Workers Compensation for Solo Beauty & Bodywork Professionals
Most solo salon and spa owners aren’t required to carry workers compensation insurance — especially if you work alone as a hair stylist, massage therapist, esthetician, or other practitioner. In fact, many states exclude business owners from workers comp coverage entirely.
Our workers compensation policy is designed only for businesses with W-2 employees, so we’ll help you confirm your state’s rules and point you toward coverage you actually need as a sole proprietor.
Check Your State’s Workers Compensation Rules for Sole Proprietors
Review your state’s guidelines to see if you’re required to carry workers comp. You can also find out how to request an exemption if a client or contract requests proof.
Essential Coverages for Solo Beauty and Bodywork Businesses
- General liability: For client slip-and-fall injuries and property damage
- Professional liability: For service- or technique-related incidents
- Tools and supplies (Inland Marine): For your movable business property in case of theft or damage
- Cyber liability (data breach protection): For cybersecurity-related claims
- Sexual abuse and molestation (SAM) coverage: For false claims of inappropriate conduct (currently unavailable for male massage therapists)
- Modality endorsements: For specialized services like cupping, microcurrent facials, or fitness instruction
- Salon owner insurance or spa owner insurance: For blanket liability coverage for your business’s stations and the technicians who work them
FAQs About Workers Compensation for Solo Salon and Spa Owners?
Do I Need Workers Comp if I Have Zero Employees?
In most states, you don’t need workers comp insurance if you don’t have employees. Solo beauty and bodywork professionals typically aren’t required to carry this coverage, but rules vary by state.
If you’re unsure, our licensed agents are happy to help you check.
My Salon/Venue/Event Asked for a Workers Compensation Certificate. What Can I Provide if I’m Solo?
If your state doesn’t allow you to buy workers comp as a sole practitioner, you may be able to provide an exemption certificate (waiver) instead. Use your state link above to request this.
You can also ask the requester whether proof of general liability coverage meets their requirement, which is often the case for salon and spa professionals.
What Is a Sole Proprietor Workers Comp Exemption (Or Waiver)?
A workers comp exemption (waiver) is a state-issued document confirming that, as a a sole practitioner, you’re not required to carry workers comp. It’s commonly used when a salon owner, spa, landlord, or event venue needs documentation from you.
Request it from your state’s workers comp office and share it with qualified third parties who request it.
What Happens When I Hire My First Employee?
In many states, workers comp coverage becomes mandatory as soon as you hire even one W-2 employee. Check your state rules ahead of time so your workers comp coverage is set before their first day.
How Much Is Workers Compensation for Sole Proprietors (For Those Who Can Get Coverage)?
Rates vary by state, business class codes, and state-set payroll minimums/maximums. If your state allows sole proprietors to opt in for coverage, contact your state fund or assigned-risk plan for exact pricing.
I Was Told I Need a COI — Will a General Liability COI Satisfy That?
A general liability COI (certificate of insurance) is not the same as proof of workers compensation coverage. Ask the requester if a workers compensation exemption plus a general liability COI meets their requirement. Many accept this combination for solo beauty or bodywork providers.
What Insurance Do I Need as an Independent Beauty or Bodywork Professional?
Coverage needs depend on your business, but most solo practitioners carry at least:
- General liability insurance
- Professional liability insurance
You might also benefit from tools and supplies, cyber liability, or SAM coverages, depending on your services.
Learn more about salon insurance types.
Where Can I Get Other Coverage I Likely Need?
BBI’s got you covered! We offer insurance specifically designed for beauty and bodywork professionals, including a combined base policy of general and professional liability, plus optional add-ons for your tools and supplies, cyber liability, and more. Start an online application to buy coverage in under 10 minutes.
JoAnne Hammer | Program Manager
JoAnne Hammer is the Program Manager for Beauty and Bodywork Insurance. She has held the prestigious Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation since July 2004.
JoAnne understands that starting and operating a business takes a tremendous amount of time, dedication, and financial resources. She believes that insurance is the single best way to protect your investment, business, and personal assets.
JoAnne Hammer is the Program Manager for Beauty and Bodywork Insurance. She has held the prestigious Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation since July 2004.
JoAnne understands that starting and operating a business takes a tremendous amount of time, dedication, and financial resources. She believes that insurance is the single best way to protect your investment, business, and personal assets.