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Esthetician Insurance
Your clientele trusts that you’ll be able to provide them with safe and reliable services, but accidents can happen. Get a beauty salon insurance quote from us today and buy online in under five minutes to stay protected against the risks associated with your business.
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APOLLO and Gallagher Partner to Protect Your Business
We've partnered with Gallagher, one of Canada's leading insurance brokers, to provide insurance designed for businesses and business professionals. Get professional liability, general liability, and/or contents insurance designed specifically for your profession.
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There are three kinds of insurance a beauty salon needs
General Liability Insurance
This coverage protects you from the liability costs of running a business, ensuring that you don’t have to pay out of pocket for the legal fees or medical expenses associated with any kind of property damage or third-party bodily injury that occurs at your business location.
Professional Liability Insurance
Also known as beauty malpractice insurance, this coverage is intended to absorb the costs of claims made against an esthetician’s professional activities. Specifically, this policy offers coverage regarding allegations of negligence, misconduct, and misrepresentation of service.
Contents Insurance
More commonly referred to as commercial property insurance, this provides coverage surrounding any damage or loss that occurred at your business location during a covered peril such as arson, an explosion, or a windstorm.
Estheticians Offer a Valuable Service to Their Clients
As an esthetician or beauty professional, you’re an expert in skin health, self-care, and confidence.
Whether you’re performing facials, waxing, lash extensions, or advanced skin treatments, your clients trust you with their appearance, comfort, and well-being. That trust carries both creative responsibility and professional liability.
No matter if you own a full-service beauty salon, rent a treatment room, or provide mobile services, having the right insurance protects you, your equipment, and your clients. Even a small mishap like an allergic reaction can lead to costly claims if you’re not covered.
You’re not just a professional. You're a business owner.
Insurance is a key part of running a successful beauty business. Your clients come to you with sensitive skin, unique needs, and high expectations for safety and professionalism. They’re literally putting themselves in your hands, and you’re expected to meet the highest standards of care.
You’re legally required to perform your services with the same level of care as any trained esthetician. If something goes wrong, you could be held financially responsible. The right insurance gives you peace of mind so you can focus on what you do best.
FAQs About Esthetician Insurance
What kinds of insurance do estheticians need?
Estheticians typically need three core policies:
General Liability covers costs from third‑party bodily injuries (like slips) or property damage during your business operations.
Professional Liability shields you from claims of negligence, mistakes, or misrepresentation in your service. It's sometimes referred to as beauty malpractice insurance.
Contents Insurance, also known as commercial property insurance, replaces or repairs your equipment if lost, damaged, or destroyed due to fire, theft, or other covered events.
Why do estheticians need insurance if I'm trained and careful?
Even the most experienced professionals face risks. Sharp tools, chemicals, treatments, and water all increase the chance of mishaps. A client injury or allergic reaction can quickly turn into a lawsuit if you're not covered. Your policy helps protect your livelihood.
How fast can I get covered?
With APOLLO, you can get a quote, buy your policy, and even get your Certificate of Insurance (COI) online, all in less than five minutes.
Are these coverage options customizable?
Yes, our online platform lets you customize your policy to suit your unique business needs and risk profile.
What risks do estheticians commonly face?
Working with tools, chemicals, and individual clients comes with a unique set of risks. Common ones include:
Client injuries (slips, treatment reactions)
Chemical mishaps or skin reactions
Damage to client property (e.g., clothing or accessories)
Loss or damage to your tools
How Much Does Beauty Salon Insurance Cost in Canada?
Less than you think, and definitely less than the financial damage that a single claim could cost you.
Most estheticians can expect to pay between $25 and $80 per month for a comprehensive insurance policy. Your exact cost depends on factors like the services you offer, your business setup, and how much coverage you choose.
You tailor treatment plans to match your clients’ skin type. Insurance is no different. The right policy should be customized to fit your services, tools, and work environment. Get a free quote on our online platform for tailored insurance in less than five minutes.
What Affects the Cost of Your Esthetician Insurance?
Where You Work
Own a salon? Rent a treatment room? Work from home or provide mobile services?
Your location impacts your risk and your rate.
Business Size or Revenue
Solo operator or managing a full team?
More clients and higher income can increase your exposure.
Coverage Limits
Many landlords or salon owners require at least $2 million in liability coverage, but your policy can scale up to meet any requirement.
Types of Services Offered
Facials and basic skincare? Waxing, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, or lash extensions?
Services with higher risk can mean higher premiums.
Equipment & Contents Coverage
Do you want to insure your specialized tools, beds, and machines?
The more equipment you protect, the more it can affect your rate.
Where You Work as an Esthetician Matters
Even if you work indoors, your business location can affect the types of risks you face, and the insurance you need. From urban beauty salons to home-based studios in smaller communities, your setup shapes your coverage requirements.
Examples of how insurance can help you:
Busy Downtown Spas
High client turnover and heavy foot traffic increase the chance of slip-and-fall incidents. Add in unpredictable weather such as rain in Vancouver or icy sidewalks in Toronto, and clients could track water or slush into your space, leading to potential injury claims.
