Barber Shop Insurance, Hair Salon Insurance: Quotes & More

Homepage > Business Insurance > Barber Shop Insurance, Hair Stylist & Hair Salon Insurance: Everything You Need to Know About Hairdressing Insurance

If you've been attending barber school or you're apprenticed to a hair stylist or barber, then you've probably considered starting your own haircutting business. Whether you prefer styling hair or smile barbershop cuts, the risks are the same. This means that you'll either need to purchase haircut insurance, hair stylist insurance, hair salon insurance or barber insurance coverage, also known as hairdressing insurance.

Despite the different names, both types of insurance are the same thing. They're designed to provide a form of business insurance that covers any injuries or harm caused to your clients. If you own your own barbershop or hair salon, then the insurance policy you purchase will be very similar to what you'd purchase if you owned a retail store, for instance.

Whether you're interested in opening up your own barber shop or you just plan on freelancing as a personal hair stylist, you've come to the right place! In today's article, we're going to talk about how to purchase small business insurance for barbers to ensure that you have the necessary insurance coverage to protect you against any claims that might come your way.

Now, let's break down each of the main types of insurance that barbers, hair stylists, and hair salon owners may have to consider.

Hair Stylist Liability Insurance

Hair Stylist liability insurance will many times cover your business with both professional and general liability insurance coverage to protect you financially from any potential financial risks associated with handling your customers haircuts using sharp objects and tools.

Professional Liability Insurance For Hairstylist

If you're a freelance hairstylist or rent a chair, then you'll need a professional liability insurance policy to cover you against any personal injury claims.

General Liability Insurance For Barber Shops and Salons

If you own your own shop, you'll need a general liability insurance policy. This provides substantially more coverage than the professional liability policy and is designed to insure your entire building and business operation.

Property Damage Coverage

Much like a restaurant needs to insure its equipment and space, you'll need to do the same if you own your own barbershop. Accidents happen. You could have an electrical fire, a rock thrown through the window, or other mishaps. Your property damage policy will keep you from having to pay out of pocket for repairs.

Workers' Compensation Coverage

While some barber shops used 1099 independent contractors, others employ stylists who are paid on an hourly basis. If you employ more than four stylists in your shop, then you'll need to purchase a workers' compensation policy to pay for their medical bills or paid time off work if they're injured.

BOP Insurance for Barbers

Many times, Business Owners Policy (BOP) will include some or all of the required coverages for barbers and hair business needs in a single policy at discounted rates, so be sure to check it out when you compare barber insurance quotes online!

Barber Insurance FAQs

Before we start explaining the different types of hair stylist liability insurance that you may need, let's take a few minutes to address some of the most commonly asked questions regarding barber insurance coverage, why you need it, and the difference between the smaller and larger policies.

Why Do I Need Barber Insurance?

In a perfect world, you may be able to go through your entire career without facing a single claim. However, the very nature of accidents implies that they shouldn't have happened in the first place. That's why it's always a good idea to have an insurance policy. The right barber insurance policy can protect you against any accident or event that happens out of your control.

Risk Of Injury

The reason why barbers and hair stylists are required to go to school is that they're often working with dangerous tools that can cause serious damage in the wrong hands. Clippers, razor-sharp scissors, straight razors, hair irons, and various dyeing chemicals can all cause cuts, scrapes, burns, or result in hair loss if they're not used properly.

Of course, most barbers know what they're doing. However, what if a client sneezes in the middle of you cutting their hair and you cut their scalp? If they decide to blame it on you, your bodily injury coverage can protect you and pay for their medical bills.

Risk Of Claims

Some people take their hair very seriously. Perhaps they have a wedding or an important event to go to. Often, under these stressful circumstances, clients can become very heated if you don't do their hair the way that they like. They may even try to sue you or the barber shop that you work at. Having a general liability policy or professional liability insurance for hairstylists can protect you against these claims and pay for any related legal fees.

Other Risks

There are so many other risks associated with running a barber shop, hair styling business, hair salon or just running a business in general. Getting business insurance covers you from these risks and makes sure that any unexpected costs that are caused by your hair business operation do not get out of your own pocket.

What Insurance Does a Barber Need?

If you cut and style hair on your own, then you probably have a sole proprietorship or an LLC. In this case, the most common coverage is independent hair stylist insurance. These policies usually contain a small amount of liability coverage, bodily injury coverage, and may even provide you with coverage if you're injured or unable to work for a period of time.

How Much Does Hair Stylist Insurance Cost?

If you're a hair stylist operating on your own, then you can purchase hair stylist liability insurance for as little as $100 per year. This can either be paid upfront or divided into monthly payments, depending on what's best for you.

How Much Does Hair Salon Insurance Cost?

If you own your own hair salon or barber shop, then you'll need to purchase additional commercial business insurance. Most general liability insurance policies for professional barber shops cost around $700 to $800 per year. However, the cost may vary, depending on your coverage limits and the size of your salon.

Is There Special Insurance for Hairdressers Renting a Chair?

If you're a hairdresser renting a chair, then the shop will typically require you to have a standard hair stylist insurance policy, as we discussed above (which usually costs less than $100 per year).

Do I Need Mobile Barber Insurance?

If you're a mobile barber, then you'll need to have your professional liability insurance to cover you against any bodily injury or claims made by your clients. However, you may also need additional coverage, depending on your setup.

For example, if you operate your mobile barbershop out of a trailer, then you'll also need commercial auto insurance to cover the trailer and any damage that it could incur while you're driving down the highway.

What Insurance Does a Barber Shop/Hair Salon Need?

If you own your own barber shop or hair salon, then you'll need a comprehensive hairdressing insurance policy. This typically includes general liability coverage, property damage insurance, workers' compensation, and possibly other coverages offered by your insurer. It may also come in the form of Business Owners Policy (BOP insurance).