Beauty & Bodywork Insurance (BBI) has released its 2025 Claims Report, analyzing real insurance claims from salons, spas, and independent beauty and bodywork professionals. The report, paired with a national consumer survey, provides insights into operational risks and the role of insurance in building client trust.
BBI reviewed claims filed by professionals including hairstylists, estheticians, nail technicians, lash artists, and massage therapists. Total payouts in 2025 reached $929,187, with a median claim of $2,500 and an average claim of $4,890. The vast majority of claims stayed under $10,000, while larger events, though less frequent, accounted for a significant share of total payouts. Water damage emerged as the most common type of claim, with property-related incidents and service-related injuries also frequent. Fire-related incidents, despite representing a small percentage of claims, drove disproportionate financial losses.
“Most claims beauty and bodywork professionals face come from everyday operational issues rather than catastrophic events,” said Daryle Stafford, CEO of Veracity Insurance, BBI's parent company. “Routine incidents happen more often than people expect. Insurance helps professionals handle those situations without interrupting their business, while also protecting them if a rare but costly event occurs.”
BBI also conducted a national survey of 1,000 U.S. adults to understand client preferences. Sixty-two percent of respondents said they are more likely to book with a professional who carries liability insurance. Service quality, affordability, and provider credentials were also top considerations.
“Insurance does more than cover losses,” said JoAnne Hammer, Program Manager at BBI. “Many clients see it as a sign that a professional runs a responsible business. Coverage helps protect the provider if something goes wrong and signals to clients that the person delivering the service takes their work seriously.”
The full report is available at Beauty and Bodywork Liability Statistics. BBI provides liability insurance for over 63,000 professionals across more than 30 beauty and bodywork industries, with policies including general liability, professional liability, and coverage for tools and supplies. Learn more at www.insurebodywork.com.
