Barber insurance that’s a cut above the rest

As soon as you start cutting or treating clients' hair — whether from a shop, a home salon, or as a mobile barber. The barbering environment involves sharp tools, chemical products, and close contact with clients, all of which carry specific risks. Cover should be in place before you take on your first client.

No — it isn't a legal requirement in the UK. However, many professional barbering associations require it as a condition of membership, and if you rent a chair in a barbershop the owner will likely require proof of your own cover. It's also essential protection in an environment where accidents — however rare — can have real consequences.

It covers compensation claims and legal fees if a client or member of the public is injured or their property is damaged as a result of your barbering activities. Common examples include a client suffering a cut or injury from your tools, an allergic reaction to a product you've used, a client slipping or falling in your workspace, or a client's clothing being damaged by a chemical treatment. It covers both the compensation payment and your legal costs, even if a claim turns out to be unfounded.

Public liability insurance covers claims from members of the public — it doesn't cover claims from your own employees (that's employers' liability), losses caused by professional advice (you'd need professional indemnity for that), or damage to your own tools and equipment. Always check your policy wording carefully to understand exactly what's included.

Yes — if a client suffers an allergic reaction to a product you've used during a cut or treatment, public liability insurance covers the resulting compensation claim and legal costs. This is one of the more common types of claim in barbering. Always conduct patch tests where recommended by product manufacturers to reduce the risk.

Yes — whether you work from a fixed barbershop or visit clients at their homes or offices, you need cover that reflects where and how you work. A mobile service carries different risks to a shop environment, so make sure your policy covers all the settings in which you operate. Our team can arrange cover that accurately reflects your working practices.

Standard cover starts at £1 million, which is sufficient for most barbers. If you operate a larger shop with multiple staff or rent space within a larger venue, a higher level may be required. Our team can advise on the right level for your specific business.

Yes — business insurance is an allowable expense, which means you can deduct the cost when calculating your taxable profit. Make sure you keep your policy documents and receipts as records for HMRC. If you're unsure, speak to your accountant.

Yes — you'll receive proof of cover instantly when your policy is in place, which you can share with landlords, shop owners, or associations straight away. If you also take out employers' liability cover, a Certificate of Employers' Liability will be issued immediately for display at your premises.

We've been arranging insurance for over 50 years — now trading as insurd — and we're authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Firm Register Number: 308508), and over a thousand real customers have shared their experiences with us on Trustpilot.

You can verify our status directly on the FCA register.