Apparel Insurance

Get an insurance policy by the hour, day, or month in 60 seconds.

As a fashion designer, why do I need apparel insurance?

Whether you upcycle vintage attire, screen print t-shirts, or sew bespoke suits, you help clients find the perfect fit. People rely on you to make sure their style is on-point, and nothing makes you happier than seeing your designs tagged in their selfies.

But as with any other small business, there’s always the chance that something could go wrong, especially when it comes to people’s looks.

Get buttoned up with insurance so that you can focus on what you do best—making fabulous garments.

Quick thinking insurance for small businesses.

What does Apparel Insurance cover?

Apparel makers need well-rounded insurance coverage. That’s why we designed our Apparel Insurance to include general liability insurance, which includes product liability insurance. It provides the investigation and legal defense for claims related to these kinds of incidents:

Non-employee, third party bodily injury

You design a new line of duds featuring studs and safety pins. They’re edgy—literally. Should a client stab themself while trying on a vest and sustain an injury, you could be held liable. With general liability insurance, you could be covered.

Third-party property damage

People frequently visit your workshop to view your wares. Should you accidentally damage anything they own, you could be held liable for property damage. General liability insurance can protect you from having to pay out of pocket for its repair or replacement.

Personal injury & advertising

You draw inspiration from everything around you, including other artists. But should one of them sue you for copyright infringement, you could be held liable. That’s where general liability insurance comes in.

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Thimble’s Apparel Insurance does not cover the following apparel makers:

Clothing for babies and young children
Safety/protective clothing
Fireproof/fire resistant clothing

Does Thimble’s Apparel Insurance include product liability coverage?

Yes! If you sell a newly dyed jacket and the dye did not dry properly, it could stain the client’s shirt. Even if the dye came off in a load of laundry, you could be held liable for their property damage as it was caused by your product.

With Thimble, product liability coverage is included in our monthly and annual general liability insurance, meaning you’re covered.

While some holes are part of the design, holes in your general liability coverage shouldn’t be there. With product liability, you can protect your apparel business from claims that happen after the sale, when the product is in the customer’s hands.

Do I also need equipment insurance?

This depends. If your equipment travels with you to client fittings, events, or jobs, you should consider equipment insurance. This coverage protects your first-party property that is owned, leased, or borrowed. In comparison, general liability insurance covers other people’s property.

Business Equipment Protection covers your tools and equipment wherever you’re using them.

As a fashion designer, you likely have a studio or workshop with other equipment, like sergers and mannequins, that stay put while you travel. You’ve likely invested in a good sewing machine (or two). To cover your stationery business property, there’s commercial property insurance. This coverage protects your building premises and what’s inside.

If your workshop is in your home, don’t assume you’re covered by your renters and homeowners policy. In some cases, your business property may not be covered. That’s why you should always check with your homeowners insurance provider.

How much does Apparel Insurance cost?

The cost of Apparel Insurance depends on a few factors including where you work, your crew size, coverage term, and the coverage limits.

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Apparel Insurance FAQs

What are the Apparel Insurance liability coverage limits?

At Thimble, we believe small business owners understand their own needs best. That’s why we let you choose your coverage limit. Our general liability coverage comes in a $1 million or $2 million limit. Some business owners opt for higher coverage for a small additional cost. For others, $1 million is enough.

How quickly can I get a Certificate of Insurance?

As an apparel maker, there are plenty of occasions where you need a certificate of liability insurance. If you’re renting out a new commercial space or attending a trade show, you may be required to show proof of insurance.

With Thimble, you can get a COI within 60 seconds.

If there’s a property manager waiting for your COI, just click “Get a Quote” and enter a few quick details about your business.

Once you make your purchase, your COI is sent to your email inbox (you can request as many as you need at no additional cost). You can also find it via the Thimble mobile app.

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Are workplace injuries of my staff covered?

No. General liability insurance covers non-employee, third-party bodily injury.

If you have employees, you may be required to buy workers’ compensation coverage (depending on the state where you reside and the size of your crew). With workers’ comp, you’re covered if any employee sustains an on-the-job injury or illness.

How do I get Apparel Insurance with Thimble?

With Thimble, it’s easy to get your business insurance sewn up.

First, click “Get a Quote.” Then, enter a few details including your ZIP code, crew size, and desired coverage term.

After, review your quote. If everything looks good, purchase your policy with one last click. Your policy terms and COI will be waiting for you in your email inbox.

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