Example: A client slips on a wet tile floor in your lobby after a winter storm.
Insurance Solution: General liability coverage can help cover medical costs and legal fees.
Home-Based Studios
Running a treatment room from home is convenient, but your homeowner’s policy likely won’t cover your work equipment. That means if your tools are stolen, damaged in a fire, or ruined by a burst pipe, you’d be paying out of pocket to replace them.
Example: A break-in results in the theft of your facial steamer, massage table, and skincare products worth thousands of dollars.
Insurance Solution: Contents coverage covers you if your professional tools are affected by theft, fire, water damage, and other unexpected losses, even if you work from home.
Mobile Beauty Services in Rural Areas
If you bring your services to clients’ homes for weddings, events, or private treatments, travel introduces more risk. Working in unfamiliar environments also increases the chances of accidental property damage.
Example: During an in-home spray tan session, solution spills and stains an expensive rug.
Insurance Solution: General liability insurance covers accidental property damage while working at a client’s location.
What Landlords & Salon Owners May Require from Estheticians
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Certificate of Insurance (COI)
Your COI proves you have active insurance coverage, and many landlords or salon owners won’t let you work without one. With APOLLO, your COI is available instantly after you purchase your policy, so you can get started without delays.
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Additional Insured
If you rent space, the salon owner may require you to list them on your policy as an “additional insured.” This protects them if something goes wrong while you’re working and a claim is made.
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Minimum Liability Requirements
Most commercial leases or salon agreements require at least $2 million in liability coverage, sometimes more. APOLLO makes it easy to adjust your policy to match any requirement.
Real Claim Stories We've Helped With
Hair Colour Gone Wrong
A hairdresser applied a new hair colour formula for a long-time client. The client had an unexpected allergic reaction, causing scalp irritation and hair breakage. The client alleged negligence and demanded compensation for medical bills, hair treatment costs, and emotional distress.
Professional liability insurance covered $8,500 in legal defense costs.
It also covered $6,500 in settlement and treatment expenses.
Total insured loss: $15,000.
Beautician Treatment Reaction
A licensed beautician offered a microdermabrasion treatment followed by a chemical peel as part of her spa services. A client developed severe redness and blistering, claiming the beautician failed to test for skin sensitivity. The client demanded compensation for dermatology visits, lost income from missing work, and emotional distress.
Liability & E&O insurance covered $7,000 in legal defense costs
It also covered $9,000 in settlement and medical expenses
Total insured loss: $16,000.
Slip and Fall in the Salon
A client slipped on a wet floor after a hair wash and suffered a sprained ankle, leading to medical bills and lost wages. They then sued the owner of the small beauty salon for negligence.
Commercial general liability insurance covered the salon for $5,500 in legal fees.
It also paid out $9,500 in settlement.
Total insured loss: $15,000
Liability Quiz
Am I liable if a client slips on the spa floor on their way to my treatment room?
Yes. If it happens during your appointment, you could be responsible, even if it was caused by water tracked in from outside.
Am I covered if a client has an allergic reaction to a skincare product I use?
Not without professional liability insurance. This type of coverage protects you if your service is alleged to have caused harm.
Am I liable if I spill wax or product on a client’s clothing or bag?
Yes. General liability insurance can help cover the cost of repairing or replacing damaged items.
Do I need my own insurance if I rent a treatment room inside someone else’s salon?
Absolutely. Most landlords or salon owners require independent professionals to have their own coverage. The salon’s policy typically won’t protect you.
The Cost of Not Having Esthetician Insurance
Scenario | Out-of-Pocket Cost (Without Insurance) | Covered by Insurance? |
A client suffers a chemical burn during a peel and sues for damages | $5,000–$25,000+ (medical and legal fees) | ✔ Professional Liability |
You accidentally spill hot wax on a client’s designer bag | $1,000–$3,000 | ✔ General Liability |
Your facial steamer, massage table, and tools are stolen during a break-in | $2,000+ | ✔ Contents Coverage |
A client slips in your treatment room and injures their knee | $5,000–$20,000 | ✔ General Liability |
A fire damages your home spa, destroying all your skincare inventory | $2,000–$10,000 | ✔ Contents Coverage |
Top 5 Mistakes Estheticians Make (And How to Avoid Them)
1. Assuming the salon’s insurance covers you
Most spas and salons insure the business itself, but not independent estheticians renting a room. You need your own policy to protect yourself, your clients, and your income.
2. Waiting to get insurance until something goes wrong
If an accident happens before you’re covered, you’re responsible for the full cost. Start your policy before your first client, even if it’s just a trial appointment.
3. Overlooking coverage for tools and equipment
Your professional gear is expensive to replace. Contents coverage ensures you can get back to work quickly after theft or damage.
4. Forgetting to list your landlord or spa owner as an Additional Insured
If you rent a space, your landlord may require you to list them on your policy. This protects both you and the property owner if a claim is made.
5. Thinking home-based estheticians don’t need insurance
Home insurance rarely covers business activities. If a client is injured or your tools are stolen, you could be left paying out of pocket without a separate business policy.