Costume Store Insurance Policy Information
Costume Store Insurance. Costume stores sell a wide variety of costumes for occasions such as Halloween, cosplay conferences, and children's birthday parties, as well as accompanying accessories like wigs, face paint, fake mustaches, and small props.
Costume shops sell and rent a variety of clothing to men, women, and children for holidays, parties and other special events. Some specialize in designing, sewing, and renting costumes to theatrical groups. Some will make custom shoes.
Accessory items, such as theatrical make-up, costume jewelry, gloves, hats, masks, and shoes may be offered along with an assortment of novelty items. Alterations are often necessary as rented items must fit customers. All items must be kept in pristine condition, dry cleaned and repaired before each rental.
The shop will often sell outdated or obsolete items at a reduced price. The store may be independent or part of a regional or national chain that sells costumes and novelty items online as well as in stores. Some will offer delivery and pickup services.
Many costume stores are further able to rent costumes out for people who only want to dress up in a particular way once. Costume shops may operate mainly or solely on an e-commerce basis, or their stores may be brick and mortar shops.
This branch of commerce can be highly rewarding as well as profitable, but even if you do everything in your power to run a smooth operation, there is no question that circumstances beyond your control always have the potential to jeopardize your financial future.
What types of costume store insurance might be needed, and why? Discover more in this brief guide.
Costume store insurance protects your shop from lawsuits with rates as low as $37/mo. Get a fast quote and your certificate of insurance now.
Below are some answers to commonly asked costume shop insurance questions:
- What Is Costume Store Insurance?
- How Much Does Costume Store Insurance Cost?
- Why Do Costume Stores Need Insurance?
- What Type Of Insurance Do Costume Stores Need?
- What Does Costume Store Insurance Cover & Pay For?
What Is Costume Store Insurance?
Costume store insurance is a type of insurance coverage specifically designed for businesses that sell costumes, masks, wigs, and other types of theatrical clothing and accessories. This type of insurance can provide coverage for a variety of risks, including damage to inventory, theft, loss of business income, and liability.
Costume store insurance policies may also cover the costs of legal defense and compensation for claims made against the business, such as those for personal injury, property damage, or false advertising. The coverage can vary depending on the specific policy and the insurer, but it is typically designed to protect costume store owners from financial loss and provide peace of mind for their business operations.
How Much Does Costume Store Insurance Cost?
The average price of a standard $1,000,000/$2,000,000 General Liability Insurance policy for costume stores ranges from $37 to $59 per month based on location, size, revenue, claims history and more.
Why Do Costume Stores Need Insurance?
Not only will costume stores legally be required to carry certain types of insurance, they will also need proof of insurance if they apply for a commercial loan
One of the most important reasons to invest in the best insurance you can, however, is simply that having excellent coverage allows you to focus on growing your costume store without worries.
Costume stores face numerous risks, after all. Your business could fall victim to a natural disaster, such as an earthquake or wildfire. Burglary and vandalism could damage your property and cost you much of your inventory.
Due to the frequent use of synthetic fibers in costumes, costume stores also have to consider the fire hazard they may face.
A third party could be injured on your premises, saddling you with the expenses, or you a costume store could be sued in the event that one of the costumes or accessories it sells hurts someone, such as a child choking on a clown's nose. Even poor marketing choices could cause someone to accuse you of making misleading claims about your products.
These are far from the only perils that could befall a shop, but they do illustrate why having the costume store insurancee is so important.
When you are properly insured, your insurer will cover most of the costs if you are affected by a major peril, and that fact can save you from massive debt and even bankruptcy.
What Type Of Insurance Do Costume Stores Need?
The exact types of insurance a costume store would be wise to carry depend on factors like the jurisdiction in which the store is based, its number of employees, the types of products it sells, and the value of its equipment and property.
By consulting a commercial insurance broker who specializes in the retail industry, you will easily get set up with an costume store insurance plan tailored to your needs. With that in mind, costume stores will certainly need to carry these essential forms of coverage:
Having said that, the following are examples of coverage that most costume store will need to carry:
- Commercial Property - This form of costume store insurance protects your business from financial loss in the event that your premises are impacted by acts of nature, theft, vandalism, fire, and other named perils. Your inventory and smaller assets are covered, in addition to your physical building. A sub-category of commercial property insurance, business interruption insurance, will further allow you to recover some of the revenue you lose after a major peril.
