Most hairstylist insurance policies come with several coverage options that work together to create a network of protections. While the exact incidents that a particular policy will cover depend on that policy’s terms, conditions, and exclusions, a well-crafted policy often provides coverage for a range of incidents.
Here are a few examples of liability risks that your hairstylist policy might cover if the proper protections are in place.
What Sorts of Liability Suits May My Hairstylist Insurance Policy Cover?
A Child Trips and Cuts Themselves on Your Equipment
While waiting for you to cut their parent’s hair, a young child becomes antsy and rambunctious. They get somewhat unruly as they move about, and eventually trip over a cord on the floor. In their fall, they land on a sharp pair of scissors and sustain a laceration that requires stitches.
Because your scissors caused the injury, the parent may file a lawsuit seeking compensation for the injury. You might have to pay for the child’s medical care and some other expenses.
Assuming your hairstylist insurance includes general liability insurance (which the vast majority do), such an incident would likely be covered. General liability insurance for hairstylists normally covers common accidents, such as slips, trips, and falls, that occur at a place of business.
Your Equipment Starts a Fire at a Client’s Home
When working at a client’s home, you accidentally leave a hair dryer on and unattended. The equipment starts a fire that is soon put out but still causes substantial damage to the client’s home.
In this scenario, you’d probably be held financially responsible for the damage. The fire was caused by your equipment and a result of your inattentiveness.
General liability insurance may probably also cover any claim arising from a situation like this. Most general hairdressers' liability insurance covers property damage that results from common accidents as well as personal injuries that those accidents cause.
You Injure a Gentleman While Giving a Straight Shave
As a way to grow your business, you decide to begin offering straight shaves and focusing on beard care. During one of your first straight shaves, you make a mistake and cut the client. The laceration requires stitches.
Unlike an accident in which someone falls, this scenario is a situation where you’re directly responsible for the injury. Moreover, the injury is a direct result of a mistake you made in your work. You could be asked to pay for the medical care that’s needed.
General liability insurance normally won’t cover injuries that are a result of errors in your work, but professional liability insurance normally will. If you select a policy that has professional liability when looking at insurance for hairstylists, this sort of accident will likely be covered.
You Sell a Hair Care Product That Causes Lasting Damage
When you sell a hair care product, you’re effectively recommending that product to your client. The client will appreciate the recommendation if the product produces a good result, and they might complain or give you a negative review if it produces a bad result.
Should the product actually cause harm or lasting damage, the client could do more than complain or leave a review. They might actually file a lawsuit seeking compensation for the harm they incurred. Even if the manufacturer is ultimately found responsible and you’re deemed to not be at fault, the legal fees alone could be financially crippling.
Incidents like these frequently fall under the domain of product liability insurance. If you’re ever sued over damage that a product causes, this insurance may cover legal fees and any settlements arising from the case. Product liability is widely available from companies that offer insurance for hairstylists.
WHO NEEDS HAIRSTYLIST LIABILITY INSURANCE?
While not always mandatory, hairstylist liability insurance offers valuable protection for most individuals working in the industry. This includes all hairstylists, regardless of licensing or booth rental.
Hairstylist insurance is often a requirement to operate in many states. Even if not required, it’s still recommended to invest in this coverage since it offers significant financial protection in case of lawsuits arising from the above events and more.
For licensed hairstylists, it is important to check your state's cosmetology board regulations to see if they require liability insurance for licensees. If you are looking to rent a booth at a salon, you should also consider this coverage. This is because salons require both renters to carry their own insurance, even if the salon has its own policy.
BENEFITS OF HAIRSTYLIST LIABILITY INSURANCE
As you can see, hairstylist liability insurance offers a host of benefits, both for your peace of mind and your financial security. Let us cover a few of the main benefits of insurance for hairstylists that go beyond the examples provided above.
FINANCIAL PROTECTION
Perhaps one of the most obvious benefits of hairstylist insurance is its financial protection. If a client sues you for alleged negligence resulting in injury, illness, or property damage, the insurance can cover legal defense costs and any settlements awarded.
The examples above are but a handful of instances this could cover. Others include potential allergic reactions to products, burns from hot tools, or even hair treatments gone wrong. Hairdresser liability insurance is a shield that protects your finances from being jeopardized if an accident happens.
PEACE OF MIND
At the same time, liability insurance for hairstylists provides unparalleled peace of mind. Knowing you're protected from unexpected liabilities can alleviate anxiety and allow you to concentrate on delivering your best service to clients. It also demonstrates your commitment to creating a safe environment, which can help attract and retain clients.
Additionally, some states require hairstylists to carry specific types of liability insurance. Having this type of insurance means you are operating legally and avoiding any fines that could potentially shut down your operations. Altogether, this peace of mind is priceless.
COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE OPTIONS
Finally, it’s important to note that the right hairstylist insurance can offer comprehensive coverage for your business. Liability insurance for hairstylists is just the beginning. As we said before, additions such as product liability can protect you from claims arising from reactions to products you use or sell.
Other coverage options to consider include tools and equipment coverage to help reimburse you for the cost of replacing damaged or stolen tools. Business interruption insurance is also an option to cover lost income if your business is forced to close due to a covered event. It’s surprisingly simple to tailor a hairstylist insurance plan to your needs with the right partner by your side.
Find Hairstylist Insurance That Offers Robust Protection
For help finding hairstylist insurance that has many protections and will cover lots of potential claims, contact the independent insurance agents at World Insurance Associates. Our agents specialize in insurance for hairstylists, and they have the expertise necessary to make sure you get a policy that offers robust protection.
Learn more about your options for individual professionals insurance.