them
Tools and equipment insurance can cover repair or replacement if your sewing machine or other equipment breaks down due to a mechanical failure or other issues
Off-premises coverage–This add-on extends coverage to your tools and equipment while off-site, such as when working at a customer's location or transporting them to and from a job site
The coverage will depend on the specific terms and conditions of the policy. It's important to review the policy carefully to determine whether transportation-related damage is covered and under what circumstances.
Some policies may require that a specific type of vehicle transports the equipment or be properly secured during transit. It's also important to document any damage and file a claim promptly to ensure the insurance company can assess the damage and provide appropriate coverage.
Workers' compensation insurance is an insurance policy that benefits employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. As a tailor, your employees may be at risk of injuries such as cuts, burns, or repetitive motion injuries. Workers' compensation insurance can provide benefits to employees, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and disability benefits.
The amount of coverage needed depends on the number of employees and the risks associated with the job. Generally, workers' compensation insurance for tailors typically covers medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs associated with work-related injuries or illnesses.
Accidents are caused by using sharp tools such as scissors, needles, and pins
Injuries caused by sewing machines or other heavy machinery used in tailoring
Repetitive stress injuries from tasks such as cutting, sewing, or ironing
Injuries caused by exposure to chemicals or other hazardous materials used in tailoring
If you are a tailor and have employees, you may be legally required to carry workers' compensation insurance. The exact requirements vary by state, so it's important to check with your local government or insurance provider to determine what's required for your business. However, even if it's not required by law, it's still a good idea to consider getting workers' compensation insurance to protect your employees and your business in case of an accident or injury.
| Cost per Month | Cost per Year | Deductible | |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Liability | $34 | $408 | $0-$500 |
| Professional liability insurance | $40 | $480 | $500-$1,000 |
| Product Liability | $70 | $840 | $1,000-$2,000 |
| Pollution Liability | $50 | $600 | $1,000-$2,000 |
| Commercial Property | $80 | $960 | $1,000-$2,000 |
| Business Owner's Policy | $114 | $1,368 | $1,500 |
| Tools and Equipment | $38 | $456 | $500-$1,000 |
| Workers' Compensation | $120 | $1,440 | $1,000-$2,000 |
The average tailor insurance cost is $34 per month or $408 per year for a $1 million general liability coverage. Here are some factors that can affect the cost of insurance for tailors:
Type of insurance–The type of insurance you choose will significantly impact the cost. For example, general liability insurance is typically less expensive than pollution liability insurance
Coverage limits–The higher the coverage limit, the more expensive the insurance premium. If you need higher coverage limits to protect your business adequately, expect to pay more for insurance
Location–Insurance costs can vary depending on your business location. You may pay more for insurance if you operate in an area with higher crime rates or a higher risk of natural disasters
Size of business–The size of your business, including the number of employees and annual revenue, can impact your insurance costs. Larger businesses may pay more for insurance because they have more assets to protect
Claims history–If you have a history of filing insurance claims, your premiums may be higher as insurance companies consider you a higher risk
Industry risks–Certain industries, such as those that involve working with heavy machinery or hazardous chemicals, may be considered higher risk by insurance companies
Deductibles–The deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance coverage. A higher deductible may result in a lower monthly premium, but you'll pay more out of pocket if you need to file a claim
In connection, here’s a table showing the cost of $1 million general liability insurance from companies we recommend:
| Cost per Month | Cost per Year | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEXT | $20 | $240 | Tailoring businesses seeking customizable coverage and a streamlined online experience |
| CoverWallet | $26 | $312 | Comparing tailor insurance quotes online |
| The Hartford | $29 | $348 | Tailoring businesses seeking customizable coverage and a streamlined online experience |
| Hiscox | $30 | $360 | Businesses seeking strong financial backing |
| Tivly | $32 | $384 | Comparing tailor insurance quotes over the phone |
| Thimble | $35 | $420 | Tailoring businesses with short-term projects |
Get all the best quotes from leading providers in a click of a button!
Here are some of the best tailor insurance companies. Read some of the reviews below to know their pros, cons, and average rate for a $1 million general liability insurance.
Next Insurance's pricing is generally competitive, particularly for small businesses with limited budgets for insurance coverage
Next Insurance offers a user-friendly online platform that allows customers to manage their policies and claims quickly and easily
Their policies are customizable so that public relations businesses can tailor their coverage to their needs
Couldn’t find any
NEXT is a technology-driven company specializing in providing small business insurance. With this company, customers can customize their policies to meet their specific budget, making it a popular choice among small business owners.
Best for: Tailoring businesses seeking customizable coverage and a streamlined online experience
Average cost: $20 per month
Our rating: 10/10
They provide excellent customer service and support, with a dedicated team of insurance advisors available to answer any questions or concerns
Consolidate all of your insurance policies into a single location, streamlining the process of reviewing your coverage, paying your bills, and filing claims
Not an insurance company but an insurance broker
CoverWallet is an insurance company providing digital solutions to small and medium-sized businesses. The company aims to simplify the insurance buying process by allowing businesses to compare and purchase policies.