- General Liability - In the event that a costumer, vendor, or other third party is injured on your premises or your company's activities lead to third party property damage, you can realistically expect to be sued. Commercial general liability insurance helps to cover your legal expenses, and is invaluable to nearly all businesses.
- Product Liability - Should one of your costumes be faulty, should an end consumer be injured by it, product liability insurance will cover the legal costs associated with such claims. It can also be relied on in cases where products have to be recalled by the manufacturer.
- Workers Compensation - If your shop has employees, you will need workers' compensation insurance to cover the costs of any employee injuries that happen in the workplace.
Despite the fact that these policies form the core of a good costume store insurance plan, shops may require additional forms of coverage.
Direct all your questions at a skilled commercial insurance broker to ensure that your costume store is optimally protected.
Costume Store's Risks & Exposures
Premises liability exposure is high due to the number of visitors to the store. To prevent slips and falls, there should be good lighting and adequate aisle space. All goods should be kept on easily reached clothing rods or shelves, so customers do not pull items down on themselves. The stock dropped on floors by customers must be retrieved promptly. Floor coverings must be in good condition with no frayed or worn spots on carpet and no cracks or holes in flooring.
Steps and uneven floor surfaces should be prominently marked. Enough exits must be provided and be well marked, with backup lighting systems in case of power failure. Parking lots and sidewalks need to be in good repair with snow and ice removed, and generally level and free of exposure to slips and falls. If the business is open after dark, there should be adequate lighting and appropriate security for the area.
There should be a disaster plan in place for unexpected emergencies.
Personal injury exposures include allegations of discrimination, invasion of privacy in dressing rooms, and from apprehending and detaining shoplifters, which may result in claims of assault and battery, false arrest or detention, unauthorized or intrusive searches, or wrongful ejection from the premises. Shoplifting procedures must be fully understood and utilized by all employees.
Products liability exposure is normally low. Stock must be kept in pristine condition, dry cleaned and repaired before each rental. Designing and sewing costumes and direct importing of clothes can add to the exposure. Foreign-made items should come from a domestic-based wholesaler.
Any direct importer should be considered as a product manufacturer. Items being removed from stock should be inspected before being sold.
Workers compensation exposure is moderate due to employees standing for long hours, the use of computers, and restocking which requires lifting and placing items on clothing rods or on shelves.
Continual standing can result in musculoskeletal disorders of the back, legs, or feet. Trips, slips, and falls are common. When work is done on computers, employees are exposed to eyestrain, neck strain, and repetitive motion injuries including carpal tunnel syndrome.
Lifting can cause back injury, hernias, sprains, and strains. Employees should be provided with safety equipment, trained on proper handling techniques, and have conveying devices available to assist with heavy lifting.
If tailoring or alteration services are offered, injuries due to sewing and cutting are possible. Cleaning workers can develop respiratory ailments or contact dermatitis from working with chemicals. In any retail business, hold-ups may occur. Employees should be trained to respond in a prescribed manner.
Property exposures are low because ignition sources are limited to electrical wiring and heating and cooling systems. These should be maintained and meet current codes for the occupancy. Should a fire occur, the costumes and accessories provide a combustible fire load that is highly susceptible to water and smoke damage.
The exposure is increased if the store does its own dry cleaning due to the increased systems load, the high heat, and lint. Valuation can be a problem because the goods may be unique, and the rented items have been used. Theft may be a concern as some of the items in stock have high value.
Appropriate security measures should be in place including physical barriers to prevent entrance to the premises after hours and an alarm system that reports directly to a central station or the police department.
Business interruption exposures are high because rentals tend to occur on a seasonal basis, particularly for Mardi Gras and Halloween, and some types of costumes may not be quickly replaceable.
Crime exposures are from employee dishonesty and theft of money and securities from holdup or safe burglary. Background checks should be conducted on all employees handling money. There must be a separation of duties between persons handling deposits and disbursements and reconciling bank statements.
