Beauty & Bodywork Insurance (BBI) has released its 2025 Claims Report, analyzing insurance claims filed by salons, spas, and independent professionals including hairstylists, estheticians, nail technicians, lash artists, and massage therapists. The report, based on claims with 2025 dates of loss and a national consumer survey of 1,000 U.S. adults, provides insight into the risks facing beauty and bodywork professionals and how insurance influences client trust.
Total payouts reached $929,187 in 2025, with a median claim of $2,500 and an average claim of $4,890. The majority of claims fell under $10,000, while larger events were less frequent but accounted for a significant portion of total payouts. Water damage emerged as the most common type of claim, followed by property-related incidents and service-related injuries. Fire-related incidents, though rare, represented a disproportionate share of total payouts.
“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.”
The accompanying consumer survey found that 62% of respondents 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 & Bodywork Liability Statistics. BBI provides liability insurance for over 63,000 professionals across more than 30 beauty and bodywork industries, offering policies that include general liability, professional liability, and coverage for tools and business operations. More information can be found at www.insurebodywork.com.
