Protect your thrift store and meet California's legal requirements

Your thrift store gives secondhand treasures a new life – from vintage furniture to gently worn clothing. Unfortunately, one surprise expense (a fire that wipes out inventory or an employee who wrecks her back lifting furniture) can put your whole business at risk. We believe in what you're building and want you to have affordable insurance that meets state requirements and protects your property, team and income. This guide breaks down:

California's required coverages
The most recommended protections
Some typical costs of California thrift store insurance
How to save money with fast quotes from top carriers

QUICK SUMMARY (Because we know you have a lot going on!)

Thrift stores in California face specific risks that require customized insurance coverage.
A Business Owner’s Policy for thrift stores saves you money by bundling general liability, property insurance and optional business interruption coverage.
General liability insurance for thrift stores covers injuries and damages caused by your business, as well as advertising-related claims.
Property insurance for thrift stores helps replace or repair damaged equipment, furnishings and inventory.
Workers’ compensation is required by California even if you have no employees at all.
Commercial auto insurance for is legally required if you use vehicles (such as for donation pickups or deliveries)
Crime insurance for thrift stores helps owners cover the costs of employee theft.
Commercial umbrella for thrift stores provides extra coverage when other key policies reach their limits.
Working with Mylo can help you find the right coverage at the best value.

FIVE BEST INSURANCE COVERAGES FOR CALIFORNIA THRIFT STORES:

Here are five essential coverages every thrift store owner should consider to stay protected and profitable:

1. Business Owner's Policy for thrift stores

A business owner’s policy (BOP) is a smart starting point. It bundles key coverages into one affordable package – ideal for new or growing establishments. Your BOP typically includes:

GENERAL LIABILITY for thrift store owners covers legal and medical costs if a customer or other visitor is injured or their property is damaged in your store. It also protects you from advertising-related claims. Examples:

A shopper slips on a wet floor and breaks a wrist
A display rack tips over and damages a customer’s personal belongings
A competitor claims you stole their logo or copyrighted slogan

PROPERTY INSURANCE for thrift store owners helps repair or replace your space and equipment if disaster strikes – like fire, theft, or vandalism. Examples:

A fire damages shelving and donated goods
A break-in results in stolen cash registers and merchandise

BUSINESS INTERRUPTION INSURANCE replaces lost income if you need to temporarily close your store due to covered property damage.

Thrift store owners in California typically pay between $700-$1,350 a year for a Business Owner's Policy and between $300-$1,300 a year for general liability if they buy it separately. Ready to get your free quote now and see how you can save on these and other coverages you may need? CLICK HERE

2. Workers' compensation (required in California even if you have 0 employees)

California requires private employers to carry workers’ comp even if they have no employees at all. This valuable coverage pays for medical care and lost wages if staff are injured on the job and helps protect you from lawsuits. Examples:

An employee has a back injury while lifting heavy donation boxes
A cashier trips over cords and suffers a concussion

CALIFORNIA THRIFT STORE OWNERS TYPICALLY PAY BETWEEN $450-$600 A YEAR FOR WORKERS' COMP. TO FIND OUT HOW MUCH YOU CAN SAVE, CLICK HERE.

3. Commercial auto (required in California)

If your thrift store uses vehicles for donation pickups, deliveries or other business purposes, California law requires commercial auto insurance.

Helps pay for damages or injuries your vehicles cause to others or their property
Can also pay for physical damage to your vehicles (optional)

4. Crime insurance

Because your business regularly takes cash, it's vulnerable to employee theft. Crime insurance for thrift store owners helps reimburse you if someone on your staff takes:

Money
Merchandise

5. Commercial umbrella insurance

Think of this as insurance for your insurance! A commercial umbrella insurance policy provides extra protection if a major incident causes key policies such as your general liability to reach their limits.

Get the best thrift store insurance in California

Your amazing establishment deserves protection that keeps up with your business. Mylo has been innovating insurance for 10 years and connected over 75,000 small business owners with 100,000+ policies. Because we don't sell our own insurance, we can give you an objective recommendation and find you the best value in California – at no cost to you.

In minutes Mylo will:

Recommend the right coverage for your California thrift store
Compare quotes from top-rated insurance carriers
Find you the best combination of coverage and price
Keep you feeling confident about growing your business!

Get My Quote

Ready to untangle another tricky topic?

Protect what matters: your business

Why business insurance? That’s easy – it’s designed to keep you in business. When certain losses come along, you can dodge bankruptcy and stay on top of your game.

Who pays for employee car accidents?

When employees get into accidents while driving their own cars at work, who pays? Learn about the tricky intersection between commercial and personal auto.

When should I shop for a BOP?

Good news: if you’re a BOP holder, you always get the “special” top tier of business insurance. You’re platinum, baby! Learn more benefits & options.

The right coverage for you? Surprisingly simple.