Money should be regularly collected from cash drawers and moved away from the collection area, preferably to a safe on premises. Bank drops should be made throughout the day to prevent a buildup of cash on the premises.
Inland marine exposures are from accounts receivable if the store offers credit, computers to transact sales and monitor inventory, goods in transit and off premises due to rentals to customers, and valuable papers and records for customers', employees', and vendors' information. Backup copies of all records, including computer files, should be made and stored off premises.
Business auto exposure is generally limited to hired and non-owned for employees running errands. If the store offers delivery and pickup services, only company vehicles should be used. Drivers must have a valid license and acceptable MVR. Vehicles should have regular maintenance with records kept.
What Does Costume Store Insurance Cover & Pay For?
Here are some reasons why costume stores might face lawsuits and how insurance can help protect them.
Injury or Accident on Store Premises: Costume stores may face lawsuits if a customer or visitor is injured on their premises, such as slip and fall accidents, tripping hazards, or other accidents. In such cases, general liability insurance, which is a common type of insurance for businesses, can help cover the cost of legal defense, medical expenses, and damages awarded to the injured party.
Copyright or Trademark Infringement: Costume stores may be sued for selling or renting costumes that infringe on copyrights or trademarks of popular characters or brands. Intellectual property infringement lawsuits can be costly, and intellectual property insurance can provide coverage for legal expenses, damages, and settlements.
Product Liability: If a costume store sells or rents costumes that are defective and cause harm to customers, such as allergic reactions, burns, or injuries, they may face product liability lawsuits. Product liability insurance can help cover the cost of legal defense, damages, and settlements related to such claims.
Employment-related Lawsuits: Costume stores may face lawsuits related to employment practices, such as discrimination, harassment, or wrongful termination claims from employees or job applicants. Employment practices liability insurance (EPLI) can provide coverage for the legal costs, settlements, and judgments associated with these types of lawsuits.
Property Damage or Theft: Costume stores may experience property damage or theft of their inventory, fixtures, or equipment, resulting in financial losses. Property insurance can help cover the cost of repairing or replacing the damaged or stolen items, depending on the coverage limits and deductibles of the policy.
It's important to note that insurance policies and coverage can vary depending on the specific terms and conditions of the policy, and it's essential for costume stores to carefully review their insurance policies and work with a qualified insurance professional to ensure they have appropriate coverage to protect against potential lawsuits.
Commercial Insurance And Business Industry Classification
- SIC CODE: 7299 Miscellaneous Personal Services, Not Elsewhere Classified
- NAICS CODE: 448190 Other Clothing Stores, 532220 Formal Wear and Costume Rental
- Suggested Workers Compensation Code(s): 8008 Store - Clothing, Wearing Apparel, or Dry Goods - Retail
Description for 7299: Miscellaneous Personal Services, Not Elsewhere Classified
Division I: Services | Major Group 72: Personal Services | Industry Group 729: Miscellaneous Personal Services
7299 Miscellaneous Personal Services, Not Elsewhere Classified: Establishments primarily engaged in providing personal services, not elsewhere classified. Establishments primarily engaged in operating physical fitness facilities, including health fitness spas and reducing salons, are classified in Major Group 70 if they provide lodging and in Industry 7991 if they do not, and those renting medical equipment are classified in Industry 7352.
- Babysitting bureaus
- Bartering services for individuals
- Birth certificate agencies
- Blood pressure testing, coin-operated
- Buyers' clubs
- Car title and tag service
- Checkroom concessions or services
- Clothing rental, except industrial launderers and linen supply
- Coin-operated service machine operation: scales, shoeshine, lockers,
- College clearinghouses
- Comfort station operation
- Computer photography or portraits
- Consumer buying service
- Costume rental
- Dating service
- Debt counseling or adjustment service to individuals
- Depilatory salons
- Diet workshops
- Dress suit rental
- Electrolysis (hair removal)
- Escort service
- Genealogical investigation service
- Hair removal (electrolysis)
- Hair weaving or replacement service
- Locker rental, except cold storage
- Marriage bureaus
- Massage parlors
- Porter service
- Quilting for individuals
- Rest room operation
- Scalp treatment service
- Shopping service for individuals
- Steam baths
- Tanning salons
- Tattoo parlors
- Turkish baths
- Tuxedo rental
- Valet parking
- Wardrobe service, except theatrical
- Wedding chapels, privately operated
Costume Store Insurance - The Bottom Line
To learn about the specific types of costume store insurance policies you'll need, how much coverage you should have plus the costs, consult with a reputable broker that is experienced in commercial insurance.
