Other people's clothes, in your care.
Coverage for customer garments in your shop, general liability, property and sewing equipment, and workers' comp for tailors, alteration shops and custom dressmakers.
By Sam Alishahi · CA Insurance License #4348151 · Reviewed October 2026 · How this page is researched
A wedding dress on the rack
The biggest risk in a tailor shop usually isn't yours. It's the wedding gown, the suit for Saturday or the leather jacket hanging on your rack. A standard property policy covers your things, not your customers', so a fire or a burst pipe can leave you paying for garments out of pocket.
I add bailee coverage for customers' goods, then build property for machines and fixtures and general liability for the people who come in for fittings.
- Customers' goodsGarments left for alterations.
- PropertySewing machines, presses and fixtures.
- General liabilityFitting room and storefront injuries.
- Workers' compNeedle, iron and repetitive strain.
What underwriters will ask
Having these ready means I can go to market on the first call. The quote form asks for the same things, and anything you don’t know yet can wait.
- Shop: address and square footage.
- Customer goods: highest value on hand at once.
- Equipment: machines, presses and their values.
- Services: alterations, custom work, cleaning.
- Revenue and payroll: annual figures.
- History: current policies and claims.
Tailor shop insurance, answered
Does my business policy cover customers' clothes?
Not always. Customers' goods usually need bailee coverage or an added endorsement. I check that it's on the policy.
What if I ruin a garment while altering it?
Damage from your own workmanship is often excluded or limited. Policies differ, so I read that wording before you buy.
How much customer goods limit do I need?
Use the most you've held at once, including prom and wedding season.
Do I need workers' comp for one part-time helper?
California requires workers' comp for employees, part-time included.
Do you offer tailor shop insurance outside California?
Yes. Clients across the country send the same quote form. Sam Alishahi is licensed in 48 states and Washington, DC and places policies there directly. In Florida and Washington, where Sam's licenses are still being issued, a partner agency in your state helps in the meantime. The shopping across carriers works the same way. Rules, minimums and markets differ by state — see insurance requirements by state.
Official sources
Protect the garments on your rack
Tell me what you hold for customers and what your shop does. I'll find coverage that fits a small tailor shop.
Alishahi Insurance · Saman Alishahi, independent insurance broker, California License #4348151. General information, not a quote or a promise of coverage; coverage depends on underwriting and the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy actually issued.
Tell me how to reach you. I’ll take it from there.
Takes about 30 seconds. Your application link comes by email right away, and you get an update at every step until your quotes are ready.
(877) 711-4545Answered 24/7 · CA License #4348151
Get a reminder before your renewal.
Tell me when your policy renews and I’ll email you about six weeks before, when it’s worth comparing. One email, no calls.