Hairdressers can face a range of everyday risks that standard insurance policies may not always cover in full. To help provide more comprehensive protection, hairdresser insurance add-ons can be considered to extend coverage beyond basic public liability or salon contents insurance. These optional covers can support hairdressers in safeguarding their business against specific challenges.
We explore the top five hairdresser insurance add-ons that can offer valuable protection, including treatment risk, equipment cover, personal accident insurance, legal expenses, and business interruption.
1. Treatment Risk Insurance for Hairdressers
One of the most important add-ons for hairdressers is treatment risk insurance. This cover can help protect against claims where a client alleges injury or damage has occurred as a result of a treatment provided.
Why Treatment Risk Cover Matters
Even experienced hairdressers can face claims if a client experiences:
- Allergic reactions to colouring products
- Scalp burns from heated tools
- Hair damage following chemical treatments
Public liability insurance may not always include treatment risks as standard, which is why hairdressers may wish to explore this dedicated cover to help manage potential claims directly linked to the services they provide.
2. Tools and Equipment Cover
Hairdressers often rely on specialist tools and equipment that can be costly to replace if stolen or damaged. Tools and equipment cover can support hairdressers in protecting their most valuable items, whether working in a salon, visiting clients, or operating as a mobile hairdresser.
What Can Be Covered?
Tools and equipment insurance can typically cover:
- Hairdryers, straighteners, and curling tongs
- Clippers, scissors, and razors
- Styling chairs and mirrors
- Portable equipment used off-site
Some policies can also extend to cover tools left in locked vehicles or items damaged in transit.
3. Personal Accident Cover for Hairdressers
Hairdressers work in physically demanding environments, often standing for extended periods and using sharp instruments or heated styling tools. Personal accident insurance can offer financial support if a hairdresser suffers an injury that prevents them from working.
What Personal Accident Insurance Can Include
This cover can provide:
- A lump sum payment in case of serious injury
- Weekly benefits during recovery periods
- Cover for accidents occurring both at work and outside of work
By arranging personal accident insurance, hairdressers can help protect their income if they are temporarily unable to carry out treatments or appointments.
4. Legal Expenses Insurance
Legal disputes can arise in any business, and for hairdressers, these could involve employment matters, contract disagreements, or public liability claims. Legal expenses insurance can help cover the cost of professional legal support when managing disputes.
Key Benefits of Legal Expenses Cover
Legal expenses insurance can support hairdressers in:
- Defending employment claims
- Managing tax investigations
- Handling contract disputes with suppliers
- Accessing legal advice
This cover can help protect hairdressers from the potentially high cost of legal representation and related expenses.
5. Business Interruption Cover
Unexpected events such as fire, flood, or serious damage to salon premises can cause significant disruption. Business interruption insurance can help provide financial support during periods when trading is temporarily suspended.
What Business Interruption Can Support
Cover can typically include:
- Loss of income during the closure period
- Ongoing business expenses
- Support with setting up temporary working arrangements
Business interruption cover can be particularly valuable for salon owners whose premises are essential to daily operations.
Supporting Hairdressers with Tailored Insurance Add-Ons
Hairdressers may benefit from reviewing their cover regularly to ensure it meets the changing needs of their business. Arranging additional protections such as treatment risk insurance, equipment cover, personal accident, legal expenses, and business interruption can help create a more complete insurance solution. Brokers can support hairdressers in exploring these options to help protect their livelihood and provide peace of mind when facing industry-specific risks.