5 Reasons Barber Shops Need Business Insurance

The number of old-timey barbershops with a red, white and blue barber’s
pole spinning outside is dwindling. But people still need quality haircuts,
so modern barber shops are in high demand. If your barber shop offers
customers top-notch service, a relaxing atmosphere and a range of hair and
beauty products, you’re well on your way.

Most appointments will involve some friendly chitchat followed by a
shampoo, shave, cut or color. But there’s always the chance something
unexpected will happen, and if it does, your barbershop could face a
lawsuit and reputational damage.

Business insurance for barbers

is an important tool at the station of any modern barber, meant to protect
them against financial ruin.

Here are just five examples illustrating why barbers need business
insurance.

A customer slips on a stray pile of hair

An average day at a barbershop involves a regular influx and outflow of
customers: from door to reception area, reception area to chair, chair to
shampoo sinks, etc. All this happens while stylists move about, cleaning up
and re-organizing their stations between appointments. It’s all too easy
for a customer to miss a pile of hair clippings or some sink drips while
walking—and bam, they’re down.

General liability insurance is meant to
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protect against financial loss

resulting from property damage or bodily injury to others, and is the
building block of any solid business insurance plan.

Your studio and equipment sustain extensive damage

Whether the roof starts leaking after a bad thunderstorm or an accidental
fire wipes out your studio space, sometimes accidents simply happen. Could
your barbershop afford to rebuild from the ground up? Probably not, unless
you have property insurance
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target="_blank">
for covered events

like certain natural disasters, vandalism and theft. If you have to file a
claim, your policy will cover either the replacement value or actual cash
value of your structure and equipment.

Your barbershop has to close following a natural disaster

Another huge financial drain after a natural disaster or incapacitating
incident is the fact that your premises may not be ready to reopen right
away. But your bills don’t stop, so what can you do? Including

business interruption coverage

in your property coverage (usually as part of a Business Owners Policy
bundle) helps cover overhead costs and often pays for temporary relocation
in the aftermath of covered events.

A customer sues you for negligence

Many customers probably wish they could sue if their haircut or color comes
out differently than they expected. But your barbershop may actually be
vulnerable to lawsuits if a customer alleges you’ve been professionally
negligent. As
href="http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2013/07/25/suing-your-hairdresser-2/"
target="_blank">
CBS Philly

href="http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2013/07/25/suing-your-hairdresser-2/"
target="_blank">
notes

, a customer just might have a shot at winning a case in court “if the
chemicals used led to permanent injuries.”

Professional liability insurance covers negligence claims related to
professional services. You’re dealing with sharp tools, harsh chemicals and
sensitive body parts, so it’s important to maintain this coverage in case
someone decides to sue.

An employee develops a stress injury

Snipping is a repetitive motion, as is bending over to grab products and
sweep. Performing these motions day in and day out can take a physical toll
on employees. What if someone on your team develops a debilitating injury
and needs time off work for physical therapy? One study catalogued in the
U.S. National Library of Medicine cites various

occupational health risks

like extended periods of standing, long hours, poor posture and more as
very real risks for barbers.

Part of employing others is carrying workers compensation insurance to
financially protect them in the event of a work-related injury or
illness—and the company as a whole against lawsuits over workplace
conditions.

Scissors? Check. Razor? Check. Mirrors, hair products and protective capes?
Check. Business insurance for barbers? One visit to CoverHound can match
your barbershop with the right types and amount of coverage. Get your free quote
comparison today!