Some of the products on this page come from partners who may compensate us when you click on their links or take specific actions. This helps us keep our content free. That said, our opinions are our own and based on independent analysis.
Whether you’re an independent hair stylist, salon owner, or barber, having the right insurance isn’t just smart – it’s essential. From accidental injuries to product mishaps, the beauty industry carries unique risks that can lead to costly lawsuits. This hair guide breaks down everything you need to know about hairstylist and hair salon insurance in the U.S., including coverage types, costs, top providers, and answers to common questions.
In the beauty business, even a minor incident can escalate quickly. A client slipping on a wet floor, a reaction to hair dye, or a styling mishap can result in legal claims. Insurance provides a safety net, covering legal fees, medical expenses, and damages, ensuring your business remains protected.
Operating a hair salon or working as a stylist involves various risks that can impact your business:
1. General Liability Insurance
Covers third-party claims for bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury. Hair stylist or salon liability insurance is essential for incidents like slips and falls in your salon.
Purpose: Protects against third-party claims of bodily injury, property damage, and personal injury.
Example: A client slips on a wet floor and sustains an injury; this policy covers medical expenses and legal fees.
Cost: Approximately $360 – $2,100 annually, depending on business size and location.
Read More: General Liability Insurance Cost
2. Professional Liability Insurance (Errors & Omissions)
Also known as Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance, it protects against claims of negligence or mistakes in your professional services, such as a client experiencing hair damage after a treatment.
Purpose: Covers claims related to professional mistakes or negligence.
Example: A client experiences hair damage due to a chemical treatment; this policy covers legal defense and settlements.
Cost: Around $720 – $2,200 per year.
3. Product Liability Insurance
Protects against claims arising from products you use or sell, like a client having an allergic reaction to a shampoo you applied.
Purpose: Protects against claims from products sold or used that cause harm.
Example: A client has an allergic reaction to a shampoo sold by your salon; this policy covers related claims.
Cost: Often included in general or professional liability policies.
4. Commercial Property Insurance
Purpose: Covers damage to your salon’s physical assets due to events like fire, theft, or natural disasters.
Example: A fire damages salon equipment; this policy covers repair or replacement costs.
Cost: Varies based on property value and location.
5. Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)
Purpose: A bundled, comprehensive hair salon business insurance package, that typically includes general liability, business interruption and commercial property insurance, often at a reduced premium.
Example: Provides comprehensive coverage for both liability claims and property damage.
Cost: Typically $575 – $1,100 annually.
6. Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Mandatory in most states if you have employees.
Purpose: Covers medical expenses and lost wages for employees injured on the job.
Example: An employee develops carpal tunnel syndrome from repetitive tasks; this policy covers treatment and income replacement.
Cost: Ranges from $1,000 – $3,000+ per year, depending on staff size and state regulations.
Read More: Workers’ Compensation Insurance
7. Business Interruption Insurance
Purpose: Provides income replacement if your salon must close temporarily due to a covered event, like a fire or natural disaster.
Example: A flood forces your salon to close for repairs; this policy covers lost income during downtime.
Cost: Often bundled with BOPs; pricing varies.
Cyber Liability Insurance
Purpose: Protects against data breaches and cyberattacks.
Example: Client information is stolen from your salon’s database; this policy covers notification costs and legal fees.
Commercial Auto Insurance
Purpose: Covers vehicles used for business purposes.
Example: A stylist’s car used for mobile services is involved in an accident; this policy covers damages.
Umbrella Insurance
Purpose: Provides additional liability coverage beyond standard policy limits.
Example: A lawsuit exceeds your general liability coverage; umbrella insurance covers the excess amount.
While many types of coverage are optional, some are legally required depending on the state you operate in.
Workers’ Compensation Laws by State
In most U.S. states, once you hire even one employee, you’re legally required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Here are a few examples:
Workers’ comp violations can result in hefty fines, business closure, and even criminal charges in some states.
To check your state’s requirements, visit your Department of Labor or Workers’ Compensation Board website.
Hair business insurance needs vary depending on how you operate.
If you rent a chair in a salon or work on the go, you’re running your own business – and you’re responsible for your own insurance. Even if the beauty or hair salon has a policy, it typically doesn’t cover you.
Must-have coverage includes:
Always ask the salon owner for proof of their insurance and confirm what (if anything) it covers for renters.