Additional Resources Retail Insurance
Read valuable small business retail insurance policy information. In a retail business, you need to have the right type of commercial insurance coverage so that your store, employees, and inventory are protected.
- Adult Novelty
- Antique Dealers
- Appliance & Electronics Store
- Army Navy Surplus Stores
- Art Dealers
- Art Gallery
- Arts & Crafts Supply Stores
- Bicycle Shop
- Boat Dealers
- Book Store
- Bridal Shop
- Candy Confectionery Store
- Carpet Store
- Cell Phone Stores
- Clothing Store
- Collectibles Memorabilia Store
- Consignment Stores
- Convenience Store
- Cosmetics Store
- Costume Stores
- Dry Cleaning
- Embroidery Services
- Equipment Rental
- Fabric Stores
- Fish Markets
- Flea Markets
- Florist
- Funeral Home
- Furniture Store
- Gift Store
- Greeting Card Stores
- Hardware Store
- Harness & Saddle Shops
- Home Improvement Store
- Infant, Baby & Children's Clothing Stores
- Jewelry Store
- Lamp Stores
- Lingerie Store
- Luggage Store
- Meat Market & Butcher Shop
- Men's Clothing Stores
- Music Store
- Newsstand
- Office Supply Store
- Paint & Wallpaper Store
- Pawn Shop
- Pet Store
- Pharmacy Liability
- Plumbing Supplies Fixtures Store
- Poultry Dealers
- Rent To Own Stores
- Scrap Metal Dealers
- Sewing Store
- Shoe Store
- Sporting Goods Store
- Stationary Store
- Thrift Store
- Ticket Agency
- Tire Store
- Tobacco Store
- Toy Store
- Travel Agency
- Trophy Stores
- Tuxedo And Formal Wear Rental Store
- Vape
- Vending Machine Operators
- Wig Store
- Women's Clothing Stores
- Specialty Retail Stores
The retail industry is a vital sector of the economy, providing goods and services to consumers across the globe. It is also a sector that is constantly evolving, with new technologies and trends emerging on a regular basis.
Despite its importance, the retail industry is not without its risks. Retail businesses face a variety of threats, including theft, damage to property, and liability issues. These risks can have significant financial consequences for retail businesses, which is why commercial insurance is so important.
Insurance can provide retailers with protection against financial loss resulting from unforeseen events. For example, if a retail store is damaged by a natural disaster, insurance can help cover the cost of repairs and help the business get back on its feet. Similarly, if a retail employee is injured on the job, insurance can help cover their medical expenses and any lost wages.
In addition to protecting against financial loss, commercial insurance can also help retail businesses protect their reputation. If a retail business is sued or faces other legal challenges, insurance can provide financial support and legal representation. This can help to protect the business's reputation and maintain customer trust.
Overall, insurance is an essential component of a successful retail business. It helps to safeguard against financial loss and protect against potential legal challenges, which can be especially important for smaller businesses that may not have the resources to absorb these types of losses.
By investing in business insurance, retail businesses can ensure that they are well-equipped to handle the many challenges that come with operating in this dynamic industry.
Minimum recommended small business insurance coverage: Business Personal Property, Business Income and Extra Expense, Equipment Breakdown, Employee Dishonesty, Money and Securities, Accounts Receivable, Computers, Valuable Papers and Records, General Liability, Employee Benefits, Umbrella, Hired and Non-owned Auto & Workers Compensation.
Other commercial insurance policies to consider: Building, Earthquake, Flood, Leasehold Interest, Real Property Legal Liability, Computer Fraud, Forgery, Bailees Customers, Goods in Transit, Jewelers Block, Cyber Liability, Employment-related Practices, Business Auto Liability and Physical Damage and Stop Gap Liability.
