KEY TAKEAWAYS: Understanding the most common barber insurance claims is key to protecting your business and future, making it an essential step for aspiring and established barbers alike.
Being a barber is a great career choice, but it comes with very real risks in addition to the perks.
You can continually learn new things, refine your skills, pursue your passions, and build lasting relationships with your customers and community. It’s a truly rewarding career full of excitement and opportunity.
As wonderful as barbering can be, it is not without risk. From sharp shears and harsh chemicals to slippery surfaces and equipment malfunctions, there are a lot of variables that can go wrong in an instant.
Investing in barber insurance protects you from the most common claims, allowing you to practice with confidence and enjoy a bright future.
Barber Insurance Claims: What You Need to Know
Barbering can open many doors for you professionally, relationally, and financially. It’s a rare career that can be fulfilling and successful while allowing you to embrace your interests and forge your own path.
It’s no surprise that it’s appealing to such an eclectic group of people.
For all of its benefits, being a barber does come with some downsides, and one of the most concerning is the risk involved.
Because you’re working directly with clients, handling dangerous chemicals and tools, and operating your own business (in many cases), you are exposed to potential barber insurance claims on a regular basis.
Familiarizing yourself with the most common claims and investing in barber insurance are two of the most effective ways to protect your immediate well-being and future success. Read on for a crash course in the top barber insurance claims you should know about.
Slip-and-Fall Accidents
Estimated Damage: $150,000
While these claims may not be a result of your actions, slip-and-fall accidents are very common in the barbering world. These situations involve a client (or employee) sustaining an injury from an accident that happens at your place of business.
Whether they slip on some spilled hair product or trip over a loose rug, the damages and injuries they suffer could be cause for an insurance claim. Thankfully, a barber insurance policy that includes general liability insurance will cover you.
Bodily Injuries and Tool Mishaps
Estimated Damage: $20,000
No matter how careful and skilled you are as a barber, mistakes are bound to happen when you work with clients every day. From a slip of the sharp shears to a careless swipe with a razor, injuries can occur in an instant, leaving you facing a lawsuit.
Known as professional liability claims (or malpractice), these situations involve injuries that occur during the course of a service you provide. The consequences can be severe, both for you and your barbering biz, which is why professional liability insurance is a must.
Scalp Burns from Hair Dye
Estimated Damage: $40,000
Another common claim barbers and hairstylists alike can face involves hair dyes. Accidentally leaving hair dye on a client for too long can cause burns on the scalp, which may require medical attention to treat.
Because this is a mistake related to providing a barbering service, it would count as a professional liability claim.
"From a slip of the sharp shears to a careless swipe with a razor, injuries can occur in an instant, leaving you facing a lawsuit."
From medical expenses to lost wages, the contents of such a claim could be immense. Investing in barber insurance that covers accidents can save your reputation, livelihood, and future in the barbering industry.
Allergic Reactions
Estimated Damage: $20,000
While your barbering skills are the engine that drives your career forward, sometimes there are unforeseen allergic reactions that can derail you.
Occasionally, a client may have an allergic reaction due to your barbering services. When this happens, they could suffer from skin irritation, medical trauma, and lost opportunities, whether they be professional or personal.
Unsatisfied Customers
Estimated Damage: Depends on the Claim
No barber wants to see a customer unhappy, but the reality is that you will sometimes encounter clients who simply aren’t satisfied with their results.
Other times, you may even face alleged claims. When this happens, even if it isn’t necessarily your fault, you could be facing a lawsuit.
Thankfully, your barber insurance should protect you and your reputation when these unfortunate circumstances arise.
Liability Insurance for Barbers
Preparing for the most common barber insurance claims by investing in comprehensive coverage from a reputable provider can save your barbering biz, your reputation, your financial position, and more. With National Barber Appreciation Day coming up in September, there’s no better way to celebrate than by ensuring that your present and future are safe with a good barber insurance policy.
To learn more about barber insurance, stay up to date with barbering trends, and discover new ways to make your barbering dreams come true, be sure to subscribe to Elite Beauty Society and check out our blog!
Meet Hanna Marcus, the Founder and Head Copy Gal behind Boundless Copy, a one-of-a-kind copywriting agency that specializes in big, bold brand voice and industry-disrupting copy that’s all about resonating with the right audience.
Hanna has proudly teamed up with Elite Beauty Society for several years as their go-to copywriter on all things beauty, small biz marketing, and brand voice development. She’s big on feeling-first writing–her personal soapbox is that the best copy starts with telling a story.
When she’s not writing cheeky, converting copy for clients, she’s mentoring other aspiring copywriters and creating digital copywriting resources designed for service pros and focused on taking the stress out of DIY copywriting.
