Beauty & Bodywork Insurance (BBI) released its 2025 Claims Report, analyzing real insurance claims with 2025 dates of loss and a nationwide consumer survey of 1,000 U.S. adults. The report examines operational risks facing beauty and bodywork professionals, including hairstylists, estheticians, nail technicians, lash artists, and massage therapists. Total payouts reached $929,187 in 2025, with a median claim of $2,500 and an average claim of $4,890. Most claims remained under $10,000, though larger events accounted for a significant share of total payouts.
Water damage emerged as the most common claim type, while property-related incidents and service-related injuries appeared frequently. Fire-related incidents, though rare, led to disproportionate financial consequences. “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 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 also ranked among 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 beauty, wellness, and bodywork professionals, with policies including general liability, professional liability, and coverage for tools and business operations. More information is available at www.insurebodywork.com.