If you’re running a hair salon, you’re not just dealing with scissors and shampoo. You’re managing risks that come with working closely with people, expensive tools, real estate, and even chemicals. One slip, allergic reaction, or busted hair dryer can lead to serious expenses – or lawsuits.
Here’s a breakdown of the essential types of insurance every hair salon should consider:
1. General Liability Insurance
Covers injuries or property damage that happen to clients or third parties on your premises. For example, if a customer slips on spilled conditioner, this policy helps pay medical bills or legal fees.
This is usually the minimum required if you lease salon space - it’s the insurance most landlords will ask for.
2. Professional Liability Insurance (aka Malpractice or Errors & Omissions)
Protects you against claims related to your services. If a client says a treatment caused a chemical burn, hair loss, or even emotional distress from a botched dye job, this policy steps in.
Professional liability is especially important for colorists and stylists doing chemical treatments, where allergic reactions and skin sensitivity are common claim triggers.
3. Commercial Property Insurance
Covers damage or loss to your salon’s physical space, including furniture, mirrors, styling chairs, tools, and inventory. Whether it’s from a fire, theft, or storm – property insurance can help you recover faster.
4. Business Owner’s Policy (BOP)
A smart combo of general liability, commercial property insurance, and often business interruption coverage. A BOP is usually more affordable than buying policies separately and is ideal for most salon owners.
Business interruption coverage helps you recover lost income if you have to temporarily close due to a covered event like fire or storm damage.
5. Workers’ Compensation Insurance
If you have employees – even just one – you’re likely required by law in most states to carry workers’ comp. It covers work-related injuries and illnesses, from carpal tunnel to slips and falls.
Even if you only have part-time stylists or receptionists, this is essential. Getting caught without it can lead to heavy penalties and lawsuits.
6. Tools & Equipment Insurance
A must-have for high-end styling tools, chairs, shampoo units, and other salon gear. Often available as an add-on to a BOP or general liability policy.
Example: A flat iron fries mid-treatment and causes a minor fire—or your best blow dryer gets stolen from your locked salon. This coverage reimburses you for repair or replacement.
7. Commercial Auto Insurance (If You Offer Mobile Services)
If you or your team travels to clients’ homes (especially for weddings, events, etc.), your personal car insurance likely won’t cover you during business use. Commercial auto steps in here.
8. Cyber Liability Insurance
Salons often store client data like names, numbers, emails, and even credit card info. If your booking app or POS system gets hacked, cyber liability helps pay for recovery, notification, and potential legal fees.
| Insurance Type | What It Covers | Do You Need It? |
| General Liability | Third-party injuries & property damage | Yes – always |
| Professional Liability | Service-related claims (e.g. burns, bad dye jobs) | Yes – always |
| Commercial Property | Fire, theft, or damage to salon equipment & space | Yes – if you own/rent a location |
| Business Owner’s Policy | Combo of general + property + business interruption | Yes – cost-effective bundle |
| Workers’ Compensation | Injuries to employees | Yes – if you have employees |
| Tools & Equipment Coverage | Damage/theft of styling gear | Highly recommended |
| Commercial Auto | Business vehicle accidents | If you or staff drive for work |
| Cyber Liability | Data breaches, cyberattacks | Recommended if you store client data |
Mobile stylists – those who travel to clients’ homes, hotels, events, or work from home – still face liability and property risks.
Here’s what you need to consider:
Most homeowners’ insurance won’t cover business-related claims, even if you work out of your home.
Insurance policies don’t cover everything. Knowing the exclusions helps you avoid nasty surprises during claims.
Common exclusions in hair salon & stylist insurance policies:
Always read the exclusions and endorsements section of any policy before purchasing. If you’re unsure, ask your agent directly.
Sometimes, the standard policy won’t be enough. Here are valuable add-ons:
Hair salon insurance costs vary based on factors like location, services offered, number of employees, and coverage limits. Here’s a general breakdown:
Average Annual Premiums by Policy Type
| Insurance Type | Average Annual Cost | Coverage Details |
| General Liability | $360 – $2,100 | $1M per occurrence, $2M aggregate |
| Professional Liability | $720 – $2,200 | $1M per occurrence, $2M aggregate |
| Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) | $575 – $1,100 | Combines general liability and property insurance |
| Workers’ Compensation | $1,000 – $3,000+ | Varies by state and number of employees |
| Product Liability | Included in GL or PL | Often bundled with general or professional liability |
Note: These are average estimates; actual premiums may vary.
