Owning a salon comes with major advantages. From creating your schedule to seeing clients over the moon with their new looks — you see the efforts of your hard work every day! But have you ever thought about how your business will handle an unexpected claim?
All the moments that make owning a salon worth it are at risk of disappearing due to an unfortunate client injury or perceived professional mistake. Claims like these can take a devastating toll on your finances.
But the good news is that there’s an easy way to protect your business with salon liability coverage. Take a 5-minute break between clients and check out some Beauty & Bodywork Insurance (BBI) case studies of real-life claims for salons to see how insurance has helped other business owners just like you.
Common Salon Insurance Claims Explained
General Bodily Injuries
General bodily injuries include any kind of third-party — such as a client or passerby — injury that happens in the proximity of your business. The most common of these are slip-and-fall claims in salons.
- A client slipping and falling on a wet floor in your salon
- A shelf of products collapsing and injuring a client
- A client trips over someone else’s handbag on the floor
Service-Related Injuries
Service-related injuries are brought about by you or your stylists during or after a professional service your salon offers. Even if you were not the one performing the service, you can still be held liable for damages.
Think of these typically as accidents or oversights specifically in the context of your beauty services.
- Scalp burns due to improper application of hair dye
- Allergic reaction to an eyebrow tint, despite a patch test
- A stylist accidentally nicking a client’s ear with shears during a cut
Property Damage
Property damage can refer to damage to your rented salon space — such as an accidental fire breaking out. But it most commonly refers to damage to client property caused by your business operations.
- Water from the shampoo station breaking an expensive iPhone
- A client’s leather handbag burned by a misplaced curling iron
- A client’s designer jacket damaged with spilled acetone
Theft or Damage of Your Business Property
Your salon relies on your electronic equipment, tools, products, and inventory to run smoothly. All of these movable pieces of business property are at risk of getting stolen or damaged.
- An after-hours burglary resulting in stolen products and salon supplies
- A burst water pipe upstairs causing damage to your business computer and card reader
- A car break-in resulting in the theft of your entire makeup kit as you stop for gas on the way to a bridal appointment
Real-Life Insurance Claims for Salons
“Okay, but when would these things actually happen to me?”
Well, the thing is — when things go wrong, you never expect it.
And since you’re the salon owner, you have to deal with the costly task of making things right.
Here are some real examples of salon liability insurance claims BBI has helped beauty professionals — just like you! — with.
Chemical Burn During Highlights
A stylist in Connecticut was coloring a client’s hair when they left the highlighting foils on for too long. The foils, combined with the chemical solution and external heat, overheated and caused third-degree burns on the client’s scalp.
The client experienced intense pain during the appointment and had to seek immediate medical attention.
Total Payout: $179,727
Lesson for Salon Owners: The importance of understanding product safety and thorough staff training
Lash Extension Abrasion
A lash technician in Louisiana was creating a glamorous lash look for one of their clients. However, during the application, the technician accidentally scratched the client’s cornea with one of the tools. The client left the salon with irritation and redness that worsened.
When the client went to the doctor, they found that there was an eye abrasion. The client required antibiotic eye drops and follow-up care.
Total Payout: $22,000
Lesson for Salon Owners: The need for proper technique when handling sharp tools and communication with clients
Perm Rod Injury
A stylist in Georgia was adjusting a perm rod during a client’s perm treatment when the rod suddenly slipped, striking the client directly in the eye. The impact caused pain and swelling, leading the client to seek medical attention for the eye injury.
Total Payout: $51,958
Lesson for Salon Owners: Understanding that even seemingly harmless tools can cause injury if not handled carefully
Hair Dryer Cord Trip
A client in Texas was walking to the wash station in a salon when she allegedly tripped over a hair dryer cord that was left stretched across the floor. She fell awkwardly and broke her foot in the process.
Total Payout: $911
Lesson for Salon Owners: The importance of maintaining a clean, hazard-free environment to avoid preventable injury
These beauty salon insurance case studies demonstrate these “what if” moments can happen to anyone, even the most experienced pros.
Why Do Salons Need Liability Insurance?
There are a lot of reasons why salon owners need business insurance. Here are a few of the main ones.
For Financial Protection Against Claims
Reading through the salon liability insurance case studies above, you can see that the claim amounts speak for themselves. No matter how successful your business is, no one wants to get hit with a claim and have to pay expensive legal fees, medical bills, and more.
Salon insurance gives you the financial protection to cover these expenses and get everyone the help they need in case of a claim.
To Ensure Business Continuity
Now if you were to have a claim brought against you — or if your stylist is named in a claim that also includes your salon — having the right insurance means you won’t have to put your business on hold as you scramble to gather funds.
