How Much Does Thrift Store Insurance Cost? 2026 Rates

Thrift stores in the United States typically spend between $360 and $624 per year on comprehensive business insurance, which equals about $30 to $52 per month. Actual premiums vary depending on the overall risk profile of the store. Several factors influence how much coverage will cost, including services offered, business size, location, and claims history.

How Much Does Thrift Store Insurance Cost?

On average, thrift stores spend between $360 and $624 annually on business insurance. That equals about $30 to $52 per month. These figures are only estimates, and the actual premium depends on the details of your store.

Every thrift store faces unique risks. For instance, a shop selling used kitchenware may face higher liability exposure due to sharp objects or breakable items, while a smaller store selling only clothing may primarily contend with product liability risks. The services you provide, the value of your property, and your location all play a major role in shaping costs.

Several factors influence how much you’ll pay for coverage:

• Services offered – Impacts product liability exposure.
• Number of employees – More staff increases workers’ compensation requirements.
• Property size and value – Larger facilities or costly inventory raise property coverage costs.
• Claims history – Filing past claims often raises premiums, while a clean record can lower them.
• Business interruption and add-ons – Extra coverage options add to the total bill.

Understanding these variables helps thrift store owners estimate insurance needs more accurately and budget for the real costs of protecting their business. With the right coverage, you can safeguard your inventory, employees, and customers without overspending.

Average Thrift Store Insurance Costs For Coverage Types

When it comes to protecting your thrift stores, different types of insurance cover different risks. Understanding the average cost, coverage details, and what influences pricing for each policy type can help you build a more effective insurance plan. Here’s a closer look at the major coverages most thrift stores need.

• General liability insurance: $30 per month
• Business interruption insurance: $100 per month
• Business owner’s policy: $52 per month
• Product liability insurance: $.25 per 100 in sales
• Workers’ compensation insurance: $102 per month
• Commercial auto insurance: $146 per month
• Commercial property insurance: $162 per month
• Cyber liability insurance: $149 per month
• Employment Practices Liability Insurance: $225

General Liability Insurance

The average cost of general liability insurance for thrift stores is about $30 per month.

General liability covers third-party bodily injury, property damage, and advertising injuries. For example, if a customer slips on a wet floor and gets injured, this policy would help pay for their medical expenses and your legal defense costs.

Typical policy limits are $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate.

Factors that influence the cost include the business type (your services), location, office environment (if clients frequently visit your office), contract requirements, and previous claims history.

Average annual premiums by state:

Note: These estimates are based on average national General Liability Insurance premiums for thrift store businesses, adjusted slightly for state-level differences. Actual premiums will vary depending on store size, foot traffic, claims history, coverage limits, and insurer underwriting practices.

Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)

The average cost of a business owner’s policy (BOP) is about $180 per month for thrift.

A BOP bundles general liability insurance with commercial property insurance. It protects against customer injuries, property damage, and loss or damage to your office building, furnishings, and equipment. For instance, if a fire damages your computers and files, the BOP would help cover repairs and replacements.

Typical policy limits are $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate for liability, with separate property coverage limits based on the value insured.

Cost factors include the size of your business, location risk (such as flood or crime rates).

Average annual premiums by state:

Note: These estimates are based on average national Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) premiums for thrift store businesses, adjusted slightly for state-level differences. Actual premiums will vary depending on store size, property value, inventory levels, claims history, and insurer underwriting practices.

Product Liability Insurance

The average cost of product liability insurance for thrift stores is about $.25 per 100 in sales.

Product liability protects you in the event that you sell something in your thrift store that accidentally causes harm to a customer because of an unknown defect or because of misuse. This can help cover lawsuits and damages.

For example, a used clothing item causes a severe reaction because of an unknown chemical and a customer sues you. This would help offer protection.

Cost depends on the size of your business, the services you offer, the number of years you’ve been in business, coverage limits, and claims history.

Average annual premiums by state:

Note: These estimates are based on average national Product Liability Insurance premiums for thrift store businesses, adjusted slightly for state-level differences. Actual premiums will vary depending on the types of products sold (new vs. second-hand), claims history, coverage limits, and insurer underwriting practices.