Several elements affect the cost of your hair salon insurance:
When shopping for policies, don’t just compare price – compare value.
Ask These Questions:
Request at least three quotes and use the same coverage limits across each to make apples-to-apples comparisons.
Some top insurers offer instant proof of insurance, so you can show it to landlords or licensing boards the same day you purchase.
Choosing the right insurer is crucial. Here are some of the top-rated providers for hair businesses:
| Provider | Best For | Key Coverages | Quote Type | Starting Cost | Get a Quote |
| NEXT Insurance | Best Overall | General liability, professional liability, tools, commercial property | Instant online | From $8/month | Get Quote |
| BBI | Best for solo stylists & mobile pros | General + professional liability, optional tools/cyber, no deductible | Instant online | $96/year flat | |
| The Hartford | Best for salon owners with employees | BOP (includes business income), workers’ comp, commercial property, liability | Agent or custom online | Varies | Get Quote |
| Hiscox | Best for liability-focused professionals | General & professional liability, international coverage | Instant online | From $13/month | |
| Thimble | Best for flexible, short-term coverage | On-demand general & professional liability, monthly/daily policies | Instant online | From $23/month | Get Quote |
| CoverWallet | Best for comparing multiple quotes | Varies by carrier (liability, property, BOP, cyber, workers’ comp) | Quote comparison tool | From $15/month | Get Quote |
| Progressive | Best for stylists with business vehicles | Commercial auto, liability, BOP | Online or via agent | From $14/month | |
| State Farm | Best for personal agent support | BOP, general liability, property, bundled personal insurance | Agent-only | Varies |
Best for: Best Overall – Ideal for barbers, hair stylists and salon owners who want fast, affordable, reliable, all-digital business insurance.
Why We Like NEXT:
NEXT is one of the few providers that specifically categorizes hairstylists and beauty professionals, so you’re not getting a generic policy.
Drawbacks:
Best For:
Best for: Comprehensive hair business insurance coverage for salon owners who are looking for tailored, robust, traditional coverage with business income protection.
Why We Like The Hartford:
The Hartford includes business income insurance in most of its BOPs, which can help replace lost income if your salon has to shut down temporarily due to a covered event.
Drawbacks:
Best For:
Best for: Independent hairstylists and mobile professionals who want fast, flexible, short-term coverage.
Why We Like Thimble:
If you’re a mobile hairstylist who works at events, weddings, or offers at-home services, Thimble’s short-term policies are hard to beat.
Drawbacks:
Best For Barbers & Hair Professionals That Are:
Best for: Barbers, hair stylists, hairdressers, beauty and hair salon owners who want to compare quotes from top insurers in one place.
Why We Like CoverWallet:
CoverWallet can bundle multiple policies into a Business Owner’s Policy (BOP), often at a nice 20-30% discount.
Drawbacks:
Best For:
Beauty & Bodywork Insurance (BBI)
Best for: Solo barbers, hairstylists, estheticians, and mobile beauty pros looking for affordable, industry-specific coverage.
Why We Like BBI:
BBI offers no deductible liability coverage, meaning you pay $0 out of pocket if a claim is covered. Rare at this price point.
Drawbacks:
Best For:
Best for: Hair professionals who want specialized hair stylist/salon liability insurance coverage and those who need international coverage.
Why We Like Hiscox:
Hiscox’s errors & omissions coverage includes allegations of negligence - even if you did nothing wrong.
Drawbacks:
Best For:
Best for: Barbers and hairdressers who need commercial auto in addition to hair stylist liability or hair salon insurance coverage.
Why We Like Progressive:
Progressive is one of the top commercial auto insurers in the U.S. - perfect for mobile hairstylists and barbers who drive to clients.
Drawbacks:
Best For:
Best for: Hair stylists, barbers and businesses who prefer face-to-face service and long-standing brand trust.
Why We Like State Farm:
State Farm agents often tailor policies more flexibly if you’re in a mixed-use space or rent your chair.
