Barber insurance

Business insurance for barbers and barber shops

Mistakes are never a good look. A nasty slip of a razor, or a bad reaction to a hair product, can land you in hot water quicker than you can say “sorry.”

Except mistakes do happen. As well as accidents, like trips, slips and other mishaps. It’s how you deal with them that counts.

Barbers’ insurance is for when a simple apology just won’t cut it. It covers your legal defense and any damages, including medical fees, if a customer takes legal action against you.

Whether you own a barber shop, rent a chair in a salon, or work alone, barbers’ insurance keeps your business safe and looking sharp.

• Who needs barber insurance?

  Barbers’ insurance is for anyone with regular paying clients. It covers you whether you rent a chair, own a barber shop, or are mobile.

  It’s essential protection considering all the sharp tools, electric trimmers, and potentially hazardous chemicals you work with. And it covers all kinds of services, including hair styling and cutting, beard trimming and waxing.

  If you rent a chair in a spa or salon, you might need liability cover. This is to protect both you and the business you rent from, from customer lawsuits. Your contract will outline what you need. Otherwise, you can ask your broker or insurer for advice.

• What kinds of insurance does a barber shop need?

  There’s lots to think about when owning a barber shop. Your customers, your stock, your equipment, your employees…

  While you’re busy with the day-to-day running of your business, barber shop insurance protects you from any unexpected events which, without it, could seriously dent your finances.

  Events like if a customer sues you (or one of your employees) for injuries related to how you’ve done your job. If that happens, professional liability insurance (E&O) covers the damages.

  For slip-ups and mishaps, there’s general liability (GL) insurance. It’s for property damage and third-party injury caused by accidents, whether inside your own barber shop or on your client’s premises. Useful if you have clumsy employees…

  And it’s always worth protecting the tools of your trade from getting lost, damaged or stolen. You wouldn’t have a business without them. Business personal property (BPP) can be added to GL and covers your portable tools, furniture, and equipment.

  Finally, workers’ compensation insurance covers your employees if they get sick or injured working for you. It’s the law in most US states.

  These are some of the most popular types of insurance for barber shops, but there are more.

• What does barbers’ professional liability (E&O) insurance cover?

  Professional liability insurance (sometimes called errors and omissions) kicks in when a customer claims you made a mistake or did something wrong. And it pays for your legal fees and compensation if they sue.

  Some scenarios:

  Emotional distress and bodily injury: you accidentally nick a client’s skin with a razor and the cut becomes infected. Your client files a claim against you to cover their medical bills.

  A haircut gone wrong: you cut a client’s hair but he’s none too pleased with the final look. He cancels a previously booked modeling job and sues you for lost wages.

  Personal data loss: you accidentally lose a file containing sensitive customer data. The customer sues you for releasing their personal information.

• What does barbers’ general liability insurance cover?

  Barber shops can be messy, accident-prone places. Working with water, shampoo, shaving foam, wax, and hair and beard oil all day leads to slippery floors and surfaces. Then there are electric cords to watch out for and clumsy interns carrying hot drinks to avoid.

  General liability insurance protects barbers from claims of bodily injury and property damage caused by spontaneous accidents – so, slips, trips, and spills.

  A customer trips over a hairdryer cable and smacks their head against the counter. Or you accidentally stain someone’s top-of-the-line designer jacket with hair dye.

  If you’re held to blame and handed the compensation bill, your insurer will pay for it. Whether that’s for medical expenses or the repair or replacement of someone’s property.

• How much does barbers’ insurance cost?

  Costs vary depending on what policies you buy, how many people you employ and the limits of your cover.

  There are ways to reduce how much you pay, of course. You can raise the excess on your professional liability policy to lower its cost.

  Barber shop owners can choose to take out lots of different policies or buy a business owner’s policy (BOP). This bundles together general liability, property, and equipment insurance, with the option for add-ons, and can work out cheaper overall.

  Or you can call us, so we can find you the best cover for all your needs.

What other kinds of insurance do barbers need?