Employment Practices Liability Insurance

The average cost of Employment Practices Liability Insurance is $225 per month for thrift stores. This is a form of protection against claims like wrongful termination, harassment, or discrimination. For example, if you have to let an employee go and they sue you for discrimination, this would help cover any costs associated with the lawsuit or a judgment rendered against your thrift store.

Average annual premiums by state:

Note: These estimates are based on average national Employment Practices Liability Insurance (EPLI) premiums for thrift store businesses, adjusted slightly for state-level differences. Actual premiums will vary depending on number of employees, claims history, coverage limits, and insurer underwriting practices.

Cyber Liability Insurance

The average cost of cyber liability insurance for thrift stores is $149 per month.

Cyber liability insurance covers the costs a thrift store might incur after a cyber incident. This extends to lost income after a cyber attack, forensic investigations, data recovery costs, regulatory fines, and the costs of informing customers about the attack.

Thrift stores can benefit from this coverage if they handle any sensitive data, or if they want to cover gaps in their insurance.

Costs are based on factors like the size of your organization, the type of client data you handle, and the cybersecurity measures you already have in place.

Average annual premiums by state:

Note: These estimates are based on average national Cyber Liability Insurance premiums for thrift store businesses, adjusted slightly for state-level differences. Actual premiums will vary depending on the sensitivity of customer data handled (e.g., point-of-sale systems, loyalty programs), claims history, coverage limits, and insurer underwriting practices.

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

The average cost of workers’ compensation insurance for thrift stores is around $102 per month.

Workers’ comp covers medical bills, rehabilitation, and lost wages for employees injured on the job. For example, if an employee trips and falls over loose cords, and breaks their ankle, workers’ compensation would cover their hospital visit and part of their lost wages while they recover.

Policy limits are regulated by each state, but typically include medical costs and a percentage of lost wages without a set cap.

Premiums are influenced by the size of your payroll, the type of work employees perform (whether in your office or on-site for each client), your claims history, and any implemented safety programs.

Average annual premiums by state:

Note: These estimates are based on average national Workers’ Compensation Insurance premiums for thrift store businesses, adjusted slightly for state-level differences. Actual premiums will vary depending on payroll size, number of employees, claims history, and insurer underwriting practices.

Commercial Auto Insurance

The average cost of commercial auto insurance for thrift stores is about $144 per month.

Commercial auto insurance covers vehicles owned or used by the business for accidents, theft, vandalism, or damage. For example, if an employee causes an accident while driving to a used item pickup, this policy would cover the damages and any third-party claims.

Typical policy limits are around $1 million combined single limit (covering both bodily injury and property damage).

Factors influencing the cost include the number and type of vehicles, how often they are used, the driving records of employees, and whether you add endorsements like hired and non-owned auto insurance (HNOA) for employee-owned vehicles used for company services like driving to and from off-site pick ups.

Average annual premiums by state:

Note: These estimates are based on average national Commercial Auto Insurance premiums for thrift store businesses, adjusted slightly for state-level differences. Actual premiums will vary depending on the number of vehicles, driving records, claims history, coverage limits, and insurer underwriting practices.

Business Interruption Insurance

The average business interruption cost is $100 per month for thrift stores. The final cost is based on things like your revenue, claims history, and employees but regardless, this form of protection is there in the event that your thrift store has to temporarily close because of things like unforeseen natural disasters.

It can help compensate you for the lost income during that time.

Average annual premiums by state:

Note: These estimates are based on average national Business Interruption Insurance premiums for thrift store businesses, adjusted slightly for state-level differences. Actual premiums will vary depending on store size, property value, geographic risks (fire, theft, natural disasters), claims history, and insurer underwriting practices.

Commercial Property Insurance

The average cost of commercial property insurance for thrift stores, when purchased separately, usually runs $162 per month.

Commercial property insurance covers damage to the thrift store building and its contents due to fire, theft, vandalism, or certain weather events. For example, if a fire destroys equipment like computers or inventory, this policy would pay for repairs or replacement.