Each day, each client, and each appointment is how you keep your salon growing successfully. It’s essential to keep your salon in business, even when the unexpected happens.
To Meet Lease Requirements
Most landlords require proof of insurance before they’ll rent salon space to you. Not only does your salon owner insurance policy protect you, but it also protects your landlord in the event of things like accidental fire in your space.
For Peace of Mind
Pop quiz: How many salon-related things are taking up your mental workload right now?
Scheduling, inventory, marketing, employee management — there’s a lot on your to-do list. Having salon insurance means you have one less big thing to worry about. You’re free to focus on running your salon and not on all of the risks you face every time you open your doors. The peace of mind that you’re protected against claims is worth it!
Risk Management for Beauty Salons
Here are some salon risk prevention tips you can implement to help reduce the chances of claims at your salon.
1. Maintain a Clean and Organized Salon
- Regularly inspect for hazards like loose cords, wet floors, or cluttered areas.
- Keep walkways clear and ensure equipment is stored properly when not in use.
2. Conduct Regular Employee Training
- Train staff on safe handling of tools, equipment, and chemicals.
- Provide ongoing education on client safety, new techniques, and salon hygiene protocols.
3. Perform Patch Tests for Chemical Treatments
- Always conduct patch tests for services involving hair dye, lash adhesives, or skin treatments to identify potential allergic reactions before the full application.
4. Use Liability Waivers
- Have clients sign forms before services, detailing the potential risks and confirming their understanding.
5. Inspect Tools and Equipment Frequently
- Regularly check tools like scissors, curling irons, and perm rods for damage or wear that could lead to accidents.
- Maintain electrical tools to prevent malfunctions or fires.
6. Secure Client Belongings
- Provide a designated space for clients to store their personal items safely during their visit, reducing the risk of damage or loss.
7. Follow Manufacturer Instructions for Products
- Adhere strictly to instructions for chemical treatments, including application times and mixing ratios, to avoid accidents or injuries.
8. Keep Detailed Records
- Document client consultations, patch tests, and services performed. This can be invaluable if an incident occurs and an insurance claim is filed.
9. Enforce Hygiene and Sanitation Standards
- Sterilize tools after each use and disinfect stations regularly to prevent infections.
- Use disposable items where appropriate, such as single-use applicators for makeup.
10. Invest in Comprehensive Insurance
- Ensure your salon is protected with insurance that covers general and professional liability, as well as products and completed operations. This provides financial protection in the event of accidents, injuries, or lawsuits.
BBI’s Insurance for Salon Owners
Ready to protect your salon? BBI offers excellent-rated insurance for salon owners with a unique pay-by-station premium rate. You can insure up to 10 stations, booths, or stalls — and get automatic coverage for every stylist that works them.
Our salon and spa insurance coverage includes:
- General and professional liability coverage
- Multiple options for tools and supplies coverage
- A superfast purchasing process with transparent pricing
- A highly rated customer support team that’s ready to help you
- 24/7 online policy management and instant proof of insurance
- Plus much more!
FAQs About Real Salon Insurance Claims
What Happens if a Client Gets Injured in My Salon?
If a client gets injured in your salon, you can file a claim online right from your BBI dashboard. BBI’s coverage includes a “medical expenses” limit, which helps to pay for your client’s medical bills up to $5,000 per person — whether or not you’re at fault. It’s meant to quickly get your client the help they need to avoid potential litigation.
How Much Does Salon Insurance Typically Cost?
Salon insurance can range from about $300 to upwards of $1,200 per year. BBI offers affordable salon insurance that lets you buy just the coverage you need, starting at $31.08 a month. Your premium is calculated by the number of stations you want to insure, plus any optional add-ons.
Does Insurance Cover Damages Caused by Employees?
Yes! BBI’s salon insurance is designed to cover damages caused by any stylist who works at one of your insured salon stations. It’s like a blanket policy that protects your business and your employees in case of client injury, property damage, and even client dissatisfaction.
JoAnne Hammer | Program Manager
JoAnne Hammer is the Program Manager for Beauty and Bodywork Insurance. She has held the prestigious Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation since July 2004.
JoAnne understands that starting and operating a business takes a tremendous amount of time, dedication, and financial resources. She believes that insurance is the single best way to protect your investment, business, and personal assets.
JoAnne Hammer is the Program Manager for Beauty and Bodywork Insurance. She has held the prestigious Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation since July 2004.
JoAnne understands that starting and operating a business takes a tremendous amount of time, dedication, and financial resources. She believes that insurance is the single best way to protect your investment, business, and personal assets.
