Estheticians or beauticians work under some of the strictest standards in the beauty industry. Due to such high standards and the nature of business, estheticians face some of the highest possibilities of being sued.
Since estheticians work directly on client’s faces, there is risk of causing permanent physical damage to someone’s appearance. To protect against these risks that can be quite costly, it’s important for estheticians to have the right insurance coverage.
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What is Esthetician Insurance?
Esthetician insurance is a collection of business insurance policies all of which are designed to protect estheticians from potential liabilities and risks associated with their work. It typically includes coverage for things like:
- Bodily injury to the face, hands, and arms.
- Claims arising from products used or sold that cause an allergic reaction or other medical condition.
- Accidents from equipment malfunction, tools, falls and slips during appointments.
Even if you have done nothing wrong, unfortunately, you can still be sued. To avoid these types of situations it’s best to be properly insured with a well-rounded esthetician insurance package.
Who Needs Esthetician Insurance?
Anyone that provides and charges for professional beauty services directly to the skin (body, face, arms, etc.) needs esthetician insurance. Specific services include:
- Facials
- Waxing
- Lasers
- Microdermabrasion
- Microblading
- LED treatments
This list covers the most common professional services offered by estheticians, but it is not exhaustive.
What Types of Insurance Do Estheticians Need?
Each state has their own minimum coverage amounts and types of insurance required. Some states, like California and New York, have the highest premiums and insurance requirements due to the level of competition. To give you an idea of the level of competition, California alone has issued over 500,000 cosmetology licenses.
Here are the most common policies needed by estheticians:
- Professional Liability Insurance (Errors and Omissions Insurance): Covers claims related to client injuries, allergic reactions, or dissatisfaction with treatments.
- General Liability Insurance: Protects against third-party bodily injury or property damage claims (e.g., a client slipping in your salon).
- Product Liability Insurance: Covers claims arising from products used on clients that cause harm.
- Commercial Property Insurance: Covers damage or loss of business equipment, tools, or salon space due to theft, fire, or accidents.
- Business Owners Policy (BOP): A BOP combines esthetician liability, personal property coverage, and commercial building protection into a single policy.
- Workers Compensation: If you have employees, this type of insurance covers medical expenses and lost wages for employees injured on the job. Workers’ compensation is required in all states except for Texas. Please check with your local insurance agent for the latest information.
- Health Insurance: While insuring your tools and equipment is important, protecting your health is just as crucial. As a self-employed esthetician, an individual health insurance plan can provide essential medical coverage, while a group plan is a great option if you have employees. Most health insurance plans cover expenses like doctor visits, prescription medications, hospital stays, preventive care, and more, ensuring you stay healthy and ready to work.
If you’re an esthetician working independently, renting space, or owning a salon, this type of insurance is essential to protect your business from legal and financial risks.
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How Much Does Esthetician Insurance Cost For Small Businesses?
The cost of esthetician insurance for small businesses varies depending on several factors, including business location, number of employees, policy limits and coverage types. The following are the most common coverage types:
- General Liability Insurance: $25–$50 per month ($300–$600 per year). This covers third-party bodily injury, property damage, and legal fees.
- Professional Liability Insurance (Malpractice Insurance): $30–$60 per month ($360–$720 per year). This covers claims related to mistakes, negligence, or unsatisfactory service.
- Business Owner’s Policy (BOP): $50–$100 per month ($600–$1,200 per year). This policy combines General Liability and Property Insurance. If you own your property where you operate your business, choosing this policy will save you money by bundling it with your General Liability Insurance. This policy covers liability, property damage, and business interruption.
- Workers’ Compensation Insurance (If You Have Employees): $50–$200 per month. The amount largely depends on location and number of employees. Certain states cost more to operate. California has one the highest worker’s compensation costs. Worker’s Compensation covers lost wages, medical expenses, and injuries sustained by employees while on the job.
For independent estheticians and those just starting out, it’s also helpful to look into the ASCP Associated Skin Care Professionals for guidelines and recommendations.
FAQs
Do independent estheticians need insurance?
Yes! Even solo estheticians or booth renters can be sued for client injuries or dissatisfaction. Do not make the mistake of thinking you are immune to liability. Check with an EZ.insure professional for specific types of insurance you need to make sure you are adequately covered.
What does esthetician insurance not cover?
Below are examples of situations that are not covered. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list:
- Using unapproved or illegal products.
- Intentional harm or fraud.
- Property damage beyond policy limits.
Does esthetician insurance cover freelance or mobile services?
Yes! Many policies offer coverage for estheticians that provide in-home or mobile services. It’s important to check to see what is exactly covered and whether you may need additional insurance.
Get Protected Today with EZ.Insure!
Being a small business owner or sole proprietor is a challenge that comes with many responsibilities. When it comes to finding the right coverage that stays within your budget, EZ.Insure is here to help! We offer free, no-obligation quotes, side by side plan comparisons and 24/7 access to licensed insurance agents to help you find a tailored policy for your small business needs!
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