Drawbacks:
Best For:
At a minimum, general liability and professional liability insurance are recommended. Tools & Equipment coverage will also be useful for you. If you sell products, consider product liability coverage. Mobile hairstylists that use their cars to get to their customers will also need commercial auto insurance. And if you plan to employ staff, then workers' compensation is required as well in most states in the U.S.
Costs vary and you can read in more detail in the section we dedicated to it, but general liability insurance averages $360 - $2,100 annually. And a BOP, which includes property coverage, ranges from $575 - $1,100 per year.
While not always legally required, many landlords and clients expect proof of insurance. Workers’ compensation is mandatory if you have employees.
Yes, many insurers offer policies tailored for home-based businesses, covering both liability and property.
Absolutely. Providers like BBI and NEXT Insurance offer policies specifically for mobile professionals.
Getting coverage is just the start. Here’s what to do next:
The beauty business is full of creativity, connection, and confidence – but it’s not without risk. The right insurance policy turns what could be a business-ending incident into a manageable hiccup.
Whether you’re a solo hairstylist, mobile pro, barber shop owner or hair salon owner with staff, having coverage tailored to your setup is one of the smartest business moves you can make.
Now’s the time to protect your passion. Get a quote, compare top providers, and give your business the coverage it deserves.
Get all the best quotes from leading providers in a click of a button!
10 / 10
For me this company has proven to be the best to do business with and worth my hard earned money. Contractors this is your company look no further.
7.7 / 10
Decent experience with Hiscox business insurance
10 / 10
Good company. Good and knowledgable customer service. If they don't know something they will pass you on to a more experienced rep that is more knowledgable. So far so good.
10 / 10
Best insurance ever
10 / 10
Coolest concept, I wish this was applied to other insurance products too.
9.4 / 10
Fastest ever online insurance quote and purchase! Also, great rates and professional customer reps that helps with whatever you need, if you need. Nice company!
2.8 / 10
Embroker sells a product that it doesn't honor. We purchased a combination D&O and EPLI policy. However, when it came to renewal, it told us that we only had D&O coverage even through our ACCORD certificate clearly mentions we have both. Basically they refused to honor the EPLI coverage and will leave you hanging with the bag. At time of renewal, they more than doubled our quote to get similar coverage. Basically BAIT & SWITCH. Unacceptable tactics. Easy to buy and pay but you may not be... Read More
2.8 / 10
Great platform. Terrible policy. There is no teeth behind it. No coverage. It's a fake policy that they sell. Sold us an EPLI policy that later we came to find out had no EPLI coverage. Amazing that they can get away with outright fraud. Check the positive reviews. They are all 'Anonymous' posted by Emroker staff. Stay away and find a real policy that will actually provide you coverage. We've been bitten by them and hope to find restitution via a lawsuit.
Paul Burns Insuranker
Policy Type: Business Insurance
Company name: Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies
0 / 10
It has been 70 days since I made a claim on the roof of my building. No one from the company will return calls. We are in hurricane season and located in Louisiana. My building is tarped to secure it.
Felicia Broadus Insuranker
Policy Type: Business Insurance
Company name: Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies
0 / 10
They are the worst, my truck was hit in January 23 and the claim adjuster has not been out to this very day! They have every excuse in the book as to why. They have not been to the collision shop. PLEASE AVOID THESE SCAM ARTIST!
Felicia Broadus Insuranker
Policy Type: Business Insurance
Company name: Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies
0 / 10
Avoid these SCAM ARTISTS! They don’t pay claims!!! Save yourself the trouble and money!
