General Liability Insurance
What Is General Liability Insurance?
General liability insurance protects your business if someone claims you caused an accidental injury or damaged their property. Most salons, spas, and events require this coverage, so you likely need it to offer your beauty and bodywork services.
It’s also known as “commercial general liability insurance.” Think of it as a shield defending your business from everyday accidents.
Why It Matters for Beauty and Bodywork Professionals
You simply cannot (and should not) do business without general liability insurance. It’s the most essential coverage for any professional to carry.
- Many leases, contracts, and events require general liability insurance
- Having this coverage in place keeps your business ready for work opportunities
- Accidents like slip-and-falls happen all the time — general liability coverage kicks in to cover claim costs, so you don’t have to pay out of pocket
What Does General Liability Insurance Cover?
General liability insurance is designed to cover:
- Bodily injury to others, such as a client tripping over a cord in your salon
- Property damage to others, such as massage oil staining a client’s vintage handbag
- Personal and advertising injury, including libel, slander, and ad mistakes
- Products and completed operations, such as a delayed reaction to your services
- Fire legal liability (damage to premises rented), such as an accidental fire in your rented space
Your coverage depends on your specific policy, so review it carefully.
What Does It Not Cover?
General liability insurance doesn’t cover:
- Professional mistakes or advice (needs professional liability insurance)
- Your own gear and inventory (needs Tools & Supplies Coverage)
- Employee work-related injuries (needs workers compensation insurance)
- Excluded services (needs modality endorsements)
- Intentional acts of injury or damage
- Liability you can assume via contracts
General Liability vs Professional Liability: What’s the Difference?
General liability insurance is coverage for general accidents at your business, while professional liability insurance is specifically for your services, techniques, and advice.
Swipe →
| Coverage | What It Protects | Typical Example |
|---|---|---|
|
General Liability |
Accidental injury or damage to others |
A client slips on a wet floor and sprains an ankle |
|
Professional Liability |
Alleged mistakes in your service or advice |
A client claims the facial service you provided caused a severe skin reaction |
Does General Liability Cover My Stolen or Damaged Tools and Supplies?
Where Do I Find My General Liability Coverage Limits on My Policy Documents?
Check for your general liability coverage limits on your:
- Declarations page: Shows per-occurrence and aggregate limits
- Certificate of Insurance (COI): Lists your coverage limits for third parties to verify
- Policy forms and endorsements: Find the exact terms of your general liability coverage
Related Terms
- Additional Insured
- Certificate of Insurance (COI)
- Coverage Details
- Damage to Premises Rented to You
- Declarations Page
- Endorsement
- Fire Legal Liability
- Inland Marine (Tools & Supplies)
- Professional Liability Insurance
