Beauty work happens up close. You mix formulas, apply products directly to the skin, shape brows, style hair, or work around delicate areas of the face. Most days, it’s smooth, rewarding, skill-driven work. But every beauty professional knows that even a careful service can lead to an unexpected reaction or an unhappy outcome.
And when a client believes you caused harm, perhaps through irritation, a burn, a slip in your workspace, or a service result they weren’t prepared for, the financial impact can hit hard. Legal fees, medical bills, and formal complaints escalate quickly, often reaching amounts that would overwhelm a small beauty business.
That’s why your Elite Beauty Society beauty liability insurance exists. When something goes wrong and a client pursues legal action, your policy steps in immediately. We help you file the claim, keep the process organized, and connect you with an attorney who understands beauty-industry liability. Your legal defense and potential settlement costs are handled within your policy limits, giving you the ability to keep your career moving.
Step 1: Contact Elite Beauty Society Immediately
As soon as you’re aware of a potential claim or lawsuit, call us at 866-756-4026 or email sarasota.bsd.operations@ajg.com. Do not wait, and do not try to manage the situation alone. Do not speak with the client’s attorney under any circumstances. Contact us first so we can protect your legal position from the beginning.
While you’re waiting to hear back from us, DO NOT discuss the situation with the client or anyone else. Even a well-intentioned comment or an attempt to “smooth things over” can be interpreted as accepting responsibility. All communication must go directly through your appointed attorney or our team so nothing is taken out of context.
Quick reporting allows us to step in before the issue grows. Even if the client hasn’t filed a claim yet, early notice gives us time to prepare in case the situation develops into one.
If the incident is clear, such as a client experiencing irritation after a service, reacting unexpectedly to a product, or slipping in your workspace, document what happened and reach out immediately.
If a concern appears later, perhaps through a follow-up message or unexpected complaint, use the same contact information and notify us as soon as possible. Provide the date of the appointment, the client’s name, your consultation notes, any patch test details (if relevant), and any written correspondence. Once you’ve reported it, we coordinate the next steps so the situation is handled correctly from the start.
Step 2: Report the Claim and Share the Details
After you’ve made contact, we’ll guide you through reporting the claim. This step is straightforward and allows us to move quickly on your behalf.
You’ll share a few essential details: the date of the appointment, the client’s name, what occurred, and any messages or follow-up communication you’ve received from the client. If anyone witnessed the event, include their name and contact information. These details help us represent you accurately and begin the formal review process.
Accurate paperwork strengthens your position. Consultation forms, patch test records (if applicable), and service notes act as written proof of what was discussed, what was agreed to, and what steps were taken during the appointment. These documents become especially important in beauty claims because product choices, timing, and aftercare instructions often play a key role in understanding what happened.
Once we receive your information, we submit it to the insurance carrier within 24 hours. The carrier typically acknowledges the claim and begins its review within 1 to 2 business days, then issues a letter explaining how the claim will proceed. If a legal defense is required, an attorney experienced in beauty-industry liability cases is appointed for you at that stage.
You should always feel comfortable checking in. We understand how stressful waiting for updates can be, and we’ll make sure you know exactly where your claim stands.
Step 3: We Take It From There
In the event that your situation requires a legal defense, we arrange everything for you. Once your claim is reviewed and accepted, our carrier appoints an attorney from a long-standing network of professionals who specialize in beauty-industry liability cases.
These attorneys handle every part of the process: communication, required statements, filings, and negotiations, so you don’t have to step away from your clients or spend time dealing with unfamiliar legal procedures.
We stay in touch throughout, keeping you informed of important updates and timelines. Our role is to simplify the complex parts and make sure you’re represented by people who understand beauty services and know how to protect your professional reputation.
Step 4: We Handle the Costs of Your Defense and Any Settlement
If a claim moves forward and financial action is required, everything is managed through your Elite Beauty Society policy. Your defense costs, along with any settlements or judgments, are paid by the insurance carrier up to your policy limits.
The attorney appointed to your case submits all related fees and expenses directly to the carrier for payment. You won’t need to organize invoices, manage billing, or oversee financial details. The entire process is handled through the same system that has supported countless beauty professionals through similar situations.
Once this stage begins, your role is simply to stay in contact with us and your attorney as needed. Our process keeps you informed while minimizing stress so you can stay focused on your clients and your beauty business.