Kasey Arey Insuranker
Policy Type: Business Insurance
Company name: Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies
0 / 10
This company gives you a price that was in place for a year and when you have to use it there is fine print were they can go back and charge you more. Would not recommend them to any one. Crooks
John Murphy Insuranker
Policy Type: Business Insurance
Company name: Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies
0 / 10
Worst insurance comapny I have ever dealt with. A commercial vehicle represented by GUARD t boned my wife and daughters family vehicle in the middle of the day. Driver was cited and insurance claim insued. Fast forward 4 months and refusal of full amount of claim is still happening. Driver was found guilty, repairs started on my vehicle and when it comes to the final bill and diminished value we cannot get any help. I am out a family car, have an injured and traumatized wife and children,... Read More
Harshadray Patel Insuranker
Policy Type: Business Insurance
Company name: Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies
0 / 10
Extremely bad service, when you call , will make you wait on the phone for ever (over an Hour) and still no one to answer , so you end up hanging up. To cancel the policy, bounce you from one department to the other. They are supposed to refund from the date other insurance started and after sending the proof of other insurance policy, still they did not refund based on that actual date instead they use the date i managed to get hold of them. They charged me $7000.00 for a year's insurance on... Read More
Aaron Wensel Insuranker
Policy Type: Business Insurance
Company name: Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies
0 / 10
Guard Insurance is terrible. They were so bad I cancelled them because them couldn't figure out why I would never get a paper copy of the bill . Verified my address with them and still intermittent billing. I cancelled them in March through my local broker. Today 6/27 I get a letter in the mail from a collections company saying I owe 87.97. This was the first myself or my broker heard of owing this money. Here is some advice for this failure of a company send me a god damn bill and I will pay.... Read More
Michael Swink Insuranker
Policy Type: Business Insurance
Company name: Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies
0 / 10
My employer had to have workers compensation by law. He obtained a policy through this Berkshire Hathaway GUARD and they failed me. I fell from a ladder and fractured my spine in 7 different places, my clavicle in 4 places, and the base of my skull. Going to my Dr visits I was prescribed medication for pain and the insurance company placed a pre-authorization hold on me picking up the medication from Walgreens. The hold lasted 5 days! My weekly benefits have never been on time, right now... Read More
10 / 10
Liberty Mutual is one of the more simple companies to deal with. I had to file a claim for my business owner policy after I caught one of my employees stealing a large amount of products from my business. Liberty mutual paid the claim fast and with no efforts. I wish the legal process was as easy…
10 / 10
For me this company has proven to be the best to do business with and worth my hard earned money. Contractors this is your company look no further.
7.7 / 10
Decent experience with Hiscox business insurance
9.4 / 10
Very pleased with Hiscox - their small business insurance rates are very good and they specialize in small business which gives me a peace of mind as a small business owner. So far so good!
10 / 10
Their customer service is absolutely fantastic. Very patient, knowledgable and provided excellent explanation of the purchased policy. I would highly recommend this insurance company to anyone that's looking to protect their business from unexpected expense. Thank you Hiscox for doing a great job for my business!
0.6 / 10
STAY AWAY! I wouldn't recommend hiscox small business liability insurance to anyone. Better not waste both your money and your time. Hiscox customer service is extremely unpleasant, not organized and not professional. It is the worst company we have dealt with in almost 25 years in business!
10 / 10
Good company. Good and knowledgable customer service. If they don't know something they will pass you on to a more experienced rep that is more knowledgable. So far so good.
10 / 10
Extremely fast and simple. Wasted a lot of time and money until I found these guys! I feel like my business is in good hands now.
10 / 10
Hiscox's the best! My business is insured with them for over 12 years and am not planning to switch!
10 / 10
Excellent experience with Hiscox BOP for my coffee shop. They provided all it needed.
10 / 10
My HI barbershop is well covered with their great BOP product for 5 years already! not planning to switch!
10 / 10
Best insurance ever
10 / 10
Coolest concept, I wish this was applied to other insurance products too.
10 / 10
Great experience
6 / 10
Didn't relate to the concept much, but it makes sense if you need insurance to go
0 / 10
It doesn't really feel sustainable to me and doesn't offer business interruption, product liability and commercial property insurance. They have no local agents and despite their technology first approach you cannot file claims online. Additionally, product manufacturers are not covered by Thimble and they don't provide enterprise solutions.
10 / 10
As a contractor that works 3 times a week for a few hours, Thimble gets really handy for me and saves me money. I have no use for these massive business insurance coverages offered by traditional insurance companies.
10 / 10
Excellent concept which is useful to many small businesses!
10 / 10
Been waiting for this type of solution for a long time!
10 / 10
Love their business insurance solutions for freelancers! Great app!
Do you have U.S. insurance expertise/experience? Would you like to become a voice at Insuranks, help businesses and individuals, and showcase your authority online? Write us!
Not all those who wander are lost.
Disclosure: Insuranks.com is an independent educational comparison service and an advertising-supported publisher. Some of the companies/offers that appear on the website are from our partners which we may receive compensation from. This may influence which companies/offers we write about and where and how it appears on the site. However, this does not impact our assessments. We solely highlight companies, products, and offers that can help you make smarter insurance decisions.
