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Do You Need Insurance to Open a Tattoo or Piercing Studio in the UK?

tattoo artist

Opening a tattoo or piercing studio involves more than creative skill and client trust. Whether you’re renting a chair or running a full salon, there are real business risks that could catch even the most experienced professionals off guard. That’s why tattoo and piercing insurance matters from day one.

Why Tattoo and Piercing Studios Face Unique Risks

Tattoo and piercing work involves close contact, specialist equipment, and procedures that can carry health and safety implications. If a client experiences a reaction, infection or scarring, even after following all hygiene protocols, they could take legal action. Without appropriate public liability insurance, you could be personally liable for the costs of a claim.

But it’s not just about client injury. Business interruption from equipment damage or studio closures could mean days or weeks without income. That’s where tattooist insurance that includes contents and equipment cover might support continuity.

Is Insurance Legally Required for Tattoo and Piercing Studios?

There is no law that mandates a specific tattoo insurance policy, but local authorities often require proof of adequate liability cover as part of your licensing process. Most councils ask for public liability insurance, and some may require proof of treatment risk insurance depending on the services you offer.

If you hire others, employers’ liability insurance is likely a legal requirement under the Employers’ Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act. This applies whether your team is full-time, part-time, or freelance.

Key Covers Tattoo and Piercing Studios Should Consider

Every studio setup is different, but many find that a comprehensive insurance arrangement could include:

Public Liability Insurance

This could respond to claims made by members of the public for injuries or property damage that occur in the studio.

Treatment Risk Insurance

Standard liability policies might not include coverage for specific procedures. Treatment risk insurance could respond to claims resulting from allergic reactions, scarring, or infection.

Employers’ Liability Insurance

If you employ staff, even temporarily, this may be legally required. It could cover compensation claims if an employee is injured while working.

Contents and Equipment Insurance

Tattoo machines, needles, beds, autoclaves and software all represent business assets. This cover could help repair or replace tools that are lost, stolen, or damaged.

Business Interruption Insurance

If an insured event means you cannot operate, this cover might provide support to recover lost income during downtime.

Mobile Artists and Home Studios Are Not Exempt

Whether you’re working from a studio, visiting clients, or operating from home, the risks remain. Mobile tattoo artists and piercers may still be exposed to claims for injury or hygiene concerns. In fact, working outside of a studio environment may increase risk due to variable setup conditions.

We often support mobile practitioners in finding cover that reflects the practical realities of travel, storage, and remote hygiene protocols.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Many artists assume that general self-employed insurance or beauty insurance will include tattoo and piercing treatments. Often, this is not the case. It is essential to check the fine print and ensure that any policy includes the actual procedures and services you carry out.

As brokers, we help individuals and studio owners find specialist cover for tattooists and piercers that reflects the unique risks of the trade.

Insurance is not just a box to tick for licensing purposes. It could help protect your livelihood, your reputation, and your ability to keep doing the work you care about. Whether you’re setting up a permanent studio or launching your solo business, arranging the right cover from the start is one of the smartest decisions you can make.