In Short, What You Need to Do
Your role in this process is simple. Once you’ve contacted us, there are only a few things to keep in mind:
- Report the claim immediately. Acting quickly keeps everything on track and within policy terms.
- Provide the information we request. We’ll let you know exactly what we need and when.
- Stay involved, not overwhelmed. Respond when asked, and we handle the legal and administrative work.
- Keep conversations private. Avoid discussing the situation with anyone other than your appointed attorney or our team.
That’s it. Your focus stays on your clients and your beauty business. We take care of the paperwork, the communication, and the legal details.
What Elite Beauty Society Does for You
Once you’ve reported the issue, Elite Beauty Society takes it from there.
- We make sure your claim is delivered to the insurance carrier right away so the review process begins as quickly as possible.
- We answer every question you have about your policy and guide you through each stage with clear, direct instruction.
- We arrange for an experienced attorney to handle your defense and manage all communication on your behalf.
From start to finish, we keep the process organized, steady, and fully supported so you can stay focused on your clients, your schedule, and the beauty services you provide every day.
If You’re Still Deciding on Liability Insurance
If you’ve found this page while researching protection for your beauty career, this is the right moment to reach out. Our team will explain how professional liability insurance, general liability insurance, personal and advertising injury coverage, and identity theft protection apply to the services you offer and the risks beauty professionals face.
If you prefer to learn more before contacting us, explore our resource guides. They outline real beauty-industry risks, what can happen when a service goes wrong, and how the right insurance policy benefits you long before you ever need to file a claim.
Every beauty professional, hairstylist, cosmetologist, nail technician, makeup artist, lash specialist, and more, deserves stability behind the chair or in the treatment room. Elite Beauty Society provides that stability so your business stays secure, even when the unexpected happens.
Legal and Process Questions
How long does a client have to file a lawsuit against a beauty professional?
The time frame depends on your state’s statute of limitations. In many states, clients have 1-3 years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit, though some states allow additional time if the issue wasn’t immediately noticeable, such as a delayed skin reaction or an after-service complication. A local attorney can clarify the exact time frame for your state.
What happens after I report a claim to Elite Beauty Society?
Once you report a claim to Elite Beauty Society, we begin the process immediately. Your report is submitted to the insurance carrier within 24 hours. The carrier typically reviews it within 1-2 business days, then provides written details explaining how the claim will proceed.
If a legal defense is required, an attorney experienced in beauty-industry liability is appointed to represent you. From that point forward, all communication, documentation, and legal procedures are handled through your attorney, not by you.
Will I have to go to court if a client sues me?
Most beauty-related claims never reach a courtroom. Many are resolved through discussion, negotiation, or settlement long before a trial becomes necessary.
If your case does require court involvement, your appointed attorney manages every procedural step and prepares you for anything required from you. You are supported throughout the entire process.
Who handles communication with the client’s attorney during a lawsuit?
Your appointed attorney handles all communication with the client’s attorney.
You should never contact the client’s attorney yourself or respond to legal inquiries. This prevents misunderstandings and ensures your defense is handled correctly and professionally.
How much protection does Elite Beauty Society provide per claim?
Your policy includes coverage up to $2 million per occurrence, which includes legal defense costs, settlements, and judgments related to each individual claim.
This provides strong financial protection designed for working beauty professionals who need stability and security if the unexpected occurs.
What kind of documentation helps defend a beauty professional in a claim?
Accurate documentation is one of the most valuable tools in your defense. Helpful records include:
- consultation forms
- patch-test records (if applicable)
- detailed service notes
- product information or formulas used
- aftercare instructions provided
- emails or messages exchanged with the client
- witness information, if anyone else was present
These records help your attorney understand exactly what took place during the appointment so they can present the strongest possible defense.
If you’re ever unsure whether a situation could become a claim, call 866-756-4026 and we can help you determine next steps.
Nationwide Beauty and Cosmetology Liability Insurance Coverage
At Elite Beauty Society, we offer liability insurance for beauty and cosmetology professionals across all 50 states. Whether you're based in bustling California or rural Maine, you can trust that our coverage meets your state’s requirements and protects you from unforeseen claims. With EBS, you gain peace of mind knowing that no matter where you practice, your business and professional reputation are safeguarded with comprehensive liability insurance tailored for beauty and cosmetology professionals. Select your state below to find the best coverage options for you.
Love our business boosting advice? We sure as heck hope so.
If you want to make sure you never miss a blog, discount, deal, or piece of juicy industry gossip, make sure you subscribe to EBS right here, right now!