Typical policy limits are based on the replacement cost value of the insured property, which could easily reach into the hundreds of thousands depending on your location, building size, and equipment investments.

Premiums are determined by factors like the building’s age and construction type, fire safety systems in place, replacement cost of equipment, neighborhood crime rates, and whether you add endorsements such as professional liability or cyber protection.

Average annual premiums by state:

Note: These estimates are based on average national Commercial Property Insurance premiums for thrift store businesses, adjusted slightly for state-level differences. Actual premiums will vary depending on property value, inventory levels, geographic risks (fire, theft, natural disasters), claims history, and insurer underwriting practices.

Thrift Store Business Insurance Costs By Provider

Thrift store business insurance costs will vary greatly depending on the insurance carrier. Use the table below to find average costs across different providers.

Note: These estimates are based on average small business insurance costs for thrift stores, typically including general liability, property coverage (inventory and fixtures), workers’ compensation, and sometimes crime/theft protection. Actual premiums will vary depending on factors such as store size, location, value of inventory, claims history, and coverage limits.

What Factors Impact Your Thrift Stores Insurance Costs?

Insurance premiums for thrift stores are determined by underwriters who evaluate your business’s overall risk profile. Several factors—from the type of services you provide to your claims history—play a role in shaping what you’ll pay for coverage.

Type Of Services

Not all thrift stores carry the same risks. Shops selling on consignment may face higher exposure if inventory is damaged, while stores selling donated items often deal more with product liability concerns.

Location

Where your store operates matters. Businesses in urban, high-crime, or flood-prone areas typically pay more for property and liability insurance. Suburban or lower-risk regions may benefit from reduced rates.

Size Of The Operation

The number of employees, square footage, and annual revenue all affect premiums. Larger stores face greater exposure to liability claims and higher workers’ compensation costs, especially when staff manage heavy foot traffic or work in areas prone to crime or extreme weather.

Property Value And Equipment

High-value office equipment and secondhand inventory increase commercial property insurance costs. Many thrift stores also add product liability or cyber endorsements to safeguard sensitive client data.

Claims History

Frequent claims signal higher risk to insurers, which can raise premiums. A clean record often qualifies stores for discounts.

Policy Limits And Deductibles

Higher policy limits provide stronger protection but increase premiums. Opting for a larger deductible can lower monthly costs, though it raises your out-of-pocket responsibility when claims occur.

Optional Endorsements

Coverage add-ons such as business interruption, cyber liability, or hired/non-owned auto insurance tailor protection to your needs but also increase overall costs. These are especially important for thrift stores with limited staff, sensitive client records, or exposure to natural disaster risks.

Insurance Provider

Rates vary across carriers. Some insurers specialize in retail or secondhand store risks and may offer better pricing or flexible options. Comparing quotes across providers is one of the most effective ways to save.

How To Lower Your Thrift Stores Insurance Costs

Running a thrift store can be costly, but your insurance premiums don’t have to overwhelm your budget. While coverage is essential, there are practical strategies to reduce expenses without sacrificing protection.

1. Bundle Your Policies

Combining coverage is one of the simplest ways to save. Many insurers offer a Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) that packages general liability and property insurance at a reduced rate. Adding workers’ compensation or product liability insurance through the same provider can unlock further discounts and streamline paperwork.

2. Ask About Discounts

Insurers often reward loyalty and upfront payments. You may qualify for reduced rates by signing a multi-year agreement or paying your premium in full instead of monthly installments.

3. Strengthen Safety Measures

Accidents drive up costs for both you and your insurer. Installing non-slip flooring, using wet floor signs, keeping walkways clutter-free, and maintaining company vehicles all help reduce liability risks. Fewer incidents mean fewer claims, which lowers premiums over time.

4. Build A Safer Work Environment

Workers’ compensation costs can be managed by focusing on employee safety. Training staff on fire safety, maintaining clear emergency exits, and implementing strong safety protocols reduce injuries. When fewer claims are filed, premiums stay lower.

5. Adjust Your Deductible

Opting for a higher deductible is a straightforward way to lower monthly premiums. Just ensure your store can comfortably cover the out-of-pocket amount if a claim arises.