Vintage & Second-Hand Clothing Shop Insurance

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Specialist insurance for vintage, resale and second-hand clothing retailers

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We compare quotes from leading insurers

  • Allianz
  • Aviva
  • QBE
  • RSA
  • Zurich
  • NIG

INSURANCE FOR VINTAGE & SECOND-HAND FASHION RETAILERS

Why Vintage & Second-Hand Shops Need Specialist Cover

Vintage and second-hand clothing shops face unique insurance challenges. Stock is often one-of-a-kind, difficult to replace and valued subjectively rather than by simple wholesale pricing.

Garments may include rare designer pieces, limited-run collections or historically significant items. Loss or damage can be impossible to remedy through re-ordering, making specialist insurance essential.

What Is Vintage & Second-Hand Clothing Shop Insurance?

Vintage & Second-Hand Clothing Shop Insurance is a tailored commercial insurance solution for resale, thrift and vintage fashion retailers. It combines stock, property and liability cover designed to reflect the true risks of second-hand retail.

Policies can be adapted to reflect mixed stock sourcing, varying garment values, online resale activity and seasonal buying patterns.


  • Cover for vintage and second-hand clothing stock
  • Protection for rare and one-off garments
  • Public and employers’ liability insurance
  • Cover for premises, fixtures and fittings
  • Optional business interruption protection

Common Risks for Vintage & Second-Hand Clothing Shops

Second-hand and vintage retailers operate with different risk profiles compared to mainstream fashion shops, particularly around stock valuation and customer expectations.


  • Theft of rare or high-value garments
  • Fire or water damage destroying irreplaceable stock
  • Disputes over valuation following a loss
  • Customer injury claims in compact retail spaces
  • Loss of seasonal buying opportunities
  • Temporary closure impacting resale revenue

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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Is insurance different for vintage shops compared to normal clothing shops?

Yes. Vintage shops require insurance that reflects unique, non-replaceable stock and subjective valuation rather than standard wholesale pricing.

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How is second-hand clothing stock valued for insurance?

Valuation is usually based on purchase cost, expert appraisal or agreed values. Maintaining detailed stock records and photographs is strongly recommended.

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Does cover apply to online resale?

Yes. Stock held on-site for online resale can be insured, and additional cover may be arranged for goods in transit.

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Is business interruption important for vintage retailers?

Yes. Many vintage retailers rely on seasonal buying and selling cycles, making interruption cover particularly valuable after an insured loss.

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Can cover be updated as stock changes?

Yes. Policies can be reviewed and updated regularly to reflect new acquisitions, collections or changes in average stock value.

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