Public & Customer Liability Insurance

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Protect your clothing shop against customer injury and third-party claims

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Public & Customer Liability Insurance for Clothing Shops

If you operate a clothing shop, boutique or fashion store, you are legally exposed to claims from customers, visitors and members of the public. Even minor incidents can result in costly compensation claims and legal fees.

Public & Customer Liability Insurance protects your clothing retail business if a third party is injured or their property is damaged as a result of your business activities.

From slips in changing rooms to injuries caused by displays, rails or mirrors, liability insurance is a core requirement for UK clothing retailers.

What Does Public & Customer Liability Insurance Cover?


  • Customer Injury Claims – Slips, trips and falls.
  • Damage to Third-Party Property – Accidental damage.
  • Legal Defence Costs – Solicitors and court fees.
  • Compensation Awards – Court-ordered damages.
  • Incidents On or Off-Site – Including pop-ups and events.
  • Fitting Room & Display Risks – Mirrors, rails and fixtures.

Public liability insurance covers genuine accidents - not deliberate acts or employee injuries, which are covered separately.

Common Liability Risks in Clothing Shops

  • Wet floors during cleaning or bad weather
  • Loose rugs or uneven flooring
  • Falling clothing rails or shelving
  • Broken mirrors or glass displays
  • Obstructed walkways
  • Injuries in fitting rooms

Even well-run shops can face unexpected incidents - liability insurance protects against the financial impact.

How Much Public Liability Cover Do Clothing Shops Need?

Most UK clothing retailers choose cover limits between:

  • £1 million – Small boutiques with low footfall
  • £2 million – Standard high-street shops
  • £5 million+ – Shopping centres, landlords or pop-up events

Some landlords and shopping centres require a minimum level of public liability cover as part of lease agreements.

Public Liability for Online & Hybrid Clothing Retailers

Even if you primarily sell online, public liability may still apply if:

  • Customers visit a studio, showroom or collection point
  • You attend pop-up shops, markets or trade shows
  • You host fittings or styling appointments
  • Members of the public visit your premises

Insure24 can structure cover to reflect how and where customers interact with your business.

Combine Public Liability with Clothing Shop Insurance

Public liability insurance is usually arranged as part of a wider clothing shop insurance package.

Commonly Combined With


  • Stock & Contents Insurance
  • Product Liability Insurance
  • Employers’ Liability
  • Business Interruption

Optional Extensions


  • Events & Pop-Up Cover
  • Worldwide Liability Extensions
  • Landlord-Required Limits

Why Choose Insure24?


  • Specialists in retail & clothing shop insurance
  • Advice tailored to your shop size and footfall
  • Access to leading UK insurers
  • Clear guidance on landlord requirements
  • Claims support if an incident occurs
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

+-Is public liability insurance mandatory for clothing shops?

It’s not legally required, but most landlords and shopping centres insist on it.

+-Does public liability cover customer accidents?

Yes. It covers injury or property damage suffered by customers or members of the public.

+-Are fitting rooms covered?

Yes, provided they form part of your insured premises.

+-Does public liability cover online sales?

Online sales are usually covered under product liability rather than public liability.

+-Can I increase my cover limit later?

Yes. Cover limits can usually be increased as your business grows.

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