Why do barbers need insurance?
Causing accidental cuts, nicks, or burns
As a barber, it is important to prioritise safety and follow guidelines to ensure a clean environment for your customers. The use of sharp equipment requires your full attention to prevent any accidents that may result in medical costs or compensation demands.
Accusations of breaking health and safety rules
Additionally, any complaints from customers or the public about health and safety may result in legal action, so it is crucial to maintain professionalism at all times.
Contract disputes
If you are a self-employed barber, it is important to have clear arrangements with the salon or barber shop you work with. Any disputes regarding contract terms, non-compete agreements, or other obligations should be handled with care.
Causing damage to property
When using dyes, bleaches, or styling chemicals, it is essential to be mindful of their potential to damage customers' clothing or the shop's property. In some cases, you may be held responsible for the costs associated with such damage.
Public liability insurance for barbers
Public liability insurance protects barbers against accidents, injuries and property damage.
Barbers who are self-employed or rent space at salons have direct and close contact with their clients while cutting hair and performing treatments. However, this also increases the risk of public liability claims in case of any accidents.
What does barber public liability insurance cover?
If someone accuses you of causing accidental injury, property damage, or loss, having public liability insurance can offer legal protection and cover any compensation you may become responsible for.
Cover includes:
- accidental injury or death
- accidental property damage
For example:
- Your hand slipped, perhaps something startled you or someone called your name, and you cut your client.
- When bleaching your client’s hair, you damaged their designer clothes.
- When standing from the chair, a customer tripped over your equipment.
All of the above scenarios and more can result in a compensation claim against you.
Even when it’s not your fault, you’ll still need the help of a legal professional to help you deal with the situation. That can easily costs thousands of pounds.
Professional indemnity insurance for barbers
Professional indemnity insurance protects barbers from claims or accusations of wrongdoing from their professional advice and services.
As a barber, you may face legal action if a customer claims damage or allergic reactions from your treatments. Professional indemnity insurance can help cover the costs of legal action and protect your reputation. It provides peace of mind and helps you address claims professionally with qualified legal aid.
What does barber professional indemnity insurance cover?
In the event of a legal claim against your professional conduct, professional indemnity insurance will handle all communication with the client on your behalf. Furthermore, it will provide compensation if you are found liable.
Cover includes:
- Failing your duty of care
- Making a mistake
- Acting negligently
- Giving the wrong advice or recommendation
For example:
- A client claims that the treatment you provided caused damage to their hair or scalp and they’re now asking you to pay damages.
- You’ve sold a product recommendation to your customer who then suffered an allergic reaction. They may claim it’s your fault because you failed to warn them of potential side effects.
What professional indemnity limit do barbers need?
When selecting a professional indemnity limit for your barbering business, it's important to take into account your specific activities. Factors to consider include the frequency of your work, the number of clients you serve, and the potential financial consequences if any of your advice or treatments result in negative outcomes.
Switching your professional indemnity insurance
If you decide to cancel or switch your professional indemnity policy, it's important to note that you won't be able to make any claims against your previous policy. To ensure that your past work is still covered, you should look for a provider that offers "retroactive cover".
Should I keep professional indemnity insurance if I pause or retire from self-employed barbering?
Maintaining your professional indemnity insurance is advisable even if you take a break or retire from barbering. Claims related to professional misconduct can come up long after you have provided the service, even after several months or years.
Remember: If you cancel your policy, your insurance coverage will end, including coverage for any previous work.
The duration of your coverage depends on your discretion. You should evaluate the type of barbering you have done and the possibility of a client filing a claim against you.
Other insurance barbers buy
The insurance required for barbers varies depending on their individual circumstances. Have you considered the possibility of facing a legal dispute or a tax issue and ensured you have the means to handle them?
Commercial legal expenses insurance
Most commercial legal expenses insurance will protect self-employed barbers against various tax and legal issues you may encounter due to your profession, which are not picked up by professional indemnity or public liability.
At Suited, we combined £100,000 of commercial legal expenses insurance with helplines and other tools to better assist barbers in dealing with these issues. We call this Business Legal Protect, and it’s part of your subscription.
Business Legal Protect provides qualified advice and assistance with:
- Legal and tax matters concerning your business
- Criminal prosecution
- Compliance & regulation issues
- Unpaid invoices (over £200)
For example:
- HMRC investigates your tax affairs
- You need legal help chasing a significant unpaid invoice
- You’re facing a dispute or legal action from a local authority over your business
- You’re in a contract dispute with a salon
Shopping for barbering liability insurance
If you're considering getting insurance for your barbershop, it's important to keep the following things in mind.
Price isn’t everything
Some insurance providers might offer very low prices, but their after-sales service might not be up to par. You should check how easy it is to get in touch with your provider. At Suited, we offer multiple contact options and respond quickly.
The reputation of the insurer is important
It's crucial that your insurance provider is reliable and will pay out when you need it. Suited partners with financially stable insurers that have an A+ rating.
Many providers charge fees to amend or cancel
Beware of hidden charges. Some providers might advertise low prices but add extra fees for monthly payments or policy changes. With Suited, there are no extra fees, and you can cancel your policy anytime without any additional charges.
Some policy wordings are restrictive or have a high excess
Some providers might offer lower prices but provide less coverage. Suited's professional indemnity and public liability policies have a £0 excess.