Best for: Comparing tailor insurance quotes online
Average cost: $26 per month
Our rating: 10/10
Hartford has a long history of financial strength and stability, giving customers peace of mind that the company can pay out claims
Free benefits like new car replacement are included with auto insurance policies
Reduced prices or lower rates are offered to individuals 50 years old or older
You might need to contact an agent for higher coverage limits
The Hartford has been a well-known insurance company in business for over 200 years. They provide personalized customer service and have a team of experienced agents who can help businesses find the right coverage for their needs.
Best for: Established tailoring businesses
Average cost: $29 per month
Our rating: 10/10
Has affordable insurance solutions, with monthly policies starting at $20
Immediate data analysis to enhance the satisfaction of customers
Getting a quote with Tivly is fast and easy
Tivly is a new insurance market, and some customers may prefer to work with more established providers
Tivly is an insurance technology company specializing in business insurance products. Their mission is to make insurance simple, transparent, and accessible to all businesses. Call now to compare quotes over the phone.
Best for: Comparing tailor insurance quotes over the phone
Average cost: $32 per month
Our rating: 8/10
Offers flexible insurance policies that can be purchased by the hour, day, or month, providing coverage only when needed
They have a model plan that can be easily adjusted to accommodate different levels of growth
Their coverage options may not be as comprehensive as some other providers in the market
Thimble is an insurance provider that offers on-demand coverage for small businesses and self-employed professionals. With this company, you can avail general liability insurance as a policy that last for hours, days, weeks, or months.
Best for: Tailoring businesses with short-term projects
Average cost: $35 per month
Our rating: 9/10
Hiscox offers a range of insurance products, including professional liability, property, cyber, and marine insurance, making it a convenient choice for businesses needing multiple types of coverage
You can get a discount of up to 5% if you purchase two or more products from Hiscox
The company has a solid financial rating, which can provide peace of mind to customers
Hiscox does not offer insurance in all states in the US, which can limit the company's availability for some customers
Hiscox is a leading insurance company that offers a variety of insurance products for businesses. With over 100 years of experience, Hiscox is known for providing tailored coverage and exceptional customer service.
Best for: Businesses seeking strong financial backing
Average cost: $30 per month
Our rating: 9/10
This place is an absolute joke of a company and should be ashamed of the way they conduct business. I was hurt on the job at the end of July and it took them just shy of 7 weeks to issue out a paycheck to me. Yes the amount was back dated but still. Not many have the luxury of not receiving a paycheck for almost 2 months. To top it all off, the original adjuster marked me down for the wrong state which caused a problem from the get go, I've had 3 different adjusters now since each one can't seem to figure out the simplicity of my claim. All my paperwork which includes, my job, house, and drs visits all are from the same state and city but yet some how I have been filed under a completely different state 1500 miles away. They do not answer your phone calls or emails no matter how many you leave. I've had to escalate my frustrations to the supervisors of each of these individuals in order to even get some kind of response. I've had more communication and information given to me about my claim from the customer service representatives then the actual adjusters.......... please tell me how that works?! A serious overhaul needs to happen here in order to serve your clients the way they deserve to be taken care of. 10/10 do not recommend this company to a single soul on earth
I have never had the displeasure of working with a more incompetent and disrespectful person in my life. I’m an injured worker and the adjuster that was assigned to my case was named Carrie Furgeson. In the past 6 weeks that I’ve been injured and out of work I have only been able to get ahold of her twice, not for lack of trying. I have left countless voicemails, countless emails, and she ignores them all. When I am finally able to get ahold of her I’m greeted with terrible customer service. She is rude, she talks over me and I’m hardly able to get a word in edgewise. She spelled my name wrong on my documents even after I spelled it for her properly countless times, this caused a whole new issue with my bank. I have bill collectors from the hospital calling me demanding payment and Carrie Furgeson won’t do a single thing to help, or to get them paid. All of my documentation is in Colorado, my job is in Colorado, my address is in Colorado, all my Dr offices and appointments have been in Colorado and Carrie still managed to hold my claim because she wasn’t sure what state she needed to file it under. It’s been 6 weeks since my Injury and my company still hasn’t received the wage paperwork to fill out so they can get me my correct wages. When she’s not ignoring me she’s answering my questions with “I don’t know” well I don’t know how she got this job, because apparently she doesn’t know anything about it. She is a disgusting morose individual inside and out and I genuinely wish her the worst in all of her future endeavors. I highly recommend you don’t use this company. Please if you are a business owner and your looking into this company please don’t use them. I’m sure they have the cheapest payment and that’s why companies use them in the first place, but you will be doing your employees a grave disservice by forcing them to venture into this absolute dumpster fire of a company. I would rate 0/5 if possible but 1 was the lowest I was allowed.
Their general liability insurance purchase process is simply the best online experience I've ever had in my life!
As long as they cover your line of business, you're literally covered! best rates, best coverage, best online experience, best professionals, can't be happier that I chose them!
It really can't get any better than this... wow
Not all those who wander are lost.
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