TL;DR
|
★ Featured Partner · Sponsored Compare Insurance Quotes Search and compare quotes from leading UK insurers. Quotezone's panel includes specialist insurers not always on the four major comparison sites. Compare Quotes → |
- Barber shops need public liability, treatment risk cover, employers liability (if staff), and contents insurance.
- Treatment risk cover specifically covers claims arising from haircuts, shaves, and other treatments going wrong.
- Public liability for a barber shop: from approximately 100 to 300 pounds per year.
- Employers liability is a legal requirement for barbershops with employed staff.
- Mobile barbers need the same covers but with specific provisions for working at client locations.
- Contents insurance covers equipment, chairs, mirrors, and stock against theft and damage.
Key Facts
What Insurance Does a Barber Shop Need?
Barber shops require a combination of insurance covers that address both the general risks of running a retail business and the specific risks associated with providing hair treatments. The core covers are public liability insurance, treatment risk insurance, employers liability insurance (for shops with staff), and contents insurance for the equipment and fixtures. Additional covers include business interruption, buildings insurance (for owned premises), and tool cover for portable equipment used by mobile barbers.
Public Liability Insurance for Barbers
Public liability insurance covers claims by clients or members of the public for accidental bodily injury or damage to their property while at the barbershop. If a client slips on a wet floor, trips over equipment, or has their clothing accidentally damaged, PL covers the compensation and legal defence costs. PL is not a legal requirement for barbers but is expected by landlords and is essential for any business that has clients on its premises. Premiums for barbershops start from approximately 100 to 300 pounds per year for standard cover.
Treatment Risk Insurance
Treatment risk insurance (also called treatment liability or beauty therapy insurance) covers claims specifically arising from the treatments provided. For barbers, covered claims include allergic reactions to products applied during a cut or shave, skin irritation or chemical burns from hair products, nicks or cuts from blades, and damage to client hair from incorrect technique or products. Treatment risk is typically included within a public liability policy for hair and beauty businesses, but it is important to confirm that the policy specifically includes treatment risk and is not limited to general public liability only.
Employers Liability for Barbershops
Any barbershop that employs staff, including full-time stylists, part-time assistants, apprentices, or self-employed barbers who work under the shop direction and control on a regular basis, must hold employers liability insurance. This is a legal requirement under the Employers Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969. The minimum cover is 5 million pounds per claim. The EL certificate must be displayed where employees can see it or made available electronically.
Contents Insurance for Barbershops
Contents insurance covers the equipment, fixtures, and stock inside the barbershop against theft, fire, flooding, and accidental damage. For a barbershop, this includes barber chairs (which can cost 500 to 3,000 pounds each), mirrors, wash units, clippers and trimmers (which can cost 100 to 500 pounds each for professional models), styling products, towels and capes, and the shop fittings. The sum insured should reflect the full replacement value of all equipment and stock.
Mobile Barber Insurance
Mobile barbers who travel to client homes or workplaces need the same covers as shop-based barbers but with provisions for working at third-party premises. Public liability cover must extend to work conducted at client locations. Tools and equipment must be covered in transit and at client premises. The mobile nature of the work may affect the terms of some policies, so it is important to confirm that the policy covers mobile working explicitly and not just fixed-premises operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need insurance as a self-employed barber?
Yes. Public liability and treatment risk cover are essential for any barber working with clients. Employers liability is required if you have any employees or apprentices. Working without insurance leaves you personally liable for any claims.
What is treatment risk insurance for barbers?
Cover for claims arising specifically from the treatments you provide, such as allergic reactions, cuts, burns, or damage to client hair. It is typically included within a public liability policy for hair and beauty businesses but confirm it is specifically included in your policy.
How much does barber shop insurance cost?
A combined public liability, treatment risk, and contents policy for a small barbershop typically costs 300 to 600 pounds per year. Adding employers liability, business interruption, and building cover increases this. Mobile barbers on simpler operations may pay less for public liability and treatment cover alone.
Is my equipment covered if the shop is broken into?
Only if you have contents insurance covering the shop. Public liability alone does not cover your own equipment. Contents insurance covers clippers, chairs, mirrors, and other equipment against theft, fire, and other